Read Online Four Years Later by Monica Murphy - Free Book Online Page B

never going to let me go and he turns more fully toward me, his broad shoulders blocking my view. Gosh, he’s tall! I tip my head back, trying to ignore the wave of yearning that washes over me at his nearness. He seems to make my brain short-circuit every time I get close to him.
    “Um, my friend and I met up with him and his friend for a drink,” I explain, wincing when I see his eyes widen.
    “Aren’t you underage?” he asks incredulously.
    “Aren’t
you
?” I toss back. God, he has some nerve. Who is he to talk?
    “I
work
here. I’m not trying to sneak in and have a few drinks.” He says the words as if he’s passing judgment, but I see the waver in his gaze. I would bet big money he’s done the very same thing, though probably not here since he claims he works here. “Where’s your friend?”
    “Inside.” I wave my hand toward the door.
    “And she didn’t leave with you?” He shakes his head. “Some friend.”
    “Hey, don’t knock her. Kari’s my best friend.” Practically the only friend I have.
    “Could’ve fooled me. I thought best friends take care of each other.”
    Talk about cutting straight to the bone. “That was totally uncalled for.” I tilt my head, lifting my nose to the air with a tiny sniff. My dad may have lost all our money and left us broke while he languishes in prison, but I can still pull off that haughty rich-girl attitude when I need to.
    Tad’s words come back at me. Am I acting like I’m too good for Owen? I feel so defensive with him. Why does this guy affect me so much? It’s unnerving how attracted I am to him. No guy does this to me and here I am, all hot and bothered and feeling a little feverish. All over a guy.
    “Only speaking the truth,” he says with a shrug. “Do you have a way home?”
    “I do.”
    “How?” He looks skeptical, which he should. I can’t pull anything on anyone, I swear.
    “I’m calling a cab.” I open up my phone again, once more searching for a taxi. “Thank you for helping me,” I add, always polite, always so freaking good and never doing anything outrageous or wrong. Too afraid to get in trouble so I don’t stray.
    “Chelsea.” He snags the phone from my hand and I lift my head on a gasp. Who does he think he is? I make a grab for my cell, but he’s holding the phone above his head. Like a stupid little kid, I jump up and try to grab it from him. He laughs, but it’s sorta grim-sounding, and I wonder what’s wrong with me.
    I feel … giddy. Did Tad spike my water or my Coke or something? I don’t feel right. My head is spinning and goose bumps dot my skin when I brush against Owen. He’s wearing a white button-down shirt that’s rumpled from what I can only assume is a hard day’s work and black pants. He looks cute.
    Fine
. He’s more than cute. He’s gorgeous. And sexy. I never think a guy is sexy. Owen sure is.
    And maybe that’s my problem.
Owen
    I hold her phone over my head because I’m enjoying her hopping and trying to get it. Her tits bounce with every jump and though they’re not huge, I’m still checking them out. That lace top she’s wearing is interesting, offering me a glimpse of skin that’s not overtly sexy but still sorta hot.
    And then there’s that ass of hers, which is the stuff of dreams. I’m getting a sick thrill out of watching her jump up and down so I can see that tight little ass move with her every hop.
    Yeah. Clearly I need to get laid if this chick’s ass can get my blood pumping.
    “Give me my phone.” She sounds irritated as hell and her face is scrunched up adorably.
    “Not until you agree to let me take you home.” No way am I going to leave her alone so she can get a taxi when I can do the job.
    And no way am I doing this to spend a little extra time with my tutor, either. She was the last person I expected to see standing out in front of my work, fighting off some jackass with grabby hands. I’d just ended my shift, totally exhausted and ready to go home and