Free The Inheritance (Forever Bound #1) by Bree Callahan Page B

to the laundry room. She reached the machines and placed the basket on the floor, then started removing her clothes and tossing them into the washer, tossing the colored clothes into the washer first. She reached down and grabbed out a few more pairs of pants, then started digging in the pockets to empty whatever she found.
    She paused when she withdrew a napkin from her work pants. She tossed the pants into the washer and opened the napkin to find Damian’s message. Damian had been a constant thought on her mind since seeing him the day before at the restaurant, but she couldn’t call him. It was unheard of, and no matter how handsome he was, it didn’t compare to the amount of humiliation she would feel. She tossed the napkin into the nearest wastebasket and tried to ignore it. It was easier said than done. When she started the washer and tried to walk away, it was like a magnet brought her right back.
    She glanced down at the wastebasket, and she could see his name sprawled on the napkin. “Why can’t I just walk away?” she asked herself out loud. He’s sexy. He’s single. He makes your toes curl. The voices in the back of her mind told her several reasons she had trouble moving past that night. She closed her eyes, and his naked body reentered her mind. His hands touched her in places that she’d forgot existed. His mouth kissed her tenderly and sensually that she could ignore its power.
    Her phone rang, bringing her out of her daze. She quickly retrieved it from her pocket. “H…hello?” she answered.
    “It’s me!”
    She sighed, trying to calm her racing heart as she heard Ana’s voice. “Hey you,” she stated. “What’s up?”
    She turned away from the wastebasket, taking Ana’s phone call as a saving grace and a sign that she needed to forget about him. “Well, what are you doing Friday night?”
    Ana mentally attempted to ignore the napkin and think about her schedule for that day. She finally walked away from the wastebasket, putting some much-needed distance between the two of them. “Well…I work until six-thirty, then I’m free, I guess. Why?”
    “This Friday night Jesse is having a party at his house. It’s sort of a party welcoming the fact that I’m moving in.” She paused, before adding. “Then…this weekend we’re moving me in. You’re welcome to help, if available.” She laughed.
    Charity still couldn’t believe it was happening so quickly. She had the weekend off, so she was definitely available. “What time’s the party?”
    “Whatever time you can get there. We’re saying seven. It’s only a few friends and a backyard barbecue. Nothing fancy.”
    “I’ll be at the party, and you just let me know when and where and I’ll be there this weekend.”
    “Thank you so much, Charity. Hey, someone’s beeping in on my other line. I’ll catch you later.”
    “Okay, bye!” Charity said, before disconnecting the call.
    She sat there for a while until there was no changing her mind. She was sure it was the wrong choice, but there was no stopping her. She got off the couch and walked back to the laundry room. She reached into the wastebasket and retrieved his number. Getting the courage to call him wasn’t easy, but she did finally dial up his number. After the third ring, she thought about hanging up, then he answered the phone.
    “Hello?” Even his voice was sexy, catching her off guard. She opened her mouth, but no words came out. Then he said it again. “Hello? Is anyone there?”
    “Yes!” she blurted out. She swallowed the lump in her throat. “Um, I mean. Hello, Damian. This is Charity.”
    “Hm…Charity? I don’t believe I know the name.”
    Her heart sunk. She clamored for something to say. Then settled on, “Oh…I…maybe I have the wrong number.” Before she could disconnect the call, he started laughing.
    “Wait a minute. Charity…are you the beautiful waitress that ditched me in my hour of need?”
    “Hour of need?” she asked quietly.
    “I