Free Simply the Best by Wendi Zwaduk Page B

hadn’t started out too great and wasn’t progressing well at all. First she learned about her pay cut, and now Trevor wanted to change her placement at the library. Why? Because she’d, as he claimed, put herself in a bad position with a patron. How? Sam seemed like a decent guy. Better than the ones she’d dated lately. After the incident in the library, she doubted he’d come around.
    Leaves crunched and footsteps clunked on the hard-packed earth. “Hey.” When she looked up, Sam clutched a book in both hands. In the bright afternoon light, he seemed taller and more commanding. She longed to run her fingers over his smooth scalp.
    That had to be strange, wanting to touch a bald man’s head.
    “Sit with me?” she managed. She patted the seat and scooted over a little. “I could use some company right now.”
    “I’d like that.” Sam rounded the table and sat beside her. “I talked to the ladies at the main desk and to the supervisor. If you get into trouble, I assured them it was all on my head.”
    “You didn’t have to do that.” Shock bounced around her brain. Few people went to bat for her. Most disregarded her as a pretty face with no brains. To know he cared enough to stick his neck out… “I’ve gotten past worse.”
    “Yeah, I did have to do that. You didn’t do anything wrong and shouldn’t have to get past it.” He smiled, a dimple deepening in his cheek. “I don’t usually talk to women. You’re one of the few.”
    “You’re gay.” Great. She’d found a hot guy and he played for the other team. “I’m sorry. That’s none of my business.” She closed her eyes. Add sticking her foot in her mouth to the list of her offenses.
    “I like men and women.” He curled his fingers under her chin, redirecting her gaze and forcing her to open her eyes to look at him. She stared into the bluest eyes she’d ever seen.
    “Oh.” She wanted to say something more intelligent, but no other words came.
    “Do you have a problem with that?” He swiped his thumb along her chin. The touch sent tingles to her core.
    “No,” she murmured. “You have to be who you are.”
    “Something like that.” He let go of her chin and trailed the backs of his fingers over her cheek, then down her throat. “I meant what I said. I’d like to go for coffee with you. Talk. Unwind. Whatever you want.”
    “Yeah.” Dear heavenly God, the man was dangerous. She liked to keep herself insulated. Walls meant protection and that meant she wouldn’t get hurt. Sam, even though she didn’t know him will, could be the death of her.
    “Meet you at the Kettle at eight?” He leaned in close, as if he wanted to kiss her. His breath warmed her face. She noticed the fine sprinkling of dark hairs on his cheeks and chin. What would his scruff feel like against her cheek—or her inner thigh?
    Damn, she’d gone there. Zero to sex thoughts in under a second.
    “Sure.” She wrapped her fingers around his hand. The strength and tenderness in his touch curled around her heart. “I’ll be there.” Please let him kiss her. She licked her lips. Just one quick peck. Or a slow smooch. She didn’t care.
    “Very cool.” He didn’t move for a long moment and then stood. Sam smiled and strolled away.
    She watched him make his way across the parking lot to a beat-up black truck. The tingles in her belly didn’t go away. Her best friend Bethany swore everyone had a certain someone destined for them and when you found your person, you’d know. The minute she touched Sam, her pulse raced. The scent of his cologne lingered on her skin. He might not be the one for her, but he’d be the man she’d never forget.
    She checked the clock on her phone then stood. Time to head back in, but soon she’d see Sam. Coffee never sounded so good.

Chapter Two
     

    Two and a half hours later, Emma sat at one of the few two person tables at the Kettle. The tiny coffee shop catered to the college kids and the commuters wanting a quick shot