Free Stand of Redemption by Cathryn Williams Page A

beginning a new relationship.
    She could at least have dinner with him. Then she would tell him that her mother was sick, and she wouldn’t be able to see him for a while. She knew a man like Nicholas wasn’t one to wait around on a woman and this would eliminate any chance with him. But to be realistic with herself, she knew she was probably nothing more than a challenge to him, anyway. A man like that was used to women throwing themselves at him, and he was probably simply enjoying the chase. Yet, what if he wasn’t? What if he was genuinely interested in her?
    She told herself it was better this way. Her life was too complicated right now. She would take tonight and enjoy it.
    She could keep it light and fun, and keep her attraction for him under control. Couldn’t she?

 
    Chapter 9
     
    “We had to wash chalkboards for a week!” Ria finished telling a story about Lacey and her from high school. Nicholas’s blue eyes were sparkling as he laughed with her at the memory.
    They were finishing an appetizer as they shared funny stories from their childhood. Ria was fulfilling her decision of making the most of the night. She wouldn’t meet another man like Nicholas, and although the timing sucked, considering everything she knew now, there was no reason not to make the most of her short time with him.
    “I can picture you as a troublemaker! I’ve only been around you a few times and not much has changed,” Nicholas drawled.
    Ria gave him a fake scowl, but couldn’t hold it for very long before laughing.
    She sighed. “My smart mouth always gets me in trouble.”
    “I like it. You’re not putting on an act; you’re real,” he said softly as their eyes locked.
    Ria felt her heart start to pound during the moment of silence. He was so charming it overwhelmed her. Her plan to stay strong was already falling apart.
    “I do want to apologize. I shouldn’t have said those cruel words.” She thought back to the night they’d met.
    “Don’t apologize; I was an ass. I’m sorry for my behavior.” Nicholas changed the subject. “How did you and Lacey become friends?”
    “ We met in high school. She was the popular girl and I was the loser. Her family has money. Her father is an entrepreneur who’s had many successful ventures. Because of that, she always had kids trying to be her friend and kiss up to her—the students knew who had the most money. She couldn’t stand their fakeness, though.
    “We had chemistry class together, and she spilled a beaker of fluid and told me to clean it up. I told her to clean it up herself. We’ve been friends ever since. She knows I don’t care about her money, that I’ve always just appreciated her friendship.”
    “She seems like an upfront kind of person.”
    “She is; believe me. She’s been giving me hell because I got fired. If I failed the exam today, she’ll let me have it.”
    “I’m sure you passed. Have some confidence in yourself. You’re a beautiful, young woman who’s going after what she wants.”
    Ria laughed. “Oh, my gosh! You’re full of all the right lines, aren’t you?”
    Nicholas shook his head. “It’s true. You’ll see. I’m never wrong.”
    “Well, I hope you’re right.” Not only was her future riding on her passing, but her mother’s. If she passed, she would be able to get a job out of town, away from Emiliano.
    The rest of the meal went well as they continued to learn more about one another. She could feel the sexual tension growing between them.
    After dinner, Nicholas asked her if she’d like to take a walk along the river. It was a beaut iful night.
    “How’s your arm?” Ria asked.
    “It’s okay. I’m hoping to be out of the sling within a week or two,” Nicholas replied. “Then the doctor will let me know if he thinks it’s healthy enough to start training again.”
    “Have you missed it?”
    Nicholas hesitated before answering. “I haven’t admitted this out loud, but no. I haven’t missed training