Undisputed Read Online Free Page A

at my groan.
    “Random birthday sex?” I ask incredulously. It’s as if she doesn’t even know me. “I haven’t ever had random sex. I’m not starting now. Seriously though, do you have Connor’s list of meds? It’s on the fridge. Make sure you check each one off as you give them to him. Otherwise, they might get duplicated.”
    “Oh my God, Sidney. Yes, I have the list. Yes, I’ll check them all off. You and your damn lists,” she mutters under her breath, but loudly enough for me to hear her.
    “I’m just making sure, Abby!” I tell her.
    “I’m hanging up now. I love you. Connor says he loves you too and to go out and have a good time.”
    Horrified, I ask, “Did he hear you tell me to have random birthday sex?” I groan once more when her laughter comes across the line.
    “No, I don’t think so. He has his headphones on. Besides, even if he did, he would probably agree with me. You need to let off some steam. I know I do—”
    “Okay. Now, I’m hanging up. Love you, Ab. Give Connor a kiss for me.” I pull the phone away from my ear and end the call.
    My phone only has twenty percent battery, so I make a mental note to charge it in the car. I don’t want to have a dead phone in case there’s an emergency at home.
    Grabbing my purse, I head for the bathroom to freshen my lipstick and mascara, the only two pieces of makeup I have with me, and say a silent thank-you that our company embraces casual Fridays. Otherwise, I would be out dancing in business attire, and that just isn’t cute.
    I get to the restaurant at the agreed-upon time and find everyone waiting for me in a private room. There’s an empty seat next to Jake, and when he sees me walk in, he stands up and motions for me to come sit next to him. I stifle a groan. Several packages are wrapped sitting in the center of the table, and as soon as I’m seated, Mindy begins handing them to me.
    One by one, I tear into them, surprised to see that my coworkers seem to know me better than I gave them credit for. Mindy got me a day planner. There’s a gift card to the local coffee house and a bottle of my favorite wine.
    Conversation flows freely for the next couple of hours while we gorge ourselves on raw fish, and I find myself having a good time. I’m surprised by this revelation, and for a brief moment, guilt overwhelms me.
    Why do I deserve to have a good time while Connor’s at home, feeling ill from the treatment he had today?
    I shake those feelings aside though and remind myself that I only turn thirty this one time. Besides, Connor wants me to have a fun tonight. And, deep down, I know I deserve it. I’ve got to stop letting guilt overwhelm me.
    I’m reaching for my wine glass when I feel a hand on my thigh. Snapping my head to my left, I see Jake gazing at me.
    “Uhhh,” I sputter, unable to form words.
    I angle my body away from him so that his hand drops from my leg and give him a questioning look. I’m still too shocked at his advance to put a coherent thought together, so I continue to stare at him, my eyebrows raised, and wait for him to say something. Luckily, it seems no one around us has taken notice of my sudden silence.
    Leaning towards me, Jake says just a note above a whisper, “Come on, Sidney. You must know I’m interested. You’re beautiful, you know. Why don’t you let me help you celebrate your birthday some more? Just the two of us? Wanna get out of here?”
    I want to respond to him, but my mouth is suddenly drier than the Sahara Desert. I take a large swallow of my favorite Pinot Grigio, hoping that it will not only moisten my parched tongue, but also help me figure out what to say. I’m out of luck though, because all it manages to do is give me time to think.
    Even though I’m shocked by his declaration, I’m also flattered. With a head full of dark-brown hair that is always perfectly styled and bright blue-green eyes that remind me of the ocean in the Bahamas, Jake is a very good-looking guy. I’ve