Read Edge of Obsession (SKALS #3) for Free Online Page B

models. Spotting Irene’s sporty blue Celica and a jacked-up truck that looked all too familiar, not to mention out of place among the more luxurious choices of his teammates, she pivoted in her seat and pinned Sebastian with a questioning stare. His mouth twitched in amusement.
    “Okay. Fess up. What is going on?” she asked.
    “Settle down. You’ll see soon enough.”
    Taylor glanced around as Sebastian parked the car and got out. Her stomach churned. Whatever this was, it was a bad idea. It was too soon. He barely tolerated his partner and sister being around. How was he going to deal with an entire houseful of people? Her head snapped up as he opened the door for her. Dinner parties hadn’t exactly been kind to them in the past. They were just now starting to get over the backlash from the first one. Her heart sank and she searched his face as he held out his hand.
    “Come on ,” he urged.
    His eyes held a hint of sparkle and excitement she hadn’t seen in a long time. The reservations she clung to faded when he flashed a boyish grin and wiggled his fingers in impatience. Laughing, she let him pull her from the car and tugged on his arm in an attempt to slow Sebastian’s long strides as he led her up the front steps. Anticipation made his face glow even brighter beneath the springtime sun.
    After p ulling the heavy wooden double doors open, he gestured her inside with a gallant sweep of his arm. Taylor grappled with uncertainty and reluctance as he shooed her deeper into the house and down the foyer leading into the kitchen.
    A loud chorus of “surprise ” greeted her upon entering the room and sent her reeling back a step. Wrapping an arm around her waist, Sebastian steadied her and drew her against his side with an amused chortle.
    Pressing closer to him, she scanned the central area of the house. Deep purple and silver balloons decorated the corners and archways of the great room, along with matching streamers. A large happy birthday banner hung above both the fireplace and sliding glass doors. She couldn’t contain her amusement upon seeing the word ‘belated’ scrawled across each one in Sebastian’s bold handwriting. Joy flooded her when she spotted Irene, Daryl, and a few other familiar faces scattered among his teammates.
    “See,” he whispered against her ear, “we really aren’t as mean as you think.”
    Taylor opened her mouth to protest, but caught herself as she sought his sister’s location through the crowd. The truth was she had thought it. Grimacing, she offered Monique an apologetic wince.
    “I had no idea . I’m so sorry for taking things wrong. Thank you.”
    Understanding shone in the blonde’s bright green eyes. “No worries, Tay. I wanted to take you shopping with me. I really did, but that would have ruined the whole surprise. I hope you like it.”
    “Oh I do!” She turned to bury her nose in Sebastian’s shoulder. “How did you pull all of this off?”
    “Monique did most of it,” he admitted. “I just bankrolled things.”
    “And I told her who to invite. Happy birthday, sugar,” Irene said, stepping from the crowd to wrap her in a warm embrace.
    “Thank you,” she murmured, returning the hug.
    “Go,” Sebastian urged, shooing her toward the back deck. “Go enjoy your party.”
    Happy to oblige, she looped one arm through Irene’s and snagged Monique with her other on the way past. Various trays of cold cuts, cheeses, crackers, vegetables, and hors d'oeuvres spilled across the granite counters and island. Outside, thick smoke already wafted from two industrial-sized grills. Beyond them, a makeshift wooden dance floor glimmered in the middle of the yard. She eyed the colored light tracks surrounding it and the waiting DJ with no small measure of amazement.
    Pausing, she turned to give Sebastian an incredulous look. The gesture earned her an unrepentant grin that highlighted the dimples in his cheeks. His affectionate wink made her heart flutter and she