Read Online Murphy's Law by Lori Foster - Free Book Online

sigh.
    Another woman smitten. Amazing. Denny made the whole woman/man game look so easy. If only she didn’t struggle so badly with it. “For an ornery old codger, you sure rack up the babes.”
    â€œIt’s my charm.”
    â€œIt’s something, all right.” Ashley considered him, then asked, “So what about Zara?”
    â€œWhat about her?”
    â€œYou still seeing her?”
    â€œHere and there. She won’t be at the wedding, if you’re worried about Quinton running into her.”
    That made her laugh. “After seeing her with you, I haven’t given it another thought. I figured you’d ruined her for all other men.”
    â€œI’m sure you’re right.”
    Grinning, Ashley glanced at the clock on the wall. “I wonder where he’s going so early.”
    â€œWho? Quinton?”
    â€œHe’s dressed all casual when he usually wears suits, and it’s too early for him to be going to the office.”
    â€œWant me to find out?” When she just stared at him, Denny said, “Well, I can, you know.”
    â€œDon’t even think about actually checking up on him.” Her order didn’t faze Denny one bit. “I mean it, old man. He’s driving me nuts, but—”
    â€œHe’s bothering you?” And then in a growl, “Maybe I don’t like him after all.”
    â€œOh God, don’t start cracking your knuckles. It’s not like that.” Quinton was a handful all on his own. She didn’t need to juggle Denny now, too.
    â€œThen how is it?”
    â€œYou’ve got gonads. Put it together.”
    â€œAh.” Denny’s ears actually lifted, he smiled so big. “He’s bothering you that way. I get it.”
    In that moment Denny seemed like a damn fine confidante. She didn’t have anyone else to talk to except May, and May had an upcoming wedding to deal with. She was euphoric, and Ashley didn’t want to bring her down with her petty concerns. “If you stop grinning like the village idiot, I’d like to get your thoughts on this mess.”
    â€œMess?”
    â€œExactly.” She propped her head in both hands. “Before meeting Quinton, I liked my life just fine.”
    â€œNo, you didn’t. You just accepted it.”
    Because she’d never envisioned anything different. “Maybe.”
    â€œSo what’s the problem? Quinton putting a kink in the works?”
    â€œIn a big way. Since meeting him, I feel half sick most of the time. I can’t get him off my mind, which means I’m falling behind at work, and I can’t study worth a damn, and—”
    Very matter-of-factly, Denny said, “Hey, if you’re feeling froggy, leap. It’ll solve your problems, and then some.”
    Such a down-to-earth way of looking at all things sexual boggled her mind. “You think sex is a regular cure-all, huh?”
    He saluted her with the coffee cup. “I guarantee it’ll cure what ails you.”
    â€œMaybe, but it’s not that simple.”
    â€œSeems simple enough to me. You’re a grown, intelligent, independent woman.”
    â€œWell, hallelujah, you’ve finally admitted it.”
    â€œAnd he seems like a responsible guy.” Denny shrugged. “Go for it.”
    â€œIt’ll complicate things.”
    â€œBaloney.” He rubbed his jaw, scrutinizing her. “You’re not an inhibited girl. You obviously want the man. I’m surprised you haven’t used him up already.”
    â€œDo I look like a hoochie or something?”
    He ignored that to ask, “What’s really going on here, Ashley? Why all the hesitation?”
    â€œWe’re as different as night and day.”
    â€œSince you’re like the Tasmanian devil in neon, no one is like you. You might as well get used to it and not let it stand in the way of some fun.”
    Ashley wrinkled her nose at him.