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

no! He didn't believe her! What could she say?
    “If there really is a guy waiting at home for you, what's his name?”
    “Ollie,” she replied without missing a beat.
    Michael's face fell. Apparently now he was convinced. “Right, okay.”
    No way did she believe he was as disappointed as he looked. He was probably relieved, just didn't want to show it.
    “Well.” The dimple had disappeared along with his smile. “I'm sorry to have bothered you. I didn't mean to offend.”
    “No problem. It was nice to meet you. I hope you have a lovely evening.”
    She turned and started walking as fast as she could. She needed to get away from him. She couldn't quite believe how attractive he was and she totally could not believe that the disappointment on his face was genuine.

Chapter Two
    M ichael slumped back into his seat next to Missy.
    “Seriously, Michael?” asked Ben. “I told you she was shy!”
    “Did you not find her, hon?” asked Missy.
    “Yeah. I found her.” He looked at Ben. “And I apologized. She wouldn't let me walk her home though.” He was surprised how disappointed he'd felt when she'd said there was someone waiting for her. He should be used to it by now. It seemed ever since he'd come back to the lake, every woman he met was already involved with someone. It hadn't bothered him till now. Till this little Megan. He wanted to get to know her, but she wasn't available. He gave Missy a sad look. “You could have told me.”
    “Told you what?”
    “That she's with someone.”
    Missy frowned at him, looking puzzled. Ben smiled across the table at them. “She told you about Ollie, then?”
    Michael nodded, not understanding the grins passing between Missy and Ben. “All right guys. There's no need to laugh at me, just because I only go after women who are already spoken for.”
    “Good to know,” said Leanne who was sitting on the other side of him. “I was starting to take it personally.”
    He smiled at her. “Nah, nothing personal darl', you're a beaut.”
    She smiled back. He had revised his opinion of her this evening. She wasn't the cold and calculating creature he'd thought her to be at all. She was just too smart in some respects—and too clueless in others. He could understand how she and Dan were such great friends.
    “That little Megan just got to me. Something about her, I don't know.” He shook his head.
    “If you really like her, you shouldn't give up,” said Missy.
    He looked at her. “But if she's with someone...?”
    Ben was still grinning. “Just figure her out first. Like I told you, she's not your usual type, she's shy. But if you like her, you should probably meet Ollie before you give up. I think he has some Australian heritage too.”
    Missy let out a little laugh at that and Michael raised an eyebrow at her. “Going to let me in on the joke?”
    She shook her head. “No. I'm not. I'd rather sit back and watch.”
    Michael shrugged. Whatever the joke was, he was relieved that they both seemed to think there was some hope. He was intrigued by that little lady. He didn't want to give up, but he didn't want to go treading on some guy's toes either.
    “Hey guys.” Jack raised his voice from the other end of the table. “I'm about to take wifey home. We're all heading back to the city in the morning. Do any of you want to do breakfast before we leave?”
    “I'm in,” said Michael. “I'm up for anything this weekend. Since my little man's not around, I've got nothing but time to kill.”
    “Me too,” said Ben. “Typical that you're all heading out the first weekend I've got any time to spare.”
    “Why don't you come with us?” asked Emma.
    “Because we want him here!” said Missy.
    “Yeah, I reckon those of us not headed to LA will have a better time,” said Michael. He looked at Ben, then Dan. “What do you say, mates, shall we take the boat out tomorrow afternoon?”
    “Sounds good to me,” said Dan.
    Missy gave him a pointed look before turning to