Read Online Walk a Straight Line by Michelle Lindo-Rice - Free Book Online Page B

Karen on the next flight, or wrap things up down there, and get home,” Keith offered. “You had your closure with Karen, now end it, for good. Unless . . . you still have residual feelings for her?”
    â€œNo . . . I don’t know. I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t care about her.” Michael felt confused and perplexed. He rubbed his temples, knowing a migraine was coming on.
    â€œWell, you’d better figure things out fast.”
    Michael hung up shortly after that. He gathered his wits and called Gina. She must have been waiting for his call because he didn’t remember hearing it ring.
    â€œHello?”
    Michael gulped. Act normal. He lightly returned, “Hi, yourself.”
    â€œI’ve been looking out for your call,” Gina greeted him, blissfully unaware of the rocks that lined Michael’s stomach.
    He crossed his fingers, though he knew she couldn’t see. Here goes. “Yeah, I had a small conflict with the layout plans for the new Simmonds Synthetics building, which took up most of my time yesterday and today.”
    Gina switched topics. “So, you miss me?”
    â€œOf course,” Michael responded to the sultry tone in her question. “Actually, all I’ve been doing is thinking about you.”
    â€œGood, because the longer you’re gone, the more I’m missing you.”
    Michael smiled and pressed the phone closer to his ear, subconsciously attempting to be nearer to her. Gina’s voice soothed him. He vowed that he was going to do right by her. As soon as Karen returned, he would send her on her merry way.
    â€œWell, I guess I’ll be going to the Homecoming Dance this Friday night by myself.”
    Michael heard her overstated sigh and slapped his head with his hand. “Oh no. Gina, I completely forgot!” She had told him about the Homecoming Dance held the third Friday of every October, but it had completely slipped his mind. There was no way he’d make it. “I didn’t write it down on my calendar.”
    â€œDon’t worry about it. It’s only a silly dance. Take care of your business, that’s more important. My friends will just have to meet you another time.”
    Gina was so agreeable that Michael felt even worse. She should not have let him off the hook that easy. His insides churned at his deception. But then he heard the lock click. Michael knew Karen would act the fool and do something stupid if she knew he was on the phone with another female.
    â€œWell, Gina, I’ve got to run.”
    Gina impulsively blew him a kiss. “Okay, get your rest and we’ll talk tomorrow.” Her seductive promise brought all kinds of images to his mind. He didn’t care if Karen heard now. He’d told her that he was dating someone. “I will,” he said, softly. Michael ended the call just as Karen entered the room.
    She showed off her purchases from the boutique in the lobby. He listened and bit his lip to keep from yelling, “Shut up.”
    The evening dragged on and Michael felt antsy. Karen entertained herself by watching television while eating strawberries and chocolate. She was too caught up in whatever she was watching to pay him any attention, which was good for him.
    He had to think of a way to detach this parasite from under him, without her leaving any marks from sucking his blood dry.
    Despite all the upheaval in his personal life, Michael had a productive day at work the next day. He had also finally met Tyler Simmonds, owner of Simmonds Synthetics, to discuss his expansion plans. Tyler was considering opening yet another branch in Atlanta and wanted to get some preliminary designs and suggestions. He had been impressed with Michael’s work and wanted to consult with Michael to get some innovative ideas.
    Michael had been awed by the other man’s drive and determination. He had even met Tyler’s wife, Camille. The two seemed so close and in