Read Online She's Out of Control by Kristin Billerbeck - Free Book Online Page A

with a wink and kisses me on the cheek. Did you see that, everybody? He kissed me publicly. I am so getting engaged! “You look happy tonight.”
    â€œWhy shouldn’t I be? I’m dating the handsomest guy in the room, and he’s about to teach me Nehemiah. It doesn’t get any more sizzling than that.” I wink back at him.
    He leans in, grabs my hand, and whispers, “You are one strange girl, you know that?”
    â€œOf course I do.”
    â€œLet’s get started, everyone.” Kay commands the room to silence, and we all take our regular seats. We are so boring . Same seats, different night. Hopefully, Seth has some great pearl of wisdom to offer us.
    Arin has sauntered back into the room, and Seth’s eyes brighten at the sight of her. “Arin, you’re back!” Seth rushes to her side and kisses her on the cheek. Yes, that’s right. PDA in my own house with another woman. Claws extending now.
    â€œSeth, you look fantastic.” She runs her fingers over his slight hair. “Never better, in fact.” Then she looks at me.
    Seth sits beside her and opens up his Bible. He sits beside her, as in a different place, and I notice that all eyes in the room are on me. Well, I’m not giving them the satisfaction. I refuse to react. I open my Bible and begin to silently pray. Actually, it’s kind of a vengeful prayer, but that doesn’t matter now.
    We’re led in a fascinating study on the minor prophet, and his wisdom and complete assurance upon the Lord. Oh ye of little faith , is all I can think. When we’re done, Arin smiles at Seth and walks into the kitchen. But surprise. I’m the one following her.
    She turns around and smiles coyly, but her joyful expression disappears at the sight of me.
    â€œWhat’s going on?” I nod back at the door.
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    â€œWe’re friends, Arin. You’re a Christian. I’m a Christian, albeit not a very good one lately. But you’ve always said you didn’t want to get married. Why are you playing with Seth’s heart when he may want to marry me?”
    She shrugs. “There’s just something about him I find completely charming, Ashley. It’s just a little innocent flirtation. When you’re married, you and he can laugh about it.”
    I fail to see the humor here. “Not to accuse you of anything, Arin, I know your heart is generally pure in these situations, but I’m a little raw when it comes to Seth. It’s been a long road, and you have a way of making him forget about our relationship. I’m not talking behind your back; I’m telling you straight up. It makes me uncomfortable.”
    â€œIf that’s what you’re thinking, do you really want to marry someone so easily swayed?” Arin’s lagoon-blue eyes are wide, and I’ll admit I don’t want to dwell too long on her question.
    â€œNo, of course not,” I say automatically. “But I don’t want you pretending that a beautiful woman like you is going to whisk him off his feet either. Seth is very innocent in matters of the heart, and he doesn’t understand that women sometimes play games.”
    Arin shakes her head. “I’m not playing. And I’m not the one who has two wonderful guys fawning over me, so if there’s anything to be jealous about, well . . .” She flails her hand about.
    My bearings are completely off. Arin has always demanded male attention just by walking in a room. But this is something I haven’t seen from her before, and my mind can’t help but reel trying to interpret her motives. Sprinkles of distrust spray down my spine, and I want to shake them off like a Labrador at a lake, but I can’t.
    â€œDo you want something to drink now?” I ask Arin.
    â€œNo,” Arin’s eyes widen. “There he is, the master of the hour.”
    I turn around and see Seth. “Hi, great job