Perfect Fling Read Online Free Page A

alone.
    • • •
    “Way to go,” Jed said to Cole after Erin left the house. “You drove the lady off.”
    “You did that all by yourself, Dad.” And though Cole was used to his father’s attitude and was even proud of the way he’d ignored the obnoxious comments, it was clear he’d made Erin uncomfortable.
    “You heard her. She wasn’t itching to leave until you showed up.”
    Cole clenched his hands into fists. “Do we really need to do this? Do you have that list of things I can fix around here?”
    “What? Did your cousin get smart and decide he didn’t want to keep a no-good SOB like you around his respectable customers?”
    Even with Erin gone, Cole didn’t plan on engaging his father. Instead he pushed off the counter and headed for the front door. His tools were in the truck and at least he could get started on fixing the front step. Once outside, he realized Erin’s car was still in the driveway.
    Engine running, she sat in the driver’s seat, arms on the steering wheel, head resting on her arms. Getting up close and personal with her was the last thing he wanted to do, but he couldn’t leave her alone until he found out what was wrong.
    He knocked on the window.
    She jumped, startled, before lowering the window so he could lean closer.
    “You okay?” he asked, though as he studied her, he realized she wasn’t. Her skin was pale, and dark circles he hadn’t noticed before shadowed her eyes.
    “I just . . . got a little dizzy, but I’m fine now.” She brushed her hair out of her eyes with shaking hands.
    A flush of pink stained her cheeks and a hint of what looked like panic flared in her expression. Cole frowned.
    “I’m going now.” She started to buckle up.
    “Uh-uh.” Before she could put the car in gear, he opened the door.
    “What are you doing?” she asked, her voice rising.
    “When did you eat last?”
    She shifted her gaze away from his.
    “I’ll rephrase. Did you have breakfast this morning?”
    She might not want to look at him, but his body prevented her from closing the car door. If she wanted a battle of wills, he felt certain he’d win.
    “No,” she said at last.
    “Mind if I ask why?”
    “Mind if I ask why you care?” she shot back.
    He couldn’t help but grin. Even sick she had spunk. “Because I’m not about to let you drive off while you’re feeling dizzy. Come back inside and I’ll get you something to eat.”
    “That’s nice of you, but no thanks. I have a breakfast bar in my bag.” She riffled through her purse and held one up in triumph. “See?”
    He nodded. “Good. Why didn’t you eat it before you came over?”
    “I wasn’t feeling great when I woke up. Look, I’m going to be late for work. I have to go.”
    “Not until you eat and I know you won’t pass out or swerve off the road.”
    She rolled her eyes, then peeled down the wrapper and took a bite. He watched her jaw work as she chewed, knowing he was making her uncomfortable and unable to stop staring anyway.
    “You look tired. Are you sure you’re getting enough sleep?”
    She choked on a piece of her food. “What is with the third degree this morning?”
    He didn’t have a clue. He just knew something was off about her and he was concerned. Unlike him? Yeah. He didn’t need another woman to worry about letting down, like he had Victoria, Vincent Maroni’s wife.
    Shaking his last case away, he focused on Erin as she finished the breakfast bar, then pulled out a bottle of water and drank a healthy amount. “There. I feel all better.”
    He didn’t feel better, nor did he believe her, but whatever. “Good. Do you feel well enough to drive?”
    She nodded. “Yes. Thank you,” she said, eyeing him as if trying to see beneath his skin.
    She wouldn’t find much there; that he knew.
    “Okay then. Take care.” He patted the top of the car with his hand.
    “You too.” She paused. “Umm, Cole? Don’t pay any attention to your father. He’s just grumpy because of his