Page 7 of Unexpected Adventures

“Look, I find you attractive and intriguing.”

I snort and don’t even mind. I think I’m beyond trying to be smooth.

He chuckles. “We really can start again.”

I look at him out of the corner of my eye. “How many do-overs are you going to give me?”

“As many as it takes.”

I stop to face him, almost reluctant to accept what he’s saying. He seems sincere, and he’s just so dang sexy. Here goes nothing…

“Okay.” I extend my hand. “Abby Carter.”

He takes my hand. “Shaun Porter. Pleased to meet you.”

All of a sudden, Denise rushes up to embrace me and pulls me from Shaun, causing him to stumble slightly. I try to look back at him, but all I see is peach bosom in my face. “Abby! I’m so excited! Sherri’s going to sell me her BMW! Imagine,me, driving a Beemer!”

She’s bouncing me up and down so that I have no choice but to go with her as if I’m taking a ride on a pogo stick. “That’s great.Can I breathe now?” I muffle into her chest.

She loosens her hold, grabs my hand, and drags me back to where I just came from. I try to smile at Shaun as I’m being Denise-handled. He smiles back, nods toward the house, and mouths, ‘see you inside’.

We rush up to the BMW she parked behind. It’s silver, clean, and perfect.

“It’s perfect!” Denise squeals. “It’s only two years old. She said she’s already been wanting another vehicle. One she can put all the dogs in. So she’s going to give me a great deal on this one. Can youbelieveit?”

“Icanbelieve it,” I say and try to mimic her excitement. “That’s so great for you.”

Denise doesn’t own a car, and neither do I, for that matter. I brought a rental. Denise does however, have a Vespa, which she’s able to use a great portion of the year. And when the weather isn’t cooperating, well, honestly, I don’t know how she’s been getting to and fro…

“Life is perfect!” She grabs my hand again as we sprint back to the house. “Come meet everyone!”

“Denise, you really need to slow down. I’m not used to running in sandals, and I’d hate to ruin this pair for you.”

“Oh, it’s fine, they’re old.” She waves her hand carelessly like I shouldn’t give it a second thought.

“Great. I get my baby sister’s cast-offs.”

“I didn’t mean it like that,” she nearly stops, continuing on slowly. “You know me … I barely keep a pair for a year before I’m giving them away or even trading them up. I just bought those a few months ago, but only wore them once before I realized they really weren’t what I wanted.”

“I’m not going to find an entire room full of shoes in your condo, am I?”

She chuckles. “No. I really am responsible with my newfound wealth.”

“Newfound wealth?”

“Well, being as young as I am, I really do make a buttload of money.”

I can’t help but laugh at her choice of words. “Is that what you’d call it?”

“Sure. I mean, not many can say at age twenty-four that they’ve got their Bachelor’s degreeandno student loans because they paid as they went. I have no debt, and the only bills are the condo and my living expenses.”

“And now a car payment,” I add.

“Nope, not even that. I’ve got money in savings, so I can buy the car out-right.”

“Okay, now you’re just bragging.” I smile at her as she turns back to me. She has a look on her face that says, ‘crap, I really am bragging’. “No, don’t say it,” I start before she can say anything. “You’ve done fantastic for yourself and have every right to be proud. And if you want to have a room full of shoes, go for it.”

She hugs me, squeezing all the air out of me again. “Jiminy, when did you get so dang strong?” I manage to wheeze.

“Oh, sorry. Yeah, I’ve been working out too.” She releases me and shrugs. “Come on, let’s get that cool drink and start acquainting you with everyone.” She keeps my hand in hers as we stroll up the front walk.

“Denise, I really am happy for you. And I’m glad I’m here to celebrate with you. Maybe this party is a good idea after all.”

“Abbs, I’m so glad you’re here too. I miss my big sis!” She gives me a side hug. “And as much as I’m glad I dragged you here, I’m going to leave you now. For good reason.” She winks at me.

Before I know what’s happening, she gives me a nudge and a light swat on the behind before veering off on a path toward the side of the house. I continue walking forward while watching where she’s going, when all of a sudden, I crash into a wall.

A wall of muscle, named Shaun Porter.

Am I evernotgoing to make a fool of myself with him?

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