These Cold Strangers by J.T. Ellison

Author:J.T. Ellison [Ellison, J.T.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-02-07T00:00:00+00:00

“I mean, what else was I supposed to do? The guy looked dead. I couldn’t just step over him. I had to stop, I had to check. When I realized he was alive . . .” He shrugs and ducks his head. He’s shy, I realize. And proud of his actions.

I take a sip of my wine. We’re into a second bottle, sitting on his back deck, looking over the woods. I am stuffed full of steak and baked potatoes and grilled asparagus. The man can cook. I’m feeling light headed, whether from the wine or the obvious flirting that preceded this switch in conversation to why I’m really here. Todd is hot. He’s smart. He’s funny. He’s clearly into me. And now he’s giving me the story I long for. The story that’s going to make my career take off.

“Do you know how many people did step over him? Well, around him.”

“How many?”

“I counted fifteen. That doesn’t include the three boys who stole his portfolio. What kind of world are we living in?” I lean forward, wanting to be closer to him, wanting to hear his words of reassurance. “I’m glad you stopped. Not only does it make you a good guy, but it also brought me here.” I gesture toward the woods with my wine glass, and a bit slops out onto the deck. “Oops. Sorry. I’m a little tipsy. I don’t normally drink this much.”

He responds just how I hoped. With a slow, knowing smile.

“You can’t drive.”

“Probably shouldn’t, no. I’ll call a car and pick up mine tomorrow.”

“That’s silly. You should stay.”

“I should?” I lick my lips.

A beat. “I always liked you, Addie. We would have been good together.”

He takes the glass from my hand and sets it gently on the table, and then his mouth is on mine. I fight my mind’s narration—I am kissing Todd Preis. His hands are so soft on my skin. Oh, yes, yes, there. I can’t believe this—Todd Preis likes me!—and try to go with the flow. I never was cool.

“Upstairs,” he says, and it’s as much a command as an invitation.

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