Read His Kind of Perfect (Sugar Bay #1) for Free Online Page B

fascination like the big chicken she was. He noticed
the direction of her gaze and touched it. “I got this in Thailand last summer
after a scuba diving trip with friends.”
    “It’s beautiful.”
    “Thanks. I like their craftsmanship.”
    “I hear Thailand is beautiful. I've always
wanted to ride an elephant.”
    He grinned. “We should go one day. They
have great food, friendly people and lots of elephants for you to ride.”
    “I couldn't.” She stepped back and bumped
her hip against the drafting table. “Ouch.” She’d forgot it was behind her and
rubbed the sore spot.
    Derek pushed her hand aside and rubbed the
spot for her. “You okay?”
    She nodded absently because instead of
soothing her, he created all sorts of non-relaxing thoughts inside of her. What was wrong with him? She was trying
to protect him from being mauled by a cougar.
    “Why not? It would be a perfect buying
excursion for you.”
    “I’m too busy.”
    “Too busy for Thailand?” He chuckled. “Come
on Anabelle, where's your sense of adventure?”
    “Missing in action?”
    They stood in silence. His eyes searched her
face as if she was a puzzle he didn’t quite understand.
    Her phone buzzed and broke the connection.
Anabelle grabbed it and saw an alert form Cupid’s Match. Someone had winked at
her.
    “I didn’t know you were on Cupid’s Match.” His
smile dripped boyish charm, not apologizing for his nosiness.
    She stuck out her chin. “Yes. I opened an account
this morning.” It wasn’t how she envisioned meeting the man of her dreams, but
it had worked for others, so why not her?
    “So you’re ready to date now?”
    “Business kept me busy but I think I’m
ready now.”
    “So when are we going out?” He grinned down at her and she gave a nervous laugh.
    “Never,” she said, rubbing her neck.
    “Why not?” His grin disappeared and a frown
appeared in its place.
    “It wouldn’t be proper. We work together.”
    “You’re assuming it wouldn’t work but what
if it did?” He crossed his arms across his chest.
    “You’re sweet but I’m older.” She looked
away, her face felt hot at that admission.
    He tilted her chin back to meet his gaze. “Not
by much.”
    “By enough.”
    He narrowed his eyes as if he wanted to
argue but Charlie stuck her head in the room and saved her.
    “Good news! You’ve been winked at!”
    “I saw,” she said without turning because Derek’s
gaze wouldn’t release her. They continued their stare down.
    “Yep. Looks like archi439 is interested.”
Charlie went on, oblivious to the tension. “I answered for you because he wants
to meet!”
    “Great,” she said and forced her gaze away from
Derek.
    “I know, right?” Charlie squealed and did a
victory dance, ignoring Anabelle’s lack of enthusiasm. “We’re going to break
your dry spell, baby.”
    Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Derek
stiffen while Charlie vibrated with excitement. “So when will I sit with a
perfect stranger and struggle through an hour long conversation?”
    “Tonight.”
    Derek remained silent since Charlie’s interruption
and Charlie punched his shoulder lightly. “Derek, Anabelle might get lucky
tonight!”
    Derek gaze hardened. Anabelle had never
seen him look so fierce.
    “Charlie…” She warned with a subtle shake
of her head.
    “Never mind all that. I have a feeling this
guy has some of those qualities we discussed from your checklist. Wink. Wink.”
    Anabelle groaned and palmed her burning face.
Charlie had the subtlety of a sledgehammer.
    “Stop that. Derek knows the importance of
an active sex life and he’s happy for you, aren’t you Derek?”
    Without waiting for a confirmation from
him, she breezed on, “And you, missy, you can thank me later. Eight o’clock at
Sushiman.”
    She grimaced, and tried to apologize for
Charlie’s stint into insanity but Derek’s jaw was tight and he no longer looked
laid back, so she let it go.

     
 
    It took serious effort, but after a