Read Greatest Distraction (Distracted #1) for Free Online

Score one for the remarkable healing ability of over -the-counter medication.
    Almost skipping to my closet, I pulled out my clothes for the day before slipping into the bathroom and starting the shower. Steam billowed out from behind the curtain and I stepped in, letting the hot water wash away the sickness residue I was sure still remained on my skin. It felt divine as it cascaded over me, massaging my muscles. I felt human, and it was a beautiful feeling.
    Invigorated, clean, and smelling like strawberries and cream, I stepped from the shower , immediately cursing the arctic air that assaulted me. I could never seem to remember to raise the air. One day, I’d just bite the bullet and get heat lights installed like a normal person … or, well, a normal hotel.
    “Shit, shit, shit,” I chanted, frantically dragging the towel over my skin. I couldn’t stop grumbling as I made quick work of pulling my underthings on. Towel drying my hair first, I snatched the hair dryer off the counter and reveled in the blessed heat when I turned it on. As always though, the longer I used it, the warmer I got. It didn’t take long before my face was flushed, I was sweating, and surprisingly light-headed.
    “You’ve got to be kidding me,” I despaired, now feeling like I needed to shower again. Not. Happening. It wasn’t hard to see the never-ending loop pattern I could get myself stuck in. Shower, freeze, blow dry, die of heat stroke. Sighing, I pulled on the jeans and black tank top I’d chosen and ran the flat iron down the length of my hair. Once it was shiny and I was somewhat appeased, I slapped some mascara and lip gloss on, ready to go.
    Checking my phone, pleased to find it charged, I decided to text Elle.
    * Me: Think you can get away from the minions?*
    I cringed as I pressed send and realized it was only seven. Crap, I didn’t want to wake her. She’d told me a couple weeks ago that the girls were going through a ‘I-climb-out-of-my-crib-and-try-to-lay-on-your-face’ stage. Because of it, she wasn’t sleeping, spending most of her time dozing and plopping them back into their jails … err … cribs.
    A minute and twenty-eight seconds later, not like I was counting, my phone pinged, Elle’s name lighting the display.
    * Elle: Hello? Who are you and where is my best friend?! Do you know what time it is?*
    * Me: Um… 7ish?*
    * Elle: My BFF doesn’t simply get up at 7AM on a Saturday.*
    * Me: Yeahhh… I got Lost*
    * Elle: ?*
    * Me: Marathon, never mind, woke up on the couch. Can you get away?*
    * Elle:   Maybe, why?*
    * Me: Shopping… mani/pedi – my treat?*
    * Elle: I’ll check if Nick will watch the girls. Sec.*
    I fidgeted as I waited, almost wanting to hold my breath. Normally I didn’t mind shopping alone, but knowing I would be in the big city, alone, for a while, I wanted some good, old-fashioned bestie time.
    Looking for something to do, other than staring at the phone screen, I busied myself with brewing some coffee. The bag was cold from the freezer and I sighed happily as the smell of the beans drifted up. Ahhh, heaven. I wasn’t a coffee-shop kid, but I loved a nice cup in the mornings. Today felt a lot like seeing an old friend. It had been two days since I’d had any and I hadn’t realized how badly I missed it. Just as I added a touch of peppermint mocha creamer, my favorite, the ping of a message startled me.
    * Elle: We are golden.*
    * Me: Squeeee! When do you turn into a pumpkin?*
    * Elle: Ha! Not Cinderella today. No ‘curfew’. Pick up?*
    I was nodding and grinning like a fool at the phone, despite the fact she couldn’t see me. A day with Elle and no time constraints? Score! That never happened. She must’ve promised Nick something good … or way worth it. Even I had to admit my friend did good – she managed to snag one of the only decent guys left in the world. Plus, a great father.
    * Me: Definitely. Be there in thirty.*
    * Elle: Can’t wait!*
    All but springing around, I