Hustlers Read Free Page B

worry about her job in the morning.
    Determined to enjoy her newfound freedom, she headed toward her temporary accommodation, smiling at the thought of a date. Sure, it was some girly shit that she was feeling, but Jimmy and her dad would just have to get used to it. She was a girl. It was about time she felt like one. They weren’t girls. They’d never understand.

    Ellie jumped when there was a knock at the door. She quickly checked her outfit in the mirror. She shook her head.
Why didn’t I bring more clothes with me?
Her skinny black jeans and leather biker jacket were great for breaking into things, but she wasn’t sure they were ideal for a first date. She chewed her bottom lip as she glanced down at her scuffed biker boots.
Fuck it. He’ll like me as I am, or he can get lost.
    She hurried to the door, trying to control her racing pulse.
At least I’m not wearing that bloody maid’s uniform.
She swung open the door, hoping that her nerves would calm down. It was ironic that she could break into a guarded building without breaking a sweat, but a date with a boy caused her body to go into nervous shock.
    Matt lounged in the doorway, wearing a loose white shirt and blue jeans. He looked as if he’d stepped out of a magazine. His hair curled around his collar, which was open, revealing a small V of tanned collarbone. She met his seaweed green eyes, and then shyly glanced down as her pulse began to race at the sight of him.
Seriously, what the hell is wrong with me?
    “Hey.”
    She glanced up at the sound of his voice, blushing when he flashed a wicked smile.
    “Hi,” she said. She tried to think of something to say, but clearly his presence had given her an instant lobotomy.
    “Are you ready?” he asked.
    She nodded, grabbing her keys off the nearby dresser while trying to think of something to say that wouldn’t make her sound like a total idiot. The problem was that she knew nothing about him.
Shoulda done my research.
    “You look amazing.” He smiled, brushing his fingers across the lapel of her jacket.
    “Oh, er, thanks. You too.” She closed her eyes for a moment.
Jesus fuck, will you say something interesting before he goes into a coma?
“Um, do you like leather?” She froze after the words came out of her mouth.
Oh god, no.
    His eyes widened, and he coughed out a laugh. “That’s the best first date line I’ve ever heard.” He laughed again. He slipped beside her and placed his arm around her waist, leaning close and winking at her. “Do you want me to?” He wiggled his eyebrows.
    “That’s not what I meant!” Her face burned with embarrassment.
    “Hey, I’m open-minded.” He grinned.
    “I’m not!” She thought she might be about to have some kind of seizure.
Please god, let me say something that isn’t slapped with the stupid stick first.
“Maybe I should lose my clothes.”
    He exploded with laughter.
    “I meant change my clothes, wear a different jacket…” She trailed off, trying to find the right words. “Sorry.” She shook her head.
Great. He’s going to think I’m a
dumb cow rather than a sexy minx.
    He squeezed her waist, offering her a warm smile. “You’re perfect, just as you are.”

E llie giggled as she stumbled against Matt, and he caught her in his arms. She’d had the most amazing night. Admittedly, she might have had a bit too much champagne, but who cared. For the first time in her life, she felt young and alive.
    As they stumbled across the hotel gardens toward her room, she loudly belted out the lines to one of the songs from the rock concert, stretching her arms up to the sky while twirling around. She breathed in the scent of the rose bushes nearby and smiled up at the stars. She continued twirling straight into Matt’s arms.
    “Careful, I don’t think you were born to neck a bottle of Dom like you did.” He smiled down at her, brushing a wisp of hair away from her face.
    “I was born to handle anything.” She grinned as she staggered