The Unidentified Redhead (1) Read Online Free Page A

and a stack of magazines on the coffee table next to me.
    Lush,
    Here are the stories you promised you would read. I'm out for dinner with clients; I shouldn't be home too late. Call me if you need anything and clean yourself up. You look like shit.
    Love you,
    H
    Holly was right. I did look pretty sorry. I headed up to my bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth. I needed some energy, so I changed into my suit and grabbed a towel. As I walked back through the house, I saw the stack of magazines marked with Post-its on the table again, and after rereading her note, I picked up the one on top and thumbed through it to the first short story. I rolled my eyes at the fact that I was contemplating reading a romance story, which I usually avoided like the plague. Still, I took them with me out to the pool deck.
    I marveled once again at how beautiful Holly's house was. High up in the hills, it had great views from three sides. It was California modern, with an open floor plan and lots of natural light. It even had a sound system that worked throughout the house and on the patio. I plugged my iPod into it and selected my favorite play list of quiet time U2 songs.
    The best part of the house was the infinity pool that had the nicest view of all: downtown L.A. She even had the requisite hot tub, which is where I ended up after swimming laps for about thirty minutes. I had gotten myself back into shape by doing many different things, one of which was swimming at least three times a week.
    I relaxed in the hot water, letting the jets massage away the last remnants of the alcohol and the way it had kicked my ass today. I took a sip from my water bottle and my gaze fell on the stack of magazines.
    Oh, what the hell. You promised.
    As I began to read, I remembered how insane Holly looked when she described her attachment to these stories. I had my trepidation, to say the least, not wanting to succumb to the madness that so clearly had her in its grip. Sexy scientist Joshua, huh? We'll see…
    I was really getting into it when I heard voices coming from inside the house. I glanced in and saw Holly and a tall, good-looking man walking towards the French doors, making their way outside to where I was. She was dressed in a black wrap around dress with gorgeous snakeskin sandals.
    Damn, she looks good. She must have had a date with that tall drink of water…wait, is that Jack?
    As they got closer and stepped out onto the patio, I realized this was not the same guy I met last night, and yet it was.
    This was not the scruffy Hollywood hipster I was bantering with in the kitchen, this was a very handsome man dressed in a dark gray suit and tie, clean shaven, with gorgeous shaggy blonde curls. The night before, he'd had that damn baseball cap on and I couldn't see the perfection that was his hair. I had a weakness for curly hair.
    Crap, hide the magazine. HIDE THE MAGAZINE!
    I quickly threw my shirt over the stack next to me, composing my face in what I hoped was a neutral expression.
    “Hey, Gracie. I see you're feeling better!” Holly called out as they closed the distance to the hot tub.
    “Much better. I took a swim and now I'm just relaxing,” I answered. I was at a disadvantage, sitting so much lower than them, when Jack squatted down, resting on his heels.
    “Hey, Sheridan. This is very Hollywood of you. Hot tub, moonlight, view of the city…” he observed.
    “Strategically placed jets of water for my enjoyment,” I countered, winking at him as Holly groaned behind him.
    “Jesus, Grace, you are too much,” she said, laughing.
    “Yep, that's true. I am too much. Now hand me that towel. I'm pruning here,” I said. Holly obliged and then sat down in a chair, kicking off her high heels. “So, what are you guys up to tonight?” I asked, taking the hand Jack had offered to help me out of the water.
    He gave me the towel, but not before I noticed him glancing down at my black racing suit. It wasn't as flashy as a bikini, but come