Freeing Destiny (Fate #2) Read Free

more aware of my unhealthy attachment to her. Nina had met the man she was planning to marry, and it was time I severed the twin cord. I did it without making waves, never allowing her to see how scared out of my mind I was to explore my own individuality. And now, with Mom getting remarried, I couldn’t help feeling as though I was braving a scary new world all by my lonesome.
    “Penny for your thoughts?” A gruff yet soothing voice tickled my ear and interrupted my pity party for one.
    I shuddered at the unexpected closeness, but then a welcome warmth trickled through my body as my eyes connected with Jack’s. “Oh, um, hi,” I answered, tucking loose strands of hair behind my ear.
    “They make a perfect couple, don’t you think? Or are you still worried a younger man can’t take care of her?”
    It was quite presumptuous for this man who was a stranger up until today. But even still, he was spot on. A calming surge of reassurance washed over me as I realized he could tell what I was thinking. Somehow he could read me. I liked that. I decided not to give him the usual standoffish attitude I was used to throwing out there. Maybe he wasn’t flirting. Maybe he was truly concerned by my despondency, which no one else had noticed since they were wrapped up in their own bubbles. “I always worry about her. It comes with the territory, but I do think they make a wonderful pair. They were meant for each other.” I smiled, believing my words to the core.
    His smile widening, his eyes hypnotizing me, Jack extended his palm and asked, “Would you like to dance?” His bold invitation hooked me from the get-go, but I didn’t want to break into Mom and Caleb’s spotlight just yet.
    Unwilling to decline his refreshing companionship, I countered, “How about a drink instead?” A shot of something stiff and fiery might pump some life back into me and eventually prepare me for the dance Jack had requested.
    “Deal.” He nodded and hooked his arm with mine.
    He ushered me to the bar like two old, familiar friends; I felt oddly comfortable being man-handled by him. I glanced down to where our arms intertwined and he caught me checking out his bulging bicep.
    “Sorry, just thought you could use a friend,” he admitted, releasing my arm as we continued to walk. “You looked a little . . . preoccupied.”
    Besides his insanely good looks and the unnerving effect he had over my body, I also had to give him props for how perceptive he was. “What, are you a psychologist or something?” I joked. I wanted—needed—to know more about him.
    “No,” he laughed, running his hand over his overgrown five o’clock scruff. “But I was a bartender for a while. Kind of the same thing.”
    I nodded as I raised my hand to get our bartender’s attention. “Oh, did you work with Caleb?”
    “I don’t mix business with pleasure, doll. Working with friends always causes problems. Besides, bartending was never my passion.”
    “Well, what is your passion?” Something deep inside me begged him to say blonde bridesmaids . I bit my lip, waiting for his response.
    “I have many, but if you want to know what I do for a living, you could just ask. Or is that part of your mysterious charm?”
    “Me? Mysterious?” It was my turn to laugh. Maybe he wasn’t as perceptive as I thought. I was usually an open book. My eyes were the windows to my soul, as Mom liked to put it.
    “Stella,” Jack leaned closer. His tuxedo-clad arm settled around my shoulders. I really liked the way my name rolled off his tongue. And I loved the way his body molded with mine.
    “Yes, Jack,” I whispered. It was a plea. Suddenly I was ready to say yes to anything he asked of me.
    Caressing my bare skin with his thumb, he answered, “I meant it in a good way. You’re mysterious and beautiful and just one look at you makes me want to peel apart your layers and find out who you are.”
    Wow! If my mouth hadn’t already felt stuffed with a giant wad of cotton