Heat Read Online Free Page B

stressful.”
    “There’s never a slow night, unfortunately.”
    They walked through the hotel-like area. “Do you want to work out?”
    “No, not really,” Mallory admitted.
    “Want to go get something to eat?”
    “Definitely. I could go for a greasy cheeseburger and a plate of fries.”
    At his horrified look, Mallory amended her choice. “Or a salad, because that’s what I normally eat.”
When I’m not hungry
.
    “If you’re going to be training with me, we probably should work out a nutrition plan.”
    “Are you calling me fat?”
    “What? No. You’re not fat. How …?” he stuttered. “I just thought to maximize your energy levels, you’d get more protein and less carbs. You’re going to need a lot of fuel to sweat through my workshop, so I wanted to make sure you’re eating right … and I’ll shut up now.”
    “I hate to exercise.”
    Max clamped his mouth shut.
    Mallory waited for him to say something, but he didn’t. “I don’t have a lot of experience in hitting people. I fix them, not break them.”
    “I can teach you to disable them and get away. The only time you want to stand and fight is if you don’t have any other choice.”
    “I could just get a Taser.”
    Max looked relieved. “That’s probably a good idea. I’ll let your sister know in the morning.”
    “Have you guys been together long?”
    “I was one of her first hires.”
    Mallory looked at him out of the corner of her eye when they headed to the restaurant. “So it’s a business relationship?”
    “Yeah, she’s my boss. I’m not sleeping with her.”
    “Good.” The sign read “Seat yourself,” so Mallory slid into a comfy booth.
    She reached for the bread basket, but before her hand could grab a roll, he moved it out of the way. “White bread is empty carbs. No nutritional value.”
    “But it’s tasty.” She didn’t tug the basket back, though she wanted to.
    He gave her a grin that had her forgetting all about warm dinner rolls slathered in butter. “So what are you going to do with your time at Couture?”
    “I was hoping to hole up in my room and read.”
    “Sounds exciting,” he deadpanned.
    “It’s not like I really fit in.” Mallory caught herself before her nails went into her mouth. She reached for her water glass instead.
    “Why is it good that I’m not doing your sister?”
    Mallory coughed as the water went down the wrong way. “I don’t know,” she gasped. Clearing her throat, she gathered her thoughts. “I think it’s a relief, actually. She’s gorgeous and rich. Has her shit together, owns her own business. It just didn’t seem fair that she would have you too.”
Even though you’re a carb Nazi
. “As for me, I’m coming off a really bad breakup. I’m past the ‘all men suck’ phase, but I’m not out of rebound territory.”
    “Colleen told me a bit. I’m sorry.”
    Mallory shrugged. “Me too.”
    “You should concentrate on relaxing and healing. Couture is going to be your haven. I know you’re not really a prospective member, but you should try and get the benefits out of it.”
    “You mean sex?” she squawked.
    “I wasn’t talking about sex, actually. Couture has massage therapy, a pool and sauna. Stuff like that. And if you’re into it, you can take some fashion courses. We’ve got everything from beginning sewing to 3D design programs.”
    “Oh, I see.” Mortification flooded into her. It wasn’t his fault that he made her think of sex. Sex had been pretty much nonexistent for her lately. If she wasn’t working, David was too high to get it up. Whenever he was sober, she was too tired. No wonder they self-combusted. She should call him. Maybe if he got help … Mallory closed her eyes and shook her head. She knew better than to indulge in that fantasy. “Can I ask you a favor?”
    “Absolutely.”
    “Do you have a car?”
    “Yes.” Max drew out the word and looked at her quizzically.
    “I need to pick up stuff from my apartment. David