Not Damaged Read Online Free Page B

sides.”
    “I imagine so.” She really did like Denise. The older woman
always made her feel included in life while her own family kept her at bay,
afraid she’d crumble at the first hurdle. She’d survived a lot even if her
family didn’t see the truth glaring them in the face.
    “Anyway, any hot date or prospect on the horizon.”
    Most of the time she shook her head,
denying any involvement with a man. Thinking about Ryan made her want to
tell Denise the truth.
    “Actually, I’ve met someone. We don’t know each other all
that well but we’re going on a date today. After work in
fact.” Speaking the truth out loud and knowing she’d be seeing Ryan very
soon made her smile.
    “Well, when’s he turning up? I’d love the chance to meet
him.”
    She checked the time, biting her lip. “Another
ten or fifteen minutes. I don’t know , this is
our first date. He might not even remember.” Jesse hadn’t thought about Ryan
forgetting about her. Crap, what if he didn’t show up and she’d worn her best
heels as well. Glancing down at the red stiletto heel shoes, Jesse fought a
rush of tears. Walking home in these shoes would be an absolute nightmare.
    “Honey, any man who forgets you is not worth the time
worrying about him in my book. I can’t stay to meet him. I’ve got to get on.
Hubby wants me to be there for a footy game. The man will not settle down. Have
a wonderful weekend.” Denise waved her goodbyes. Watching the other woman go,
Jesse took her seat again and finished off her work. The woman who’d booked in
over an hour ago left without a look in her direction.
    Jesse was used to some of the clients looking down their
noses at her. She got through work ignoring them.
    Earlier in the day one of the clients tried to hit on her
but David, one of the lawyers came to her rescue. Most of the time David tried
to hit on her and she turned down his constant offers of dates. When the man
who had hit on her earlier left the building, Jesse tensed as she saw David
making his way toward her. They were probably the only two in the building. Her
bags were resting beside her ready to head out.
    No sign of Ryan made her feel nervous. What if he stood her
up? She couldn’t handle the rejection.
    “Hey, gorgeous, can I offer you dinner and a night out on
the town?”
    She shook her head. Jesse disliked David’s flirting, yet she
never wanted to seem bitchy to him as he was her boss. “I appreciate the offer,
David. I’m meeting someone today.”
    He ushered her out of the building, closing and locking up
the front. The company was large and a security team would be taking over for
the remainder of the weekend. When he grabbed her arm, she tried her hardest
not to flinch away from his touch.
    Why? Why could she stand for Ryan to touch her but not
David? None of her feelings made sense. Thinking back to the previous night she
thought about Ryan’s touch. He’d not tried to hurt her or dominate her yet his
voice showed her without him even touching her, he expected to be obeyed.
    She looked up and down the street, wishing Ryan would
magically appear.
    “Your friend appears to be late. We could have some dinner
and I promise you a good time.”
    Smiling, she did her best to think of a reason not to go
with him. David was kind even if a bit scary. He took no for an answer but
wouldn’t stop.
    “ Erm , I appreciate the—”
    “Baby, I’m so sorry I’m late.” Ryan spoke up, coming to her
side. He wrapped an arm around her, drawing her away from David’s touch. The
moment he held her, Jesse forgot all about the uncomfortable feeling the other
man inspired. Sinking against his body, she inhaled his masculine scent. He
wore a pair of jeans with a white shirt with the buttons open at the top.
    His scent made her melt. Crossing her thighs, she gritted
her teeth to stop her moan but she was unsuccessful as a slight sound escaped.
    “I guess I know the answer to my question,” David said. The
sound of his voice