Read Online Driven to Date by Susan Hatler - Free Book Online

friend.
    “How was work?” Ginger asked.
    In an instant, I pictured Ryan’s heated expression as he had me pinned against the desk. “Ryan’s infuriating. He’s started a basketball team after work Tuesdays and Thursdays.”
    “You mean they work out?” Ginger scanned the room with a frantic expression. “Oh, the horror.”
    I tossed her a give-me-a-break look.
    Ginger giggled. “You’ve got it bad for this guy, don’t you?”
    “You’re way off.” I straddled my legs, then leaned toward the mat. “Besides, it’s hard to think about dating when my parents might be getting divorced.”
    She sat upright, eyes wide in surprise. “I’m so sorry. What happened?”
    I pushed to my feet, stunned to find myself eager to share with her. “My mom’s always been the responsible one, whereas my dad’s driven to play. But when he came home from hiking in the Andes the other day, she told him it’s over.”
    Ginger glanced at me as we headed for the locker room. “That sounds so sudden. Were they having problems?”
    “I’ve never heard my mom complain about my dad. Ever.” I pushed the locker room door open, and waited for a woman to pass by as she came out. “You know what’s weird? I keep thinking about something Kristen told me. That if you’re only doing one thing with your life and it goes badly, you crack.”
    Her brows shot up. “Remind me to diversify.”
    I shook my head, and dialed my lock combination. “Kristen thinks I need less work and more fun in my life.”
    She held her hands out. “We’re going out Friday night. That’s fun, and totally non-work related.”
    My fingers froze on the lock dial, and I twisted in her direction. “You’re right.”
    I felt the smile spread across my face as I realized I’d achieved what Kristen had told me to do. I was having fun. Then my brows came together. She’d only given me one goal and now she was gallivanting around Italy.
    What was I supposed to do next?

Chapter Six
    I arrived early to work the next morning, to catch up since I’d left early yesterday. Well, early for me. I turned on my computer and clicked my mouse to check emails. There were a few letters from clients, one from Human Resources regarding the proper forms for vacation requests, and then my arrow froze over an email from Ryan Shaw dated today at 7:01.
    He’d come to work before me? That was surprising. With a swift move of the mouse, I highlighted the email, then double clicked.
     
    Jill,
    See file for memorandum on yesterday’s Status Conference. I assigned a new client’s case to Scott Broderick. Hope you’re feeling better today.
    Ryan
     
    I tapped my finger on the mouse pad, and debated whether or not to reply. Oh, please. I immediately typed my response:
     
    Ryan,
    Thanks for your concern, but I felt fine yesterday. BTW, one does not need to bounce a ball to have a life.
    Jill
     
    Ha. Take that! Leaning back in my chair, a satisfied smile spread across my face—until I heard my computer chirp.
     
    Jill,
    Bouncing a ball doesn’t make one unfit to run a legal department. BTW, nobody scowled at me during the game. A refreshing change.
    Ryan
     
    My brows immediately came together. Realizing I was scowling, I tried to relax them to no avail.
     
    Ryan,
    Telling one they drive you insane doesn’t exactly evoke an urge to smile at you.
    Jill
     
    My eyes narrowed as I stared at the computer screen, waiting for his response. I knew how to have fun. Just because I took my work seriously, didn’t mean I had no life.
     
    Jill,
    You’re scowling now. Aren’t you?
    Ryan
     
    Argh! As I tried to relax my brows, I considered that Ryan could possibly be the most annoying man alive. Yes, he definitely was. My gaze fell to the desk where I remembered him pinning me against it, and the hot wanting look in his hazel eyes. I pressed my hands to my temples. “Stop!”
    A noise rustled in the doorway. Sarah entered and dropped mail into my in-box. “Good morning to you,