Read Torn (Jay Gunner, #1) for Free Online

affection, while taught to work hard and always do my best. Like most hard-working Chinese parents, they placed a high value on education. I was encouraged to excel in school. I wished to please my parents and was an excellent student. Mom and dad rewarded good grades with nice presents. I became a little princess.
    Education in Hong Kong was rigorous and modeled on that of the English system. English was the international language of business along with Cantonese and Mandarin. I became fluent in all three languages and while attending college added Japanese.
    “Amanda, this is what you want? You’re sure? With your grades any college would be glad to have you.”
    “Daddy, I’m sure. A degree from The School of Hotel and Tourism Management will open a lot of doors. I enjoy working with people, have good social skills, and in Hong Kong the tourism industry is big business.”
    That discussion took place seven years ago. A few weeks before graduating, with a degree in hotel management, I answered an ad placed by Cathay Pacific Airlines. The thought of traveling to great cities across the globe appealed to me.
    Like many women born in Shanghai, to families with deep roots in that northern Chinese city, I was tall, fashionably slim, and cut an elegant figure. My good looks, charm, poise, language ability, and friendly nature impressed the interview team.
    I was on the short list of qualified applicants. After waiting a nervous six weeks I received a letter from Cathay Pacific. I had to prove my degree and pass an intensive physical examination. Once done, I became a flight attendant trainee.
    After three years of hard work in economy and business class I began work in the First Class cabin. On a trip from Hong Kong to Tokyo, I met Jay at Haneda Airport Starbucks. My flight attendant girlfriend and I were returning to duty after a shopping excursion in the Ginza District. A Starbucks latte became a must have item. Jay was sitting alone drinking a latte.
    This handsome young man kept looking at me. After a few minutes he approached our table. He had eyes only for me. “Excuse me, Miss. Weren’t you working this morning as a flight attendant on the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong to Tokyo flight?”
    “Yes Sir, I was. Were you on the flight?”
    “I was. I believe you served me breakfast.”
    “Sorry Sir. I don’t remember. We’re pretty rushed on that flight.”
    “I’m sure it was you. It’s quite a coincidence meeting you here.”
    “Yes, Sir it was. Nice talking to you, but my girlfriend and I must be going. We’re working the 8:10 PM flight to Hong Kong and have to report for duty.”
    “I can’t believe it. I’ll be on that flight. Perhaps you’ll serve me dinner.” Jay took another long look at me and introduced himself. I felt heat from his intense gaze.
    “My name’s Jay Gunner. I’m glad to see you again.”
    “I’m Amanda Lee. See you on the flight.”
    I smiled and finished my latte.
    Jay said, “Wow! Love that smile. Hope to see more like it on the flight.”
    I blushed. Taking my girlfriend’s arm we walked out of Starbucks. I could feel Jay watching every step. I felt he was acting like a juvenile fool. I was a little uneasy knowing he was checking out my ass, but in a way flattered. That’s how our romance began.
    From that chance meeting in Tokyo, romance soon developed. At first, Jay made me feel like I was the most important thing in his life. My favorite girlfriend, Noi Ying, was jealous. Our relationship blossomed like spring cherry blossoms. She said no one should be that lucky, not even her best girlfriend.
    Jay was handsome, thoughtful and rich. He took me to concerts, nice restaurants, and showered me with expensive gifts. I never asked for anything. It was his way of treating a girlfriend.
    I soon learned he thrilled me in bed. At 24, I hadn’t slept with many men, so didn’t have much in the way of a frame of reference. But with Jay, I couldn’t imagine making love could be any