Free My Sister's Shoes (Little Black Box, Book 1) by Cherrie Mack Page B

to think you’re not mine?” They pushed the pot across the terrace.
    “That’s fine. Just goes to show that we’re an ill fit. But, hypothetically speaking, what is it about me that you wouldn’t go for?”
    “Oh, I’d go for you. I just wouldn’t stay with you.”
    She stopped and looked over at him. “You mean to tell me you’d date me knowing you weren’t interested in me?”
    “No, I wouldn’t waste my time dating you.”
    “Oh.” She continued moving the clay pot into position.
    “I’d fuck you, though.”
    She stopped again and gave him a disapproving glare. “You’re an animal. Where is the logic with you guys?”
    “Us guys? You mean my type of guy?”
    “Yeah. You’re all the same. All brawn and no brains. You think with your dick. If you ask me, you need help.”
    He pushed the pot into place and stepped in front of her. He grabbed her by the arm, and her eyes told him she was nervous. She tried to shake him loose, but he wouldn’t budge. “Let me tell you something, Allie. I don’t go for a mousy and timid woman.”
    It was obvious to him his insult shook her, and she struggled within his grasp. He grabbed both her arms and was ruthless in his hold. “You will go nowhere until I am finished saying what I need to say.”
    Allie gave up squirming and relaxed. “Fine. Make fun of me. I don’t care.”
    He nodded. “You really are pathetic, aren’t you?”
    “Do you always have to hold a woman down get her to listen to you? Just say what you have to say and get your grubby hands off me. You’re not doing a very good job at this fairy godmothering thing, ya know.”
    Shocked and hurt by her words, he loosened his grip. He stared into her eyes and spoke softly. “You hide yourself from everyone, Allie. You think the things you want to say but never speak them aloud. You’ve never been yourself around Zach, or Adrienne for that matter. You hide under large clothing and volunteer at a hospice house because it eases your mind to think you’re doing a good deed. You make your own problems, Allie, and because of that, you suffer. I wouldn’t be with you because I can spot a phony a mile away. But I’ve glimpsed the real you. I know who you are without you showing me. But if we’d just met, you’d hide under your pain and blame it on the way I look. Knowing you the way I do, because of my advantages, I like who you are. Flaws and all. That’s the kind of man who will make you happy. So let people see the real you.”
    “The real me, huh? How come you won’t share your real name then?”
    “When I meet the real Allie, you’ll meet the real me.”
    *
    He let go of her arms and continued to arrange the potted plants. Allie couldn’t move. She was stunned by his assessment. And he was right. She was a phony. She had backed herself into a corner and couldn’t seem to get out. She leaned her weight on one leg. Her whisper was barely audible. “I’m sorry.”
    “It’s fine, Allie.”
    “No, it isn’t. I’ve just learned the real me isn’t very nice. And I’m still reeling.” She frowned, trying to be cute and apologetic at the same time.
    Angelo stood up. He swept his hair from his face with his hand and let out a long sigh. “Don’t worry about it. You’re working through your issues. When you learn to get out from under yourself and stop blaming others, you’ll finally be happy. It’s called growing up.” He pushed the final tree into place with the tip of his boot. “There. You’re all set to impress Mr. Brady.”
    “Looks great, Angelo. Thanks.”
    “You’re welcome.”
    He walked past her into the apartment. Allie stared out at the view of the river and wondered what the hell she was going to do because she realized she might be falling for the wrong man.

Chapter 11
    Zach Brady stood on the terrace with his mouth hanging open in awe. “How did you pull this off, Allison?”
    “Honestly, I had assistance from Gweneviere. He was a really big help.”
    She