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

tonight.”
    He kisses my forehead, and then leans against the counter coolly, crossing his ankles. “Thanks. So Arin, how long are you home? Or is this for good?”
    â€œThat all depends. If I can find a reason to stay, who knows? I’m a leaf in the wind.”
    â€œWhat would a young gal seeking adventure possibly do for excitement in the Silicon Valley?” I ask.
    She looks directly at Seth, then me. “You tell me, Ashley. You’re a woman of the world. What keeps you here?”
    Nothing at the moment. “I’m going to help Kay with refreshments. You two have a good talk.” And I exit. I’ve been a Reason for thirty-one years, and God knows I’m not fighting for any man. This is not The Bachelor, and I am most certainly not desperate.
    But when the doorbell rings, and Dr. Kevin appears in my vision with a bouquet, I realize I am desperate. Desperate and pathetic with nowhere to run.
    Dr. Kevin Novak is disarmingly handsome. He grew up among the pony set in Atlanta, and now lives among the “casual Friday” crowd that is the San Francisco Bay Area. It’s been months since I’ve seen him, but gazing at him now, I have two thoughts. One, I’m thrilled he’s a new Christian (he’s been attending a large, local Baptist church). Two, I feel like I’ve become the goal line, and regardless of his true feelings, his fierce competitiveness has taken hold. While we all want to be swept off our feet, no one wants to be captured.
    Kevin holds out the flowers to Kay. “I’m sorry I’m so late, but I haven’t had a Wednesday night off in months, and I wanted to come by and say how much I appreciate you all.” He nods toward me. “Hello, Ashley.”
    â€œHi, Kevin. It’s good to see you.” Now, would you go into the kitchen and get Miss Pixie away from my boyfriend? As though on cue, the swinging kitchen door opens, and Seth appears. He sees Kevin and glances at me. This is so 90210 .
    â€œI’m going to give Arin a lift home,” Seth announces.
    â€œHow did she get here?” I ask, this uncharacteristic shrew voice coming out of my mouth.
    â€œI walked,” Arin says.
    Now, I’ll admit, I’m really confused. Arin is a sweet girl. She has a huge heart for the Lord, and she knows I’m dating Seth. I know she lives to flirt, but it’s always seemed perfectly innocent. This is strange, and while I’m uncomfortable with it, I’m not jealous. Not yet anyway. Seth would give Jack the Ripper a ride home, and soon Friday will arrive. My naked finger becomes wrapped in proprietary platinum.
    â€œDrive safely,” I say, as I pick up an empty candy dish.
    Arin looks directly at Kevin and says nothing as she exits. Something is not right in the state of California. And it’s more than our politics.
    Calgon . . . take me away . . .

7
    J ust as the last hot massage rock was removed, Ashley basked in the warm California sunshine. Her table overlooked a forest-green valley of vineyards, and the scent of warm grapes and summer foliage filled her senses. The soothing sprinkling of the outdoor waterfall vied for attention with the call of the mourning doves.
    â€œMrs. Novak, would that be all?” A tall, slender aesthetician leans over Ashley.
    â€œYes, that will be all. Please send Dr. Novak out to the patio when you leave.” Ashley turns herself over, under the blanket of towels, and places Ralph Lauren sunglasses on her face.
    â€œOf course, madam. I’ll send him out immediately.” The aesthetician curtseys and disappears into the luxurious hotel suite.
    Kevin saunters onto the patio, wearing a Stanford baseball cap. “There’s my beautiful wife.” He places a kiss upon her lips. “How was your massage?”
    â€œI feel like Sleeping Beauty being awakened by my handsome prince.”
    â€œWhat shall we do with our day? Horseback riding? A swim in the