Straight To You: A Novella (Taking Chances Series Book 1) Read Free Page B

the bigger request.”
    “I’ve got my game plan down.” As Bobby finished his sentence, his head jerked up and his eyes locked on the gym door across from them. He raised his hand in an eager wave and lowered his voice. “Look who’s here.”
    Jeremy turned to see two women in workout gear walk in. The redhead pulled her brunette friend toward the row of chairs near the bench press. Her lips turned up when she spotted her fellow ginger. “Hi Bobby, how’s it going?”
    “Hey Tiffany, good to see you. We’re just taking a break. Oh yeah, meet my friend Jeremy.”
    “Welcome Tiffany.” Jeremy extended his hand towards Tiffany. “I heard from Bobby that you just started. Hope you’re liking it here so far.”
    The leggy brunette edged her way closer to shake Jeremy’s hand as well. Her eyes roamed with obvious interest over his toned torso and arms. “Jeremy Adams, right? I’m Monica. I’ve heard a lot about you. You’re the man who strikes all the big deals. Seems like you’ve got quite a way with words.”
    “Just doing my job,” Jeremy replied with a polite smile. “You ladies interested in the treadmills? Those two just opened up.” He pointed to the opposite wall where several black machines stood. “I’m headed there myself after I finish my water, but I’m happy to offer you first dibs on it.”
    “Cool, thanks,” Tiffany replied. “I’ve got a meeting to catch at three so I’ll take you up on that. Good to meet you, Jeremy. Bobby, let me know when you’re ready to work on your evaluation.”
    “Sure thing. See ya,” Bobby said with a bright smile.
    “Be sure to come on over when you’re ready to get your heart racing.” Monica directed her wink at Jeremy. “You know I’ll give it up for you anytime.”
    Bobby’s eyes grew wide and he struggled to keep his mouth shut as the girls walked away. When they were out of earshot he gave Jeremy a piece of his mind. “Are you insane? Monica just offered herself to you on a silver platter! Why didn’t you bite?”
    Jeremy ran one hand through his hair. He noticed Monica waving at him and gave a nod in acknowledgement. “There’s no reason to bite when I’m not hungry.”
    Bobby tipped his water bottle towards Jeremy. “Are you blind? She’s totally hot, like Palm Springs in the middle of July hot.”
    Jeremy had to admit Monica was easy on the eyes. She had the right figure for spandex and had no qualms about showing off her assets. Her offer weighed on his mind, but he resisted it and quickly tore his eyes away from her body. The temptation was strong, but he needed to be stronger. Other qualities now took precedence on his list of must-haves in a woman. “Like I said, I’m not interested.”
    “Wow, I don’t get it. You have the reputation around here for being the most eligible, but unavailable bachelor. You could have any girl you want. What are you waiting for?”
    “The right one.”
    “And how do you know which one is the right one?”
    “Just as well as you know which ones aren’t the right ones,” he said with a wry smile.
    “And you’re just going to sit around waiting for her to show up?”
    “For God to make our paths cross? Yeah,” he replied. “I think she may have shown up today in fact.”
    “What?”
    “I was at a jewelry store earlier buying a gift for my mom and there she was.”
    “Just like that?” Bobby shook his head in disbelief. “You saw a girl and knew she’s the one? What did you have - an instant connection?”
    “Actually a reconnection. We were friends back when we were kids. We went to the same church, but lost touch when I moved out east. I never expected to see her again. It was a really pleasant surprise.”
    “Yeah? What’s she like now? All grown up?”
    “She has changed a lot. But she still has the same down-to-earth personality she had before.” That quintessential girl next door quality he had grown to appreciate in a woman.
    “With a killer bod, I hope.”
    Jeremy