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

“Sure you will. More likely you’ll be doin’ the molestin’.”
    ***
    I found myself sitting uncomfortably on a barstool in the tightest, shortest dress I owned. Out on the dance floor, Jen was all but naked, while she grinded her ass against some guy’s crotch. He held her hips as she moved, smiling like he had just found the tastiest cookie in the cookie jar. When Jen and I arrived at the club and started dancing, several guys tried coming up behind me for the same treatment, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. Back in college, I might’ve been right there with her, but over the years I’d become more self-conscious. I couldn’t stand the thought of people thinking I was easy or a tease. I constantly felt like people were watching me, staring at my body, my hair, everything. I always felt like they judged me.
    Another guy approached Jen and her dance partner. He smiled and then started dancing in front of her, while the other guy was still pressing his groin onto her ass. Jen smiled, sandwiched between two men, bumping and grinding against her. She was definitely a party animal. Although she was so completely different than Toni, Jen’s confidence reminded me of my best friend. It was probably what started our friendship. I needed their kind of confidence in my life. Lord knew I didn’t have much of my own.
    After a few songs, Jen extricated herself from the dancing duo. She plopped down on the seat next to me and took a long drink of her Long Island Iced Tea. “What’re you doing sitting here? There’s lots of men out there to try out. See those two guys I was dancing with? I think I might be able to talk them into a threesome. Come out there with me, maybe we can make it a foursome.”
    I stared wide-eyed at my brazen friend. She laughed at my shocked expression. Part of me thought she was just messing with me, but the other part was sure she was totally interested in attempting a foursome.
    “I don’t think so, Jen. I’m sorry. I’m just not feelin’ it tonight.”
    Her humor transformed to confusion. “Feeling what?”
    “Feelin’ like partyin’. I’m just not into it tonight. I ain’t goin’ home with some stranger.”
    “I’m not talking about some deep and meaningful experience, Mia.” A loud huff escaped her throat. Her eyes narrowed and a flush burned her pale skin, her frustration was written all over her face. She obviously didn’t understand why I refused to relax and party. “I’m talking about sex. Just sex, nothing more. There’s no love here. Who the hell wants love anyway? Besides, sure as hell looks like Grant was out doing the same thing last night.” Without another word, Jen went back onto the dance floor with her two men. Who the hell wants love anyway? Have I ever even been in love?
    A memory entered my mind, unbidden. Shaggy sandy-blond hair, cobalt blue eyes, and the body of which a Greek god would be envious … Jake Hanson. The way he looked the night we made love. His tan skin glistening with sweat against my darker skin, the way our bodies moved together, the way we looked intertwined as one. I was in love with Jake in high school. He was sweet, kind, and perfect. But I destroyed any chance I could’ve had a long time ago. He didn’t want anything to do with me after the horrible day I’d walked away from him.
    Mia- About Seven Years Ago
    I walked down the hall to where the rest of the cheerleaders stood and laughed. The halls were full of football players, cheerleaders, and other kids all dressed in the bright red and black of our school colors. It was the start of school spirit week, leading up to Friday’s big homecoming game. So far this season, the football team was undefeated, and this Friday’s game was going to be their first true test of the season. Everyone was high on school spirit, getting ready for the big game.
                  Today, I should be walking on air. I should be happy in love and excited for what was to come.