Read Under My Skin (Shady Falls Series Book 2) for Free Online

infiltrate his family or something, I just knew how much support people needed when a loved one was sick. My mother and I spent lots of time with Toni and her father when her mother was sick, and then after she died. We cooked, cleaned, and were shoulders to cry on. Our families were friends and that’s what friends did for one another.
    “I need to get going,” he continued, still not looking at me. I found it strange when he didn’t make eye contact with me at all through the entire conversation. “My sister’s a mess so now wouldn’t be a good time to meet the family and all.”
    I understood, but there was still something off about how he acted, starting with the fact that he was here talking to me. If it were my mother, I would’ve been in the car driving. I wouldn’t have gone out of my way to stop and talk to someone in person, I would’ve called. Something just felt wrong.
    ***
    “Well, what did you expect?” Jen asked. We sat at Dollar Donut most Saturday mornings for coffee and donuts. Since Toni traveled so much and I wasn’t close to Cade or Jake anymore, my weekly coffee date with Jen was my only reason to get out of the house. “You blew me off for him when I could’ve at least gotten you laid.”
    “I didn’t blow you off, Jen,” I sighed fidgeting with my napkin, ripping it into confetti-like pieces. “I was just tired.”
    “Fine,” she conceded, pushing her napkin toward me so I could continue with my monotonous task. Jen knew me too well, she knew I needed to keep my hands busy. “So he showed up at your place, what did he say?”
    “He said his mother is sick and he’d call me.” I sighed at the mountainous pile of shredded paper I’d created. When I looked up, Jen appeared to have something to say. “What?” I asked.
    “He’s a lying sonofabitch,” she growled. “Mia, Grant and I have a lot of friends in common, especially on social media. The asshole definitely wasn’t at the hospital last night.”
    “What’re you talkin’ about? I get a notification every time he posts somethin’ or someone tags him. I haven’t seen anything.”
    “One of his buddies posted pictures at a strip club last night. Grant was front and center in every picture.”
    For the first time, a real emotion started bubbling in my gut in regard to Grant. It wasn’t sadness or worry – it was pure anger. I’d felt horrible his mother was so sick. I’d prayed for her wellbeing and worried for him all night. Now I hear my suspicions were probably right? I was pissed; I despised liars.
    So if I don’t trust him, what am I doin’? But I knew the answer to my question. I was with him because he was easy. I was sick of being alone. It didn’t take any effort to be with Grant. I couldn’t have the one man I wanted, so I settled for a man I didn’t want. I just wasn’t sure if easy was worth it, especially if I was being lied to.
    When I didn’t answer, Jen continued, “I’m sorry, honey. He’s an asshole.” Then she smiled and a light lit in her eyes. “We’re going out and we’re getting you laid.”
    Ugh! Her answer was always going out and getting laid. I might not have known what the hell I wanted, but I sure as hell didn’t want to be anyone’s one night stand. What the hell was wrong with me? Why couldn’t I just find one decent guy?
    Jen sat and waited for me to respond.
    “All right.” I gave in. “Maybe you’re right.”
    “That’s what I like to hear. Now, we’re going back to my place, picking up my stuff and then we’ll go to your place and get ready. We’ll have a drink at the bar next door to your place and then head out on the town.” I started to grumble and complain, but she stopped me. “No bitching, Mia. You’re my friend and you’re going out with me. Look, Grant’s not sitting around, is he? No, he’s out having a good time and lying to you about it. Get your ass out there! Besides, you can’t make me go alone, I might get molested.”
    I laughed.