Paradigm (Travelers Series Book 3) Read Free

Jaime’s boyfriend, concurs. “I’ll take a Maker’s.”
    “Make that a Pinot Noir for me, thanks,” Jaime chimes in. “Looks like you’re on your own on the te-kill-ya front.”
    “Suit yourselves,” I say, motioning for the waiter to come take our drink orders.
    We’re having a great time now that I am able to relax and enjoy the company of my bestest friends. I don’t even allow myself the simple pleasure of watching the crowds, like I normally do. That is until tall, dark, and handsome catches my eye. There’s something familiar about the guy, but I just can’t seem to place him. Focusing my attention on him, I tune out everyone in the booth and watch the figure move aimlessly across the room. Maybe it’s the tequila talking, but I’m positive I know this guy from somewhere.
    “Hey, whatcha looking at?” Jaime inquires. She takes a look around the crowded bar, trying to find the object of my undivided attention.
    “Oh, nothing. Just thought I recognized someone I know.”
    “Anyone I know?” Alex asks, taking a look himself across the booth.
    “Yeah, Etta. Someone we know?” Jaime asks.
    Jaime knows pretty much everyone I know, as we’ve been best friends since forever, so there’s no way I’m saying. If I even hint at who I think I saw, I’m sure she’ll have plenty to say on the subject.
    “No, I think I’m just seeing things,” I say. Secretly, I keep an eye on the mystery man as I focus my attention back to my friends.
    “Anyone hungry? We could order some appetizers or something,” Brett offered.
    Jaime looks over to her boyfriend. “How can you be thinking about food again? We just had a big dinner like two hours ago. Besides, I’ve already wasted enough calories on Etta’s cake. I’ll pass.”
    Watching the two of them always amuses me. They recently started dating, and poor Brett doesn’t seem to mind that Jaime is the one to call the shots in their relationship. No doubt he’s awed by her natural model good looks and platinum blonde hair. It’d stop any guys in their tracks.
    “None for me, thanks,” I say, keeping one ear on the conversation at the table and one eye on Mr. Mysterioso.
    “Anything wrong, Etta?”
    “Huh? What?” I stammer, looking into Alex’s clear blue eyes. I feel bad for ignoring him, but there’s something about the stranger that has me fixated. “Everything is fine. I think it’s just the tequila and cake. Sugar and alcohol does not an alert person make,” I jest.
    Alex gives me a knowing smile. “How about we call it a night and let me take you home,” he offers.
    On one hand, I don’t want to leave, still trying to figure out the mystery behind the guy, but at the same time, I really am tired. Eating two slices of carrot cake and a shot of Mexican gold really isn’t much of a joke after all; it can make a girl drowsy.
    In the end, I take Alex’s advice and allow him to take me home. I’m starting to see things, and perhaps I went over my limit tonight. I bid my goodnight to Jaime and Brett, who opt to stay at the bar scene.
    “I’ll give you a call tomorrow,” Jaime shouts to be heard above the crowd as Alex and I slide out from the booth.
    As we make our way to the double doors, I take one last glance over my shoulder. The guy I’d been eyeing all night is looking directly at me. Our eyes lock for this briefest of moments, and my knees buckle. Alex holds on to my waist to steady me. I’m sure he’s thinking it’s the tequila shot.
    Never before have I ever experienced the chill that’s enveloped itself around my body. Staring right into his eyes has brought all those memories back. It really was Cooper. The man who approached me all those years ago in high school and the man whose offer I turned down.
    If I were alone, I’d have no problem walking right up to him to demand he tell me why he’s back. But I’m not alone. Jaime would no doubt start in on how creepy it is for him to be back after all these years, and Alex