Choosing Happiness Read Online Free Page B

tonight that scared them off, or even our bickering and yelling. It was Ben."
    "Ben's been scaring off anyone you bring home?"
    "Yep. He puts on this big tough act and uses his size to intimidate them. Even if I've told them that he's just a big softy they end up running. I’m sure if he finds out there’s something between us, he’ll try to do the same to you"
    Jake laughed.
    She was sure he knew how Ben used his size intimidated people.
    "Ben doesn't scare me. We've been through too much together. Besides, I know all his secrets." He laid his hand on top of hers on the table. "Last time, I didn’t recognized you from the picture Ben kept in his Kevlar, but you're not that shy teenager anymore. You look just like the playful girl I met a few years ago though I’m sure you’ve changed since then, too. I knew as soon as I saw you on the side of the highway that you'd become someone special."
    "I can't believe he carried a picture of me." She shook her head and looked down at the table.
    "He did and one of your parents, too. One tucked into either side. Carried another photo of all of you in his pocket. He used to read letters to me, too. I've always wanted a family like his and he was sharing what he had with me."
    "Don't you have a family?" She frowned.
    "Not really. I had parents of course, but not a family. My dad was in and out of jail for different things and Mom hid behind a series of pain pills and alcohol. I was on my own most of the time."
    "That's horrible."
    "Nah, it's just life. I survived until I was old enough to join up, then I got out."
    "Did you ever go back?"
    "Yeah, I went to Mom's funeral a couple years ago. It seems she mixed some pills she shouldn't have and overdosed. They finally nailed Dad for something that put him away long-term. I haven't seen him since I left the first time. I made a clean break from him years ago."
    "That's so sad."
    He shrugged. "I did what I had to do. I knew I didn't want the life they had. I didn’t want to be just another link in the cycle. So, I broke loose. I got out."
    "I can see why you’d need to break free and leave it all behind. I just hate to think of any kid living through that, having to survive what you did. I'm glad you had the strength to know what you had to do and to do it."
    "It's not what I would have chosen and it's not what I want for my kids, that's for sure."
    "You have kids?" She looked at him, alert.
    "Not yet, but eventually I'd like to have a couple." He met her gaze.
    She nodded and looked away without saying anything.
    He twisted slightly in his seat and with one hand turned her face back to him. "I've been waiting all night to do this again." He lowered his head slowly, giving her a chance to say no before he covered her mouth with his. Seeing what was coming she leaned in and met him halfway, quickly opening her mouth beneath his. It was a soft, gentle kiss. He was careful not to get carried away in such a public place. "Mmm," he pulled back. "It was worth the wait."
    "I agree, I can't wait for more." She spotted the waitress headed their way with their food and nodded in her direction to let Jake know she was there. They straightened in their seats and prepared for her to place their plates in front of them.
    "Anything else I can get you?" The young waitress asked once she’d unloaded her tray. They both looked down at their plates.
    "Looks great, thanks." Andrea reached for the salt for her fries.
    "I'll let you eat then. I’ll check in after a while. If you need me just call out."
    "Will do." Jake took the salt Andrea offered him and used it on his own plate.
    They ate quickly, without much conversation. Both were eager to finish and go back his place.

CHAPTER FIVE
    J ake walked Andrea out to her car. He wanted to load her into his truck and take her with him, but knew they couldn't leave her car in the restaurant parking lot all night. He got in his own truck, led her to his apartment and waited for her in the parking lot. Seeing