The No Sex Clause Read Free

well, his toes…..
    Gorgeous creatures like this had usually been high school princesses adored by all. But Anna didn’t give the impression she had enjoyed a cosseted high school tenure – so just what had these people done to her to make her feel this way?
    He was amazed at the sudden protective surge that washed over him, wanting to take on any comers who might wound this little lamb – even though he knew she was a little lamb with sharp teeth and claws. Maybe he should just get in the car and go right back to New York City while he could escape unscathed…
    But it was too late. They were already out of the car and a skinny big-haired blonde was bearing down on them with several others in her wake.
    “Well, Anna Findlay! What a delight to see you here at the reunion! Just you come along in now, dear, and tell your friends all that’s been happening to you. Not that I guess that’s been very much.”
    “Hi, Lindy,” Anna said, her voice small. Jed thought the last time he’d seen a look like that it had been on a rabbit that had been cornered by a pack of dogs. He’d rescued that old rabbit – surely he could take the time to rescue this one? Flinging his arm around her shoulders, he urged her through the group. “C’mon, honey, let’s go inside and you can introduce me to all your friends.”
    “My friends? That won’t take too long.” She sighed back at him, grateful for the shelter of his protecting arm. Then a backward glance revealed to her satisfaction, that Lindy and company were gazing open-mouthed – at Bob, her escort.
    *****
    As a lonely teenager she’d dreamed of walking in to the annual school dance on the arm of a gorgeous hunk – preferably the football team captain – and watching all the other girls turn green with envy.
    The dream had changed as she got older. She fantasised about returning to a gathering at the high school as a successful and desirable woman, and setting the whole room quivering with envy at her achievements.
    Now both dreams were coming true at once. She was a bestselling author, a recognised academic in her own field of sociology, AND she had a gorgeous hunk on her arm. Not to mention the fact that she looked terrific, she added to herself as she passed by the mirrored walls of the entrance hall. Sometimes she looked at her reflection in the mirror these days, and wondered who that woman was…
    Yes, Anna thought, all the dreams are coming true. But it’s all so hollow. I’m still the Mouse inside . She wanted to turn tail and run, and keep on running until she was far, far away from her childhood home and all those people who remembered The Mouse. But she couldn’t do it... and Bob was already leading her to the drinks area and asking what she’d like as an aperitif.
    “Well, little Anna Findlay…Oh, my, who’d have thought you’d grow up into such a sexy lady?” The deep, rich voice sent goose bumps up Anna’s spine. Just as it had when she was fifteen and he’d been the school sports hero.
    Slowly she turned around. Her eyes trailed up – way up, until they were looking into the meltingly delicious gaze of Joey Henderson. Ah, Joey, with the eyes as mouth-watering as freshly baked caramel brownies, and the biceps so hard and strong, it made a girl wonder about his other parts…
    Stop it this minute, Anna Findlay! This is the guy who laughed when his girlfriend named you The Mouse! This is the guy who asked you to meet him outside the arena on the day of the big match – and you stood there for two hours before you cottoned on that he was having you hold a parking space for him while he and his buddies took off laughing for a couple of beers before the game!
    This is the guy who is now looking down at you from way, way up, with a big smile on his face and eyes just for you. Oh, my, my…
    “Why don’t you come and sit over here with me. It’s been a long time since we managed to have a chat alone.”
    “Yeah, the last chat we had alone was on