Read Online Waiting for You by Abigail Strom - Free Book Online Page A

much of anything in a long time. And selfish or not, he wasn’t willing to let go of the one person in his life who could make him feel something that didn’t belong in a nightmare.
    “Yeah,” he said. “That’s okay.” He looked down at the web pages. “Should I look at this stuff now, or—”
    She shook her head and started gathering up the pages again. “No, not now. Let’s reschedule this meeting, all right? Maybe I could come by the garage sometime next week, to see your work and to meet Mark.”
    “That makes sense.”
    “I’ll call you Monday to set something up.”
    She gathered everything together and put it in her leather portfolio, and then stood up with the portfolio over one shoulder and her laptop case over the other.
    The hint of vulnerability was gone now. She looked cool and professional, like she was already thinking about her next meeting. Jake remembered the way she’d trembled in his arms that night, the way she’d arched her head back so he could kiss her throat.
    He got to his feet, too. “Can we shake on it?”
    She held out her hand, and he covered it with his. They stood like that for a second, and when her face turned pink he felt a rush of male satisfaction he had no right to feel.
    Erin wanted to keep him at arms’ length, and he agreed wholeheartedly with that decision.
    But at his deepest, most primitive level, he was glad he could still bring that flush into her cheeks.
    ***
    A week later, Erin stood looking up at the weather-beaten sign advertising Hayner’s Garage. Below it was a glass door leading into a cramped and cluttered customer service area. She took a deep breath before pushing open the door and going inside.
    In spite of all her efforts to put Jake in the “business” part of her brain, her heart was racing as she rang the bell on the counter and waited for someone to come through the door that led into the garage itself.
    She waited five minutes and rang the bell again. When no one came, she went over to the inner door and peered through the dusty glass.
    There he was. He had his back to her and was talking to a dark-haired man, but the only one she really saw was Jake.
    He was wearing a dark blue tee shirt and faded jeans, and she’d never been more conscious of how perfectly sculpted his body was.
    His broad shoulders and powerful back were sexy enough. But the short sleeved shirt left his arms bare, and the hard curves of his biceps made her mouth water.
    Her gaze drifted down. There was a wrench sticking out of his left back pocket, and the sight drew her attention to another part of his anatomy that was worth a second look.
    Would there ever come a time when she wouldn’t react like this? When she could look at Jake without this fluttering feeling in the pit of her stomach?
    She was tempted to chicken out, to slink out the door and tell Jake later she couldn’t work with him after all.
    But then she remembered the conversation she’d had with Allison a couple of days ago, when they’d met for breakfast one morning.
    “So…Jake told me he gave you a ride home after the wedding.”
    Erin felt herself blushing but hoped her friend wouldn’t notice. “His truck is better in the snow than my car.”
    “Uh huh.” Allison’s look was speculative, and Erin tried to head her off at the pass.
    “Nothing happened, if that’s what you’re wondering.”
    “That’s what he said, too.”
    He’d talked to his sister about her?
    “He also told me you’re designing a website for him and Mark.”
    That was a much safer topic. “Yes. I’m no expert, but I’ve seen pictures of some of his bikes, and they look amazing.”
    Allison nodded. “He really is good. He’s a genius with engines, and he can do anything with metal. He’s got an eye for design, too.” She hesitated. “I’m glad you’re doing his website, Erin. I’m glad you’re in his life. I mean, I know you guys are just friends, but…I think you could be good for him.” She bit her lip.