Read Aint too proud to beg sfdg-1 for Free Online Page A

didnt sleep on the sidewalk last night.
    Nope. Ive been sleeping indoors lately. And yes, my hairs different.
    I like it. A lot.
    She touched the curls that now just grazed her shoulder. Thanks.
    Hows Genghis?
    Great. He sends his regards.
    At that point, Rick nodded to the big man, who immediately stepped aside, accepting the stack of papers from Ricks hand. There was a flash of something in Ricks eyes when he first saw Josie from head to toe. It looked like appreciation, but it disappeared instantly.
    Teeny Worrell, this is Josephine Sheehan, a devoted Celestial Pet customer. Josie, youve already met Teeny.
    A pleasure to meet you, Ms. Sheehan, Teeny said, extending his humongous hand for a shake.
    The pleasures mine, Mr. Worrell. Her hand disappeared in the secretarys grip.
    Why dont you walk with me? Rick placed a hand at the small of Josies back and turned her toward the reception area. She stole a glance back at the extra-large Teeny, who was shaking his head.
    So, Rick said cheerfully, do you invade the workplace of every guy you invite for coffee? He held the glass doors open like a gentleman. An angry gentleman.
    I dont knowdo you always promise women that youll call but never do?
    He raised one dark brown eyebrow and looked down at her. Theyd stopped walking and stood very close in the elevator lobby. His hand slid from the center of her back to her hip, where it lingered. Chills raced up her spine, and that weird energy was backJosies body was flooded with it.
    Something came up on the East Coast. He studied Josies cheeks, her chin, her lips, and then locked his eyes on hers, intense and somber. For the record, I dont usually go back on my word.
    Fine. Also for the record, youre only the second man Ive ever asked on a date in my whole life and the first one I ever tracked down at his place of employment, so it looks like its near-virgin territory all around.
    They glared at each other for a moment. Eventually, Josie shrugged. It doesnt matter, anyway. I think this whole thing was a mistake. She took a step back and his hand fell away from her hip. She immediately regretted the move and wanted to slap it right back on her butt, but figured it would be awkward to orchestrate.
    He cocked his head and asked, A mistake? Why?
    Because I went to the store to find out why the handsome dog groomer blew me off, only to discover youre the employ/er,/ not the employ/ee/.
    A faint smile appeared on his lips. Does that matter?
    I guess not.
    Then wheres the mistake?
    Look, I convinced myself there was something special about you. Its a long story. But the bottom line is, I was trying to be more proactive about the whole dating thing and it seems I got carried away.
    One of Ricks eyes squinted.
    Well, take care. She turned toward the elevator but stopped, thinking she couldnt end things so rudely. No hard feelings, okay? Ill still shop at Celestial Pet. I get all my dog toys there. And now I have the free groomings! She forced a smile. Good-bye.
    Rick rubbed his beard stubble, obviously trying to hide a smile. Wait.
    Yeah?
    Out of curiosity, could you please describe Josephine Sheehans usual approach to dating? I dont think Ill be able to sleep at night unless I know.
    She caught the sarcasm in his voice, but it was a legitimate question, and Josie had to think through her answer. She recalled what Bea had said about her lack of initiative and standards. I never had an approach before you.
    Is that so?
    She nodded with certainty. Yep. But I took one look at you that day at the grooming salon and I said to myself,?Make it happen, girl, or youll always regret it. But like I said, I think I just got carried away.
    A shadow passed across Ricks eyes. Please accept my apology for not calling you.
    She shrugged. Its okay.
    No, its really not, Josie. His voice softened and he reached for her hand, cupping it gently. Never accept that kind of bullshit from a man/ever/. You deserve better. Every woman does.
    She laughed. Well, arent you