Free Breathe Into Me by Nikki Drost Page A

he moves through the sea of muscle and pulls me into his arms.
    He has changed out of his dress pants and button down shirt from dinner to ripped jeans and a red t- shirt that reads, “Got me? I’ll do your body good.” Yes, I bet he could.
    “So I take it that you’ve met everyone?”
    I nod my head against his hard chest. His fresh air scent permeates my nose. Damn h e smells good, like a warm summer day.
    “Are you ready for the surprise?”
    I give him a skeptical look. I wonder if I can unbalance him as easily as he does me. “Sure, as long as it has nothing to do with you being married, gay, or that you secretly wear women’s panties.”
    The two men , who could easily be compared to Vikings, erupt with laughter. “Damn girl, you are totally going to fit in around here.” Lincoln gives me another one of his dimple-filled smiles and winks at me.
    “Grace , I apologize for my boldness in advance.” Adam places his hands on the back of my chair and leans his upper body toward mine so we’re eye to eye. “No, angel, I’m not married and I’m more than happy to prove to you which team I bat for.” His body leans closer, his mouth hovers over my ear. “And just so you know, the only panties I’m interested in are yours.”
    Nope, he’s still the reigning champ. My body suddenly floods with heat and I can feel my cheeks turning red. God I’ve never blushed so much in my life.
    Several throats are cleared and I realize we are still surrounded by hi s friends. What is it about this man that makes me forget my surroundings? It’s as if the second he gets near me the world just fades away and we are the only two people left.
    “Let’s go , luv, we’re going to be late.”
     
    ***
     
    A half an hour later I’m sitting at The Boonies nursing a beer. Kelsey and Henry have just arrived and I quickly introduced them to my new friends.
    “Did he really say that to you?” I had just filled Kelsey in on my earlier conversation in Adam’s kitchen. I nod and chuckle to myself. The man always seems to get the upper hand. She turns to the stage where Adam and his friends are setting up their instruments. The house band didn’t show up tonight, so Finn had asked the boys to play, which was the big surprise.
    “You know, I’m starting to think that man is perfect for you.” I couldn’t agree with her more.
    “I don’t know . There has to be something wrong with him.”
    I promptly smack Henry in the arm. “Obviously there’s something wrong with him because he’s interested in me , right? Way to rain on my parade.” I thought he’d be happy for me.
    “First of all ouch, and second I’ m sorry, but you expect me to believe his lame excuse for a job? And if he’s really so perfect then why is he single?”
    I take a huge sip of my beer. Henry does have a point, not about Adam’s job. I don’t really care what he does for a living. Whatever it is, he must be good at it to afford the things that he owns. But how is a man like Adam single? It just doesn’t make any sense. Grace’s words from earlier ring in my ears, maybe his past has something to do with it.
    “Leave her alone , Henry, let the poor girl be happy for five minutes. Besides you’re single so you have no room to talk.” Kelsey sticks her tongue out at Henry and he holds his hands up in defeat.
    “Fine , but don’t come crying to me when he breaks your heart.”
    I mouth a thank you to Kelsey. A t least I know she has my back. Adam and Lincoln step off the stage and join us at our table.
    “We’re about to start , angel, but I want you to hang with Linc, I don’t want a repeat of last night.”
    I open my mouth to argue , but as I watch him scan the room, I realize he’s just being cautious. Maybe he’s tracking someone dangerous.
    “ Sure, if it will make you feel better.” I’m going to have to make an effort to find out more about his job.
    “Thank you. Just promise me you’ll stay in his sight at all times.”
    I nod in