Laugh Like You've Never Cried (Summer Lake 5) Read Free

to feel so self-conscious.
    “And, since you’re in my seat and no one is introducing us, I'll do it myself.”
    Her stool spun around and she found herself face to face with a broad chest, covered by a denim shirt. She counted the buttons as she slowly lifted her gaze. When there was no more shirt, she took in a strong chin, beautiful full lips turning up in amusement, a dimple sitting next to them, making it impossible not to smile back. Finally she met bright green eyes, shining mischievously. All she could do was stare. There were a lot of handsome men sitting at this table, but...this one? Good grief! He was breathtaking! She had to get out of here.
    Those green eyes held her own, the dimple on his cheek deepened as his smile grew wider. “It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Michael. And you....are beautiful.”
    The blonde woman was glowering now.
    “Nice to meet you,” she mumbled. “I’m sorry I didn’t realize this was yours.” She felt herself blush as he ran his eyes all over her.
    “No worries, darl’. You can sit on mine any time you like. I’ll even pull it out for you.”
    Oh, good grief, he wasn’t just talking about the chair! He was saying...and even worse, her body was responding to his words! She was all warm and tingly. She had to get away from him. “I was just leaving.”
    She got down from the stool and fled.
    She pushed her way through the doors and out into the cool night air, grateful to feel it against her flaming cheeks. What a horrible thing to do! She wasn't beautiful, she knew that. How could he be so mean to plain old her? Especially while she was sitting next to that blonde woman who truly was beautiful. He was just like the kids back in high school, getting his laughs by embarrassing her. She stuck her hands in her sweatshirt pocket and started walking across the square.
    “Megan!”
    Oh, no! It was his voice. It was an Australian accent, she placed it even as she put her head down and picked up her pace, pretending not to hear. It was no good though. Now she could hear his footsteps. He was running to catch up with her. She considered breaking into a run herself, but she knew she wasn't fast enough. She'd have to face him. Oh God, please let this be over quickly. She stopped and turned around. He ran easily across the square. Everything about him—his gait, his clothes, his easy manner as he caught up to her and smiled that disarming smile—absolutely everything, told her she needed to get away from him, fast. He was one of the in-crowd, one of the cool kids, and she was just a dork who didn't need to stick around for the humiliation.
    “Megan, I'm sorry, darl'.”
    “No problem. I just have to get home. I'm sorry I was rude.” She had to make herself stop staring at the beautiful, full lips smiling back at her. Wait! She was smiling? She made herself stop. “There was no need to come out here. And I should get home.” She couldn't make herself start walking though.
    He was still smiling at her. “Can I at least walk you home?”
    Oh, my goodness, no! “No thank you. You should go back to your evening and your friends.”
    “I'd rather walk you home and make a new friend.”
    She just stared. He couldn't be serious? Men who looked like him weren't interested in being friends with women like her. Ben must have sent him out to apologize.
    He hung his head, though his eyes still shone with mischief as he smiled at her. “I’m sorry, okay? I was just trying to have a laugh with you. I didn’t mean to embarrass you. Let me make it up to you. Let me walk you home? Unless you've got someone waiting there for you?”
    Perfect! He'd given her the out she needed. “It's kind of you to offer, but as a matter of fact there is someone waiting. He'll be cross that I've been out this long, and I don't think he'd be too pleased to see you coming back with me. He's not friendly with people he doesn't know.”
    He grinned. “Honestly? You're not just giving me the brush off?”
    Oh,