Free Blurred Lies (The Blurred Series Book 1) by Elle Ellerton

guess. It’s one of the reasons I did college online. I can’t ask Nate to come with me, he’ll just tell me I don’t have to do it, and so I won’t do it. I need to get out more,” I say with a self-deprecating chuckle, when this is anything but funny to me.
    “Okay, so how about I go down there with you? I’m practically family in that place, so that’s bound to help your chances of getting the job.” The grin Ryan gives me makes me feel a little better about the whole situation. Maybe he could help me with this one step I need to take.
    “You’d do that for me?” I know I sound like this is the biggest favor, ever, and that’s kind of how I feel right now. He chuckles and taps my knee playfully, rising from the couch and turning to face me. 
    I immediately feel the loss of his touch on my leg, and I suddenly realize his hand was on my bare skin. I’m still in my yellow dress, and now I realize the position I’m in on the couch, with my knees tucked to my chest, may not be the best in this attire. God, I hope he couldn’t see my panties.
    Classy, Natalie, real classy.
    If he noticed, he doesn’t show it.
    I can actually feel my cheeks turning red.
    “Of course. It’s not that big a deal, Natty; just a friend introducing a friend to some other friends. Come on.” He holds out both hands and I take them. They’re strong and warm, and before I have much time to appreciate them, he’s pulling me to my feet and releasing the hold he has. “Get your shoes and whatever girly shit you women carry around and let’s go,” he says playfully.
    I tuck a piece of hair behind my ear, give a shy giggle and go to find my cute wedge sandals in my bedroom. Within a few minutes, I’m back out to the living room, purse in hand, and we head out the front door.
    Ryan is ahead of me as we briskly skip down the stairs, and my nerves are creeping their way back up. I’m feeling a little breathless from the physical and mental exertion.
    “What do I say when we get there, Ry?”
    “Don’t worry about that. I’ll do most of the talking. You just say stuff, where appropriate, and look cute.”
     
    Before I know it, we’re standing outside a small café with a small dining area outside the big picture window. Above it is a pretty pink sign that reads ‘Calli’s Café & Bakery’.
    “Ready?” Ryan says from his position beside me. Before I have a chance to respond, he takes my hand and gives it a squeeze before leading me into the, somewhat, quiet establishment. Thankfully, it looks like the lunchtime rush is over; less of an audience for my potential humiliation.
    The smell of fresh-baked donuts and ground coffee hits me and immediately my mouth starts watering. I could put on more than a few pounds working here, that’s for sure. I’d be ‘Fatty Natty’ all over again.
    Ugh. That thought’s enough to keep me away from the freshly baked goods for the foreseeable future.
     
    “Ah, Ryan. I wasn’t expecting to see you at this time of day?” a soft, friendly female voice with the hint of an Italian accent says, with some confusion, from behind the counter. “And who is this pretty lady, huh?”
    Ryan brings me from my guarded position slightly behind him, and I lay eyes on the person the voice was coming from.
    Wow. She’s one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen. She’s like a model with her tall, lean stature, long dark hair and tanned skin. 
    I could never compete with her. 
    Before I can analyze that thought further, Ryan’s voice breaks through my self-loathing session.
    “Calli, this is Natalie. Nate’s little sister. Natty, this is Calli, the owner of the best café in town.” I’m not sure why he emphasizes my brother’s name in that way, but I suppose it’s because they know him well here, and Ryan thinks it’ll help me get the job.
    Suddenly, realization of some kind dawns on Calli’s beautiful face, and she practically beams at me as she rounds the counter to greet