Read Online Perfect Ten by Michelle Craig - Free Book Online Page B

home, but with my mother freshly re-married, Tracey likes to give the newlyweds some time alone, and with my line of work, she’s able to do that a couple times a week. It’s a win-win for everyone.
    I was just getting into my truck when Tracey pulled into the parking garage. “Hey, bro.” She gave me a peck on the cheek as I ruffled her hair, much to her annoyance. “So who’s the hottie tonight? Bored wife? Dateless spinster?”
    My sister is understandably cynical about my profession. Her attitude didn’t used to affect me at all, but tonight it stung. “No. I’m escorting a really nice girl to her sister’s wedding.”
    Tracey raised her eyebrows as her head cocked sideways, looking me directly in the eye. “Hmm, something’s different. What’s up?”
    I wasn’t ready to discuss my strange feelings about Faith, even though my sister would be the first one I would talk to about her. She’s a romantic soul. And, even though she hates my chosen profession, she blindly supports me. Truth be told, I adore her, and dote on her more than I should. She’s still fighting me about paying me back for her schooling. “Nothing’s up. Just another job.”
    “No. You can fool other people, Joe, but not me. I know you. What is it? Are you getting tired of being a stud-for-hire?” I’m sure she noticed the way my back straightened and the way I defiantly crossed my arms. Even though she was right, no one likes to admit knowing they did something slightly distasteful, no matter how successful they were at it.
    “I don’t have time for this, Trace. Let’s just say this date is different and leave it at that, okay?” My voice was harsher than I intended, which stuck in my mind. That was something I’d think about later.
    Tracey’s manner instantly softened to how she usually was with me. One-hundred percent accepting and loving. She wrapped me up in her arms. “Sure, Joe. But if you think you want this date to be special, take the Lexus, not the truck.”
    She was right, of course. What was I thinking taking the truck? I just knew I didn’t want to take the Audi. From the little I knew of Faith, she wouldn’t appreciate my R8. It was too flashy. It screamed ‘I have money.’ That’s really not why I bought it. I bought it because I liked it. Period.
    On the drive over , my heart started beating faster and my palms got sweaty. I was that nervous. Me. I don’t get nervous—ever. Not anymore. I learned long ago that money could make any problem go away, but then I haven’t really cared about anything important in a long time, outside of my family, that is. I sure didn’t care what people thought about what I did for a living, but I don’t want Faith looking at me the way other people do when they find out. Her opinion matters to me.
    After what seemed like forever, and all too soon at the same time, I arrived at Faith’s. Okay, time to bring forth my A-game. My palms were still a little damp, but I was good. I thought.
    The doorbell chime tinkled like a cluster of seashells clinking together. It was a fitting choice for a beach house. Faith opened the door and I forgot to breathe. She was stunning.
    Her eyes were round as she took in my appearance. She looked so discomfited that I took a second to scan myself ensuring that nothing had happened to me on the drive over. But no, I didn’t see anything out of place, and I got a feeling of déjà vu. She had given me that same defeated look when we first met at Perfect Ten.
    A burst of nervous laughter escaped her. “I knew this was a bad idea.”
    “Let me see. Come on, move, Faith!” A spunky brunette was hopping back and forth on the balls of her feet to get a look past Faith. “I want to see what I bought.” Yeah, I’ll have to assume she’s Faith’s friend, Grace.
    As Faith did not vacate the spot she was standing in blocking Grace’s view, Grace pushed her aside to get a good look at me.
    “Holy crap on a cracker. You’re perfect.” She