TRACE (The TRACE Series, #1) Read Online Free Page B

different when your hair is down like this."
    I smile at the compliment. I doubt that she's ever seen me with anything other than a high bun on the top of my head or a ponytail. It's not only hospital protocol to have your hair pulled back, but it's my preference. I don't waste a lot of time fussing with how I look but tonight I took the time to straighten my hair and put on make-up. I needed a night out.
    "You have the next two days off, don't you?" She races her hand up my exposed arm until it reaches my shoulder. She adjusts the strap of my white bra so it's hidden beneath the grey, textured lace tank top I chose to wear with black jeans. "What are you going to do?"
    I'm going to get on an airplane and go to Maine, all alone. I haven't told Zoe because I know that she'd insist on going with me. Her presence would definitely add a comfort I'm likely going to need, but at the same time, the solitude will give me a chance to absorb the names of my parents. 
    The server walks by and Rosalie clings to her arm as she orders us both another drink, even though I've barely touched mine. I don't want to be rude, but hanging out for more than a couple of hours isn't in my plan. I want to get home and crawl into bed so I can try and chase a few hours of sleep before I jump on the bus that will take me to La Guardia airport.
    "You invited him?" Her hand flies into the air. "I thought you said he wasn't your boyfriend."
    I turn towards the entrance of the pub just in time to see Garrett Ryan embracing a beautiful brunette.

Chapter 6
    "D id you follow me here?"
    I should be asking him that question, but he's beaten me to the punch. I lost sight of him soon after he arrived at the pub. I turned completely around hopeful that he wouldn't spot me in the growing crowd. I thought I could finish my drink, visit with a few co-workers and be out the door before he even spotted me. Now, he's whispering in my ear.
    "Why would I do that?" I take in a quick, short breath as I pivot on my heels to face him.
    "What are the chances that you'd show up at my neighborhood pub?" He motions towards the bar with his chin. "Manhattan's a big place. You could have gone drinking anywhere."
    He wears arrogance with the same confidence that he wears the clothes on his back. He has to know that virtually every single woman in this pub, and likely most of the not-so-single ones, are checking him out. A quick glance to my left confirms my suspicion when I catch Rosalie giving him the once over.
    "I'm here to celebrate a co-worker's birthday." I shoot back, wanting to justify my presence, even though there's absolutely no need for it.
    "A birthday?" He taps his hand on the bar. "This calls for a drink. What are you having?"
    I hold up my empty glass. "I was drinking a Tom Collins, but I'm afraid two is my limit."
    "A woman with limits?" He rakes his eyes over my body. "That's a shame."
    The hidden innuendo within the words isn't lost on me. "Your loss."
    "I wouldn't say that." He raises his hand, motioning towards the bartender. "I owe you for what happened at the hospital. Let me buy you a drink and we'll call it even."
    I look around the room before speaking. "You're not going to drop this grateful act, are you?"
    "It's not an act." He gracefully lowers himself onto the bar stool next to me. "I make it a point to repay my debts. I owe you so I want to show my appreciation."
    "You don't owe me anything, "I counter. "I told you I was doing my job."
    "That's not the debt I'm referring to." He grabs the edge of a cocktail napkin sitting on the bar. "I think I offended you. I want to make that up to you, Vanessa."
    I could give him a free pass and tell him that there are no hard feelings. It would be the truth. I don't know the man and how he acts when his blood sugar is plummeting is no concern of mine. If anything, I got to be witness to one of the most exciting emergency room visits I'll probably ever see. He's not the first man to comment on my body, and he won't