Free The Broken Road by Melissa Huie Page A

health and how he was moving into an assisted living facility in Edgewater. He told me stories of his grandfather’s antics back when he was younger, and I could tell that he was quite fond of his predecessor. I told him about my relationship with Tommy and Shane moving in. I left out the part about being in love with him. It didn’t make much sense to bring that into the conversation when I was technically trying to get over him .
    We finished the stew and he helped me with the dishes, then moved into the family room with our wine. After realizing that we shared a common favorite movie, I put “Super Bad” into the DVD player. We watched the movie, sitting close to each other, but not quite touching.  This is a new feeling, the feeling of discovery and getting to know someone. Once the movie ended, Alex stood up and stretched. An electric shot went through me as I sneaked a peek at his muscular abs. The temptation to touch them is almost too great.
    “I really don’t think you should be driving in this,” I commented as I stood at the window. The snow had stopped, but a good five inches of fresh powder blanketed the ground.Especially in his small car, the roads would be treacherous.
    Alex came up behind me. I could feel his breath on the back of my neck as he looked over my shoulder.
    “Yeah, it’s not looking pretty. I think I’ll be okay.” I turned around to him and ended up being right under his chin. “But I’ll stay, if that makes you feel better,” he whispered softly. My heart started racing. I raised my head to his the same time he lowered his chin. His lips touched mine, hesitantly, and then added a slight bit of pressure. I relaxed and gave in. He wrapped his arms around me as the kiss intensified, the fire burning hotter as I felt his tongue caress mine. I could feel myself going down a road that I wasn’t necessarily sure I should go down. The two sides of me were dueling. The starved, ready-for-anything side cheered me on. The sensible side warned me of going too fast, too soon. He slowly broke off the kiss that I was almost sure I didn’t want to end.
    “Wow,” I said, with a staggered breath. Alex tightened his grip around my waist and I didn’t object when his hands lightly grazed over my butt.
    “Yeah. Wow,” he said. His eyes resembled liquid mercury, all shiny and silky. He reached down for another kiss, which I eagerly anticipated when –
    “RRRRRRRING”
    Damnit all to hell. Someone has some serious bad timing. I jumped back in surprise, gave Alex an apologetic smile and reached for my phone. Of course it would be Shane’s  calling.
    “What’s up?” I answered, not bothering with pleasantries.
    “Well hello to you too, Ms. Sunshine. I’m well, thanks for asking,” he quipped back. Sigh. He is such a pain in the butt.
    “Hi Shane. How are you?” I muttered, as I took the glasses into the kitchen. I didn’t need Alex to hear me banter with Shane.
    “Just checking in with my roomie, seeing how things are,” Shane said with a laugh.
    My irritation lessened. He’s such a caring guy underneath that annoyingly sexy exterior. He just has horrible timing.
    “Thanks, Shane. Things are going okay. It’s snowing down here; we’ve got at least four to five inches. You better be careful coming home. Roads are going to be a mess tomorrow.” I replied, watching Alex play with Penny. I started laughing at him; He was on all fours with Penny, trying to take away her woobie. Fat chance of that pal, I thought.
    “What’s going on over there?” Shane asked.
    “Alex is over and he’s wrestling with Penny.” I said vaguely.
    “Who’s Alex?”
    “Dr. Collins’s grandson. The vet,” I replied. I purposely answered in the most nonchalant way I could.
    “Uh, okay. Well, anyway. Did they deliver my new bed?” Shane dismissed my news and changed the subject. Apparently, the jealousy that I’m hoping for is not there.
    I sighed. “Yes, they delivered your bed yesterday. It’s