Free Unraveled (Undone) by Jennifer Dawson Page B

Much to my father’s disappointment.”
    “Why would your dad be disappointed?” It’s hard to imagine him being a disappointment to anyone.
    He shrugs. “I come from a family of doctors. Being a computer geek is kind of a letdown.”
    It’s something we have in common and it surprises me. “I can understand that. My family thinks I’m from outer space. Although, you’d be right up their alley.”
    He grins. “Why’s that?”
    I shrug and wave my hand over him. “You’re all clean cut and employed.”
    He laughs. “That’s all it takes, huh?”
    “They have simple requirements.” Whatever he’s doing is working, because I’m starting to relax. That horrible lonely feeling is starting to fade. I want to kiss him in gratitude. “So, if you weren’t into that scene, why did you go?”
    He tilts his head. “Same reason as you, I was curious.”
    I bite my lower lip and he tracks the movement. I contemplate, but find myself admitting the truth to him. “I wish I’d stayed home.”
    He drains his glass and shifts to face me more fully, putting his arm on the back of the couch where we’re sitting. “Why didn’t you?”
    I blow out a breath and shrug. “I guess I wanted to see what the fuss was about.”
    “And do you? See the fuss?”
    Do I? I shake my head. “I don’t think I get it.”
    He nods, but doesn’t ask me more questions.
    “Aren’t you going to try and convince me I’m wrong?” I’m not sure why I ask, maybe because everyone seems so sure this is better.
    His eyes narrow on me. “Nope.”
    I experience a stirring of awareness, not sexual, just… something. “Why?”
    “If it doesn’t turn you on, it doesn’t turn you on.” Over my head, he catches the attention of someone in back of me, raises his hand and signals for two more drinks. “It’s not up to me to decide that for you.”
    I drain my glass and stare into the ice cubes, glittering under the soft light. “It’s hard, you know, when they all seem so in love.”
    “Yeah, I can see that.” He laughs. “Sometimes they are a bit sickening in their devotion.”
    He understands. He’s listening. I can talk to him and I don’t feel like he’s judging me. It’s a strange experience, this notion I can admit stuff to him I can’t admit to my best friend. I clear my throat. “I’m jealous.”
    “I know. I can see it on your face.” He puts his hand on the back of my neck, and his fingers are cool on my overheated skin. I meet his gaze.
    As strange as it sounds, I get lost in the blue of his eyes. The soft understanding in them. “You don’t think I’m terrible?”
    He shakes his head. “I think you’re human.” His thumb traces down the curve of my throat and tingles break along my skin. “Just remember, Ruby. It’s not the kink that makes them that way. It’s being with the right person.”
    I nod, and as he stares into my face, some of my jagged emotions smooth over. I breathe in and out, slow and deep, and an almost meditative haze creeps over me.
    He doesn’t break eye contact.
    Doesn’t flinch away.
    He just breathes in a rhythm that matches my own until I feel almost calm.
    The serenity is ripped away by a female voice. “Anything else?”
    Both Chad and mine’s head whips to the sound and I see the angel girl from before staring at us. She doesn’t look happy. Chad’s hand falls away and he gives her that all American smile of his. “I think we’re good here, thanks.”
    The girl looks from me to Chad, back and forth, until it settles on him. “Can I still show you around?”
    Chad tilts his head toward me. “Maybe later, I can’t leave her alone.”
    I start to protest, but his hand clasps my bare knee and squeezes. I about jump out of my skin at the contact.
    The girl glances at me before offering an overly bright smile. “Maybe later then?”
    He nods. “I’ll try and catch up with you.”
    “Okay.” She frowns and walks away.
    I point after her. “You didn’t have to do