Read Chance of a Lifetime (Anderson Brothers) for Free Online Page B

the adrenaline spike. But that horrible night in the harbor brought home what he’d suspected in his gut all along: their friendship was dangerous for her. She’d be better off without him around. And as painful as the promise was, he’d sworn not only to Walter ten years ago, but to himself, he’d stay away from her. Well, due to the current turn of events, he certainly couldn’t stay away, but he would keep the other half of the promise. “How many items are on your bucket list?”
    She lowered herself into a chair across from him. “Not many.”
    “How many?”
    An eyebrow arched. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”
    He stood. “I will know, or I’m gone.”
    “Oooh. So forceful. I like it.”
    He sat back down. “How many?”
    “Ten, but one has been completed and you only need concern yourself with eight of the remaining nine. The last one I’ve got on my own.”
    He breathed a sigh of relief and scanned the room. There were pictures on the walls, black-and-whites of the city, all perfectly straight and even, which made him wonder who had helped her move in. His chest ached as he wondered who had replaced him as the go-to friend after the incident at the harbor. Maybe the woman from the bar with the spiky black hair and tight skirt—Sherry or Cherry or something.
    Genny sat quietly with her face turned toward him, listening in that way she had that made it seem like she knew everything he was thinking. Maybe she did.
    He had feared her bucket list items would number in the hundreds. Only ten, thank goodness. “The first item on your list was kissing me, I assume.”
    “Don’t flatter yourself. The first one was kissing a stranger , which you are.”
    “Genny…”
    “Gen,” she corrected.
    Okay. He’d hurt her all those years ago and she was still mad. She had every right to be. “Gen.”
    Shoulders square, she flipped her hair, and it cascaded over her shoulder like silky chocolate. “Before we begin, there are ground rules.”
    “You’ve done some thinking about this.”
    Leaning back in the plush upholstered chair, she crossed her arms over her chest protectively. “It’s a ten-year-old list, buddy. You bet I’ve thought about it.” She notched up her chin and took a breath, then held up a finger, clearly preparing to recite a rehearsed spiel. “First, you will give me complete freedom. No overprotective guardian BS. I’d have asked my brother to help me if I wanted that kind of nonsense.”
    “Agreed.” Though he knew he couldn’t curb his desire to keep her safe. He’d almost caused her death once. Never would he allow her to be harmed again on his watch.
    Another finger joined the first. “Second. We will not ever talk about the past and will treat this as if we recently met and you are my assistant.”
    No talking about the past. It was as if she were erasing how close they’d once been—taking a jab at how much he’d missed her. He deserved this, he supposed. Walter said he’d explain why Chance had taken off, but he should have answered one of her calls or texts, despite his promise to end all contact. She’d deserved to hear it from him. “Okay.”
    “Third. You cannot let people know I’m carrying out bucket list items while I’m doing them.”
    Weird, but, “Okay.”
    Seemingly satisfied, she nodded and uncrossed her arms.
    Two could play at this game, though. Lapdog my ass. “I have some rules, too.”
    “Lay it out, then.”
    “With regard to your first rule: I’ll allow nothing that will bring you harm. I’ll follow your lead, but we’re doing it my way if I deem it safer.”
    She frowned, but nodded agreement.
    “Second. I’ll respect your wish to not talk about the past with the caveat that I believe it’s a mistake. But in return, I need complete honesty from you. If I’m to risk losing my longtime friend for this escapade, I need things straightforward. You must keep promises and do what you say you’re going to do.”
    “I’ve never lied or