Wilde Thing. Jannine Gallant

Чтение книги онлайн.

СКАЧАТЬ get in.” She turned to face the window and pressed her cell closer. “Hey, I have to go. Can I call you back later?”

      “Was that Tripp?” Eden’s voice rose.

      Her brother climbed into the cab and shut the door with a sharp click before he started the engine.

      “Yes.”

      “Therapy session?”

      Hannah let out a breath. “Actually, we’re going snowshoeing first.”

      “Sounds very un-date-like.” Irony laced her friend’s tone.

      Hannah pursed her lips. “Exactly. I’ll talk to you soon.”

      “Sure. Tell Tripp he’d better remember what I told him yesterday. Bye, Hannah.”

      “Bye.” She dropped the phone back in her purse.

      He glanced over then reversed out of the driveway. “Anyone I know?”

      “Your sister. I’m supposed to tell you not to forget what she told you yesterday.” She let out a huff of breath. “Good God, I sound like I’m in grade school. Next time, I’ll just pass a note under the desk.”

      His brows pleated. “Eden’s fault, but I know what she’s getting at. Damn bossy woman.”

      “Me or her?”

      He grinned. “Her. You’re far too subtle to be bossy.”

      “I would hope so.” Hannah held on to the armrest as he took the corners down the steep road the way he did everything…fast and hard. When they reached the bottom, she eased up on her death grip. “You’re anything but.”

      “Huh?”

      “Subtle. For example, your driving reflects your mood.”

      “What? Oh, sorry.” He took his foot off the gas. “Eden irritates me sometimes. I don’t know why she thinks I’d…never mind.” He gave her a guileless smile. “I’m looking forward to getting out in the woods for a little fresh air and exercise.”

      Suspicion stirred as she regarded him across the center console. “Oh, my God! She said something to you…about me!”

      “My sister apparently believes I’m a total jerk, and—”

      She clenched her hands in her lap as she imagined closing them around Eden’s neck. “I’m going to kill her.”

      “I’d be down with helping you.”

      “Something we agree on. Perfect. Or, I could simply die of embarrassment and end this whole conversation now.”

      “Why should you be embarrassed? I’m the idiot who apparently broke your heart.” He turned off the main road to head up the street leading into her neighborhood.

      Hannah didn’t respond until they were parked in her driveway. “My heart wasn’t broken. It was just a stupid crush. Completely safe because I knew you’d never be interested in a girl like me who was quiet and smart and fat.”

      He jerked on the parking brake. “You weren’t fat.”

      “So everyone keeps saying. I felt fat. I had self-confidence issues. I don’t anymore.”

      “Why would you? You’re smart—that hasn’t changed—successful and hot. I, on the other hand, am apparently still an asshole.”

      “You may be a player, but you don’t lead women on. You’re upfront about what you want. So, in that sense, not a total ass.”

      He grinned. “I don’t know why Eden is worried about you. You’re certainly able to put me in my place. Are we still going snowshoeing?”

      “Why not? Lunch first.” She got out of his truck and slammed the door.

      He followed her up the path to the front porch then waited while she let Winnie out. Her dog danced in circles, emitting shrill yelps of joy, apparently thrilled to have company.

      “Come on inside. She’ll stop in a minute.”

      Tripp bent to stroke her excited pet, scratching her behind the ears until she moaned and flopped over on his feet. “I don’t blame her for being fired up. We’ve already established that hanging out at home alone isn’t much fun. Winnie and I must be soulmates.”

      “I’m happy you’re bonding.” She headed through the sitting area to the kitchen and flipped on a light. “Make yourself at home.”

      “I like your cabin. Cozy.” He pulled up a barstool and sat at the counter.

      “The place is small, but then Winnie and I don’t need a lot of space. Turkey or tuna?”

      “Turkey.”

      She pulled out a loaf of wheat bread and set to work assembling the sandwiches.

      “I’d offer to help, but it looks like I’d just be in the way.”

      “Probably, since there’s barely room to turn around in here, but you can get yourself something to drink, if you’d like. There’s juice in the fridge or water in the tap. I’m afraid I don’t have beer to offer you. Glasses are in the cupboard by the sink.”

      “Water is fine.” He slid off the stool then brushed up against her as he took two glasses from the cabinet, filled one at the sink then raised a brow.

      “Yes, water.” Her hand stilled over the tomato she was slicing as he squeezed by her to set the glasses on the counter. Ignoring the sizzle of energy his body contact produced, she added lettuce to the sandwiches, plated them, then pulled a bag of grapes out of the refrigerator. “There you go. Lunch in under five minutes.”

      “Successful, smart, hot and efficient.”

      She slid onto the stool next to him. “I’m simply amazing. The eighth wonder of the world.”

      “Hannah?”

      She paused with her sandwich halfway to her mouth. “Hmm?”

      “I was a complete idiot back when you were in college. If I had half a brain, I would have been smart enough to ask you out all those years ago. Everything you say makes me smile.” He popped a grape into his mouth. “Your dry sense of humor is a huge turn-on.”

      “Good to know, but I’m still not going to date you.”

      “We’ll see about that. I’m afraid you’ve ruined me for lesser women. Every time a girl hits on me, I’m going to judge her by my new Hannah-meter.”

      She choked on her sandwich. Her eyes watered as he pounded her on the back until she stopped coughing.

      A concerned green gaze met hers. “You okay?”

      “Yes.” She let out a long breath. “I don’t know where to begin…with the Hannah-meter СКАЧАТЬ