The Name of the Game

Read The Name of the Game for Free Online Page A

Book: Read The Name of the Game for Free Online
Authors: Jennifer Dawson
nothing but the memories of a young girl. Now, she no longer thought of leaving. Revival was home. Her rock.
    She shook her head, ridding herself of the past and focusing on her immediate future. The bar was packed and she wormed her way through the crowd, searching for her friends. A man leered at her chest and licked his lips. Ick . She skirted away before he could get any ideas, turned and froze.
    James stood there with her friends—dressed in his black pants and matching V-neck pullover—looking almost trendy with his hands shoved into his pockets. Tonight, he didn’t look anything like the geek stereotype she’d boxed him into, but that’s not what stopped her cold.
    The woman he smiled down at did.
    A tall, strikingly beautiful woman, with cool Grace Kelly blond hair and the poise of a dancer, spoke to James, her hand on his arm.
    He threw his head back and laughed at whatever she said.
    Gracie’s stomach dropped.
    The woman’s chin tilted as she gazed at James adoringly.
    â€œGracie, over here,” Maddie called, breaking her from her trance.
    She squared her shoulders. Big deal. She didn’t care if he talked to a woman. Besides, it was probably nothing. Maybe a friend of Shane’s and Cecilia’s. And even if it was something, it didn’t mean anything to Gracie.
    James’s dating life was none of her concern.
    With purpose, she strolled across the space that separated her from the group, and James looked her way. His expression flickered, then smoothed back over.
    When Gracie joined the group, Cecilia covered her arm with her hand. “Everything okay?”
    â€œOf course,” Gracie said, pushing her hair out of her eyes. Not willing to stand there like an idiot, she turned toward the woman with James and held out her hand. “I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Gracie Roberts.”
    â€œLindsey Lord.” The woman shook her hand. Her fingers so delicate Gracie worried she’d crush them.
    Gracie plastered on her best smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Are you joining us for dinner?”
    Lindsey’s hand fluttered to her décolletage and nonexistent chest. The muscles of her shoulders were sinewy and supple, and as far as Gracie could see, the woman didn’t have an ounce of fat on her. Gracie was positive the woman didn’t eat cupcakes and hated her instantly on principle alone. “Goodness, no, I’m with people. But when I saw James I had to come and say hello.” Voice cloying, she beamed at him, her teeth perfectly straight and impossibly white. “It’s been far too long.”
    Lindsey was definitely flirting, quite overtly.
    Not that Gracie cared; she was just surprised. Sure, he was cute. And, yes, he had a spectacular body, but he was hardly a rock star like Lindsey’s gaze seemed to indicate.
    Gracie assessed Lindsey Lord with a critical eye. She must like her men on the sedate side.
    Which sucked for her, but had nothing to do with Gracie. A sting of pain radiated from her palms and she realized she was digging her nails into her skin. She relaxed her fingers.
    The hostess came up and said to Shane, “Mr. Donovan, your table is ready.”
    Shane straightened, sliding his arm around Cecilia’s waist, as he glanced back and forth between James and Lindsey.
    What was that about?
    James nodded. “Go ahead, I’ll be there in a minute.”
    Shane frowned, obviously reluctant to leave his baby brother.
    James’s brow rose and he tilted his head toward the waiting hostess.
    Cecilia elbowed him and Shane gave up, turning.
    Maddie looked back over her shoulder as they started walking, and waved. “It was nice to see you again, Lindsey.”
    â€œYou too,” Lindsey said, her attention already returning to James.
    Who was that woman? Why did the Donovans all know her?
    As they were led through the crowded restaurant, Gracie trailed behind, unable to resist looking

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