Light Switch Read Free Page A

exhalation, I looked at the clock. It was barely eight o’clock. Still plenty of time to go out and grab a drink, vent to a girlfriend, do something other than stay home in this silent apartment. With my newfound freedom came the long overdue ability to go out and take care of some of this sexual frustration. Maybe with someone who knew what he was doing. A one night stand had never been so tempting. I could go out. Or I could turn off the light and go to sleep.
    I didn’t go out.
    I didn’t turn off the light.
    I didn’t go to sleep.
    I just took off my shirt and hoped Matt liked purple satin.
     

     
     
     
     
     

Chapter 2
     
    A few days after Alec and I broke up, I joined a group of friends at our usual Friday night watering hole. The music was blasting and the place was packed, but I sat at our booth, alone with my thoughts. I wasn’t down or depressed, I wasn’t regretting my decision to kick Alec to the curb, I was just… thinking.
    The split had been long overdue, but it was enough upheaval to knock my world off its axis. I’d spent four years as half of “Alec and Kristen.” Being just “Kristen” would took a little more getting used to than I’d anticipated.
    Did I stay single for a while? Go back on the prowl? See if that guy over by the jukebox was game for a one night stand? That option became more tempting with every passing minute. I was a free agent now. I was at liberty to find someone who didn’t consider sex a substitute for a sleeping pill.
    A flicker of movement from the corner of my eye was my only warning before Scott appeared and dropped into the booth beside me. The low light of the bar didn’t do a thing to temper the intensity of his blue eyes, especially as he shot me a pointed look.
    “You, my dear,” he said in a don’t argue with me tone , “are not your usual self tonight.”
    He sounded so serious, I couldn’t help smiling. “Is it that obvious?”
    “It is.” He rested his arm on the back of the bench and faced me. “So what’s going on? Dr. Moore is listening.”
    I snickered. “Something tells me a university wouldn’t keep its accredited status long after giving you a doctorate.”
    He rubbed his eye with his middle finger. I laughed. If anyone was going to give me the third degree about my mood tonight, I was glad it was him. Scott was nothing if not easy to talk to. Always had been.
    “Hey, space cadet.” He elbowed me playfully. “What’s up?”
    Shaking my head, I sighed. “Just preoccupied, I guess.”
    “With?” Though he ribbed me as he always did, the lift of his eyebrows and the creases in his forehead spoke of genuine concern.
    I took a breath. “Alec and I broke up.”
    Scott’s posture stiffened slightly. “Really?”
    “Really.”
    “About damned time.”
    I gave him a playful glare. “Gee, thanks.”
    “Come on, he’s a dick.” Scott shrugged. “I’ve been wondering for a long time when you were going to kick his sorry ass to the curb.”
    “Guess I can’t get too offended, then, because I’ve been wondering the same thing.” I sipped my drink. “Believe me, it’s been a huge weight off my shoulders.”
    “I can imagine.” He drummed his fingers on the table and watched me for a second. “So, since I assume you’re not grieving about the monkey that’s no longer on your back, what’s bothering you? Just settling into being single, or what?”
    “Pretty much, yeah.” I eyed him. “And speaking of being single, what on earth are you doing out without adult supervision on a Friday night, anyway? All the girls busy?”
    “Amy’s out of town with her husband, Tara’s at a party with another Dom, and Kasey has the flu.” He sighed dramatically. “So, yes, I’m all alone tonight.”
    “Damn, Scott,” I said. “Three women on the roster, and you still can’t get laid tonight?”
    He made a dismissive gesture. “Please. Just because I’m not with one of them tonight doesn’t mean I won’t get