Read Daring to Love: A Contemporary Romance (The Armstrongs Book 3) for Free Online

gotten together with her in the first place. It had been refreshing to have someone in his life that didn’t let him pretend everything was alright when it wasn’t. And it was why he still liked her a lot as friend.
    Knowing how tenacious she could be, he decided he might as well eat breakfast while he spilled his guts to her. “Let's have breakfast, okay?"
    During breakfast, he told her what had happened. She stayed silent while he talked, and for several long minutes after he quit talking. Finally, she looked at him and shook her head in a sorrowful fashion, “Your need to impress got you into trouble again."
    Those words cut into his stomach like a knife. "I don't need to impress anyone! I am the world’s best skier! What else do you want?"
    Heidi put her hand on his arm in a calming, friendly gesture, "You’re right. And for anyone else that would be enough. World’s best skier. Gorgeous looking. Rich. Popular. Part of a loving family.”
    Evan tried not to get upset as she continued to list his various attributes.
    “But none of that is enough for you. It never has been, and probably never will be. You always feel like you have to go out and impress those around you."
    "I don’t,” he grumbled in a low voice that was barely audible.
    Heidi fixed her eyes on him and then asked, "So why do you make stupid bets about your ability to get any woman into your bed?"
    The silence that followed, had him squirm inside. Evan knew she was right. But he didn't want to admit it.
    Heidi continued mercilessly, truly on a roll now. "And last year, when you jumped down that frozen waterfall and almost broke your neck? And during the Olympics when you claimed to be able to drink 23 different beers in one evening? It almost cost you the participation in the Olympics because your trainer was so pissed."
    She stared at him, and it cut into his very soul. He felt himself shrinking under her scrutiny. Whether he liked it or not, Heidi was spot on.
    His throat was dry as he tried to speak. Licking his lips, he tried a second time, admitting, "Maybe you're right."
    Heidi barked out a laugh, causing other diners to turn and stare at them. Evan examined her and then shook his head at how much enjoyment she was getting from his discomfort. This is why she’s such a good friend. She never lets me get away with anything. Especially feeling sorry for myself!
    As she continued to laugh, he found himself comparing her to Charlene and it confused the hell out of him. Heidi had never evoked those disturbingly strong feelings in him. His feelings for Charlene were a thousand times more intense than anything he’d ever experienced before. How can that be? We only shared one kiss!
    Heidi wiped the corners of her eyes with her napkin, "I never expected to hear that from you. Admitting someone else is right." She continued to giggle.
    It wasn’t until she saw the expression on his face, that she gathered herself together and sobered up. She put her hand on his shoulder and asked, "Is this girl important to you?”
    He nodded. Yes she was. Very important!
    Heidi gave him a sympathetic pat and then withdrew her hand, “You messed up. In a big way. Go and apologize. In an even bigger way."
    Now why didn’t I think of that? Evan felt some of his guilt slip away and he decided to take her advice. He’d make it right the second time around.
    “Thanks,” he whispered and reached over giving her a brief hug. Taking a breath, he changed the topic and asked her about her plans for the summer.
    Heidi's face started to shine brightly when she answered him, "I'm getting married to Romeo!"
    “Wow!” he said in surprise. “I didn’t even know you two were dating.” Romeo was another skier from Switzerland, and while Evan didn’t know him very well, what he did know of the man was all good.
    Heidi nodded her head and then thrust her hand under his nose, “It all happened pretty fast. I’m so excited!”
    Evan looked at the huge rock on her finger and