Love Bites Read Free

embarrassing.” Brick gave him a shove. “Pet sitting isn’t the only thing on her mind.”
    Were they right? And if so, then why didn’t Cinder show some interest?
    It was as if Jesse read his mind. “She’s shy, you know.”
    “Cinder?” Evan snorted. “She is not.”
    “Not when it comes to patients, or to caring for her dog, or helping neighbors—no, she’s not. For that stuff, she’s friendly and outgoing and funny. But anything sexual…she’s supershy.”
    Mmmm…possibly. Cinder never hesitated to approach a new neighbor. She was open and welcoming to everyone. But whenever one of the men in their apartment building flirted—and most of them did—she shied away, or didn’t notice.
    Brick added, “Why else would she hide that killer body?”
    Food for thought. Contrary to most sexy women, Cinder did tend to cover up and dress down. He spoke his thoughts aloud. “It’s almost like she has no clue how sexy she is.”
    “So tell her,” Jesse suggested.
    “Then go from there.” Brick thought about that before shaking his head. “But go easy tonight. I mean, she’s a little beat up—”
    This time Evan shoved him. “Like I need you two giving me advice?” No, he wouldn’t pressure Cinder tonight, but he would love to reassure her, to comfort her. “When was the last time you had a significant other?”
    “Never,” Brick said. “Thank God.”
    “You know he likes playing the field,” Jesse added. “As do I.”
    “I thought you and Lisa were going strong.”
    “Nope. That’s over.”
    “What happened?”
    Jesse shrugged. “Nothing.” And then: “I only went out with her four times, Evan. Don’t make it sound like we were engaged.”
    “Four times is two times too many, far as I’m concerned.” Brick shuddered. “It gives women ideas.”
    “You’re both Neanderthals,” Evan accused. “Why is it you’re all set to stay single, but you want me to hook up?”
    They said together, “Cinder is different.”
    Amen. Very different. “I can’t argue that.”
    “So do something about it already.” Jesse toasted him with his cola. “Before it’s too late.”
    “While you stew on it, I think we’ll go watch the rest of the fights.” Brick elbowed his way out of the tiny kitchen, and Jesse went with him.
    Evan heard them take the TiVo off pause, and then the raucous noise of a competition filled the apartment.
    Because Cinder liked to watch the fights, too, Evan always recorded them for her. She’d missed the first two fights already.
    Maybe he’d convince her to hang around after the guys left. Maybe, given what she’d been through, he’d convince her to stay the night.
    With him.
    Nothing sexual, not with what had happened today. But to hold her all night…
    His front door opened without a knock. Neither of them stood on ceremony when visiting. If either of them had anything private going on, for instance, when Cinder showered, the door was locked.
    Wearing a big, loose white sweatshirt with jeans that fit her voluptuous shape like a second skin, her feet bare, she led in the dog and the cat.
    She’d washed the rest of the ruined makeup from her face and left her blond curls loose. Given the movement of her heavy breasts under that sweatshirt, she wasn’t wearing a bra.
    For any guy with a pulse, she’d be a lush, sweet fantasy come to life.
    “Is the food ready?”
    Evan drew his gaze from her chest to her face. Heat pulsed beneath his skin and his muscles felt twitchy. “Take a seat. I’ll bring it to you.”
    She graced him with a teasing smile. “You’re too good to me.” Then she parked her pretty rear on the corner of the couch. Doug immediately sat on the floor by her feet and laid his head over her knee. Cate got on the back of the couch to curl up near her shoulder.
    After giving her a long look, Jesse said, “You’re just in time. The third fight is about to begin.”
    She pulled a throw pillow into her lap. “Were the other fights good?”
    Brick