Laws of Attraction Read Online Free

professions, Mia.”
    “You know all I’ve ever wanted to be is a family advocate lawyer.” Mia understood about being unable to defend oneself. In fact, she’d protected the shy, chubby Valerie through eleven years of boarding school, and still burned with fervor to rescue the helpless from merciless bullies. “I don’t have anything left to lose.”
    “Yes, you do.” Val’s eyes filled with tears. “A lot more than you’ll admit.”
    “Don’t worry, I can take care of myself.” Mia inclined her head at the clock. “You better get out there, and I want to grab a good seat.” She gave Val a hug. “See you after the performance.”
    Ten minutes later, Mia frowned as a blond man in a designer suit who’d introduced himself as “Schuyler the Stockbroker,” sauntered once more to her table. He offered her a frosty mocha drink. “I see you like Chocolatinis.”
    “I buy my own. For the fourth time tonight, I’m not interested.”
    His toothpaste-ad smile oozing calculated false charm made her stomach cramp. “How about a dance?”
    “No.”
    “A stroll outside in the fresh air?”
    “I don’t pick up strange men in bars. Why don’t you give it a try?”
    He suggestively stroked manicured fingernails down the martini glass, making her skin crawl. “Chicks love me. Once you get to know me in private, you’ll see why.”
    She snorted. “A legend in your own mind.”
    “I saw you here last Saturday, and the Saturday before.” He slid into the seat next to her. “Why is a little hottie like you a regular at Pegasus if not to hook up?”
    He’d been watching her? Okay, giant ick factor. “I enjoy the music. Alone.”
    On stage, one of the saxophone players stepped to the mike, and the hum of conversation subsided. “Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome Valerie Willis.” Val glided out to enthusiastic applause, her beaded coral gown shimmering in the spotlights.
    Schuyler’s immaculate eyebrows arched. He probably had them waxed at the same salon where he got his manicure. “Niiice. I’d tap that.”
    “And her fiancé would knock your teeth so far down your throat, you’d have to unzip your fly to eat.” Speaking of Jared, the way he drove, he should be back by now. Mia glanced around, but didn’t see the good-looking scamp anywhere. Too bad. He’d toss this asshat out in a heartbeat. Without breaking a sweat.
    Her fingers tightened on her icy drink. She didn’t need Jared. She could handle Slick Schuyler.
    Valerie’s gaze settled on her before it moved to the man moving in close to Mia, and she gave Mia a conspiratorial grin as she launched into a sensual blues classic. Val didn’t realize how badly the dude’s aggressive come-on rankled. But then Mia was a pro at disguising her feelings.
    Slick took a drink of his cognac. “It’s no crime to appreciate gorgeous broads. Meet me for lunch tomorrow. I have a standing Saturday reservation at Chez Gerard.”
    “No.”
    “Dinner?”
    “No.”
    He wiggled his brows suggestively. “Breakfast?”
    “I’d rather shove lit bottle rockets under my toenails.” She hated to miss Valerie’s first set, but the jerk was grinding her last nerve. “Bye, now.” She rose and stalked away, heading for the Ladies’ Room.
    The winding hallway to the restrooms always gave Mia the heebie jeebies. Though familiar territory, the low, moody lighting left the long passage shadowed with dark pockets. Safely inside the lavatory, Mia freshened her make-up and then pulled a frayed thread from the hem of her lime green sheath. The three year-old dress was hardly a man-magnet, and no reason for some obnoxious baboon to think she was begging for his attention.
    A look at the wall clock showed she’d dawdled twenty minutes. Slick would have moved on to more receptive territory by now. She swung open the heavy door.
    Mr. Clueless was leaning against the opposite wall.
    “Get out of my way.”
    As she attempted to brush by him, he straightened and blocked her