My Favorite Distraction (Distraction #1) Read Online Free Page A

do we need to do to win?”
    “We have already won the bet, but I need to send your picture to my friend Dave , and he will need to talk with you to confirm who you are.”
    “OK , that’s easy. Are there more bets or just the one?” I probed.  Is that what men do? Place crazy bets? Could I get in on it?
    “There are more, but I am involved with just this one. The other bets are among my friends. I have no interest in any of those.” I liked the idea of him having friends. It was comforting that other people saw what I saw, a man with a patient heart and trusting soul.
    “I see . Are these good bets? I mean, maybe I would like to put my own money down on something. I am pretty lucky.” At least that’s what I told myself lately. I was lucky…to be alone.
    He started laughing. “Y eah, I will bet you something.”
    “What? You know, it doesn’t matter . I am in.”
    He pulled into the parking lot at the restaurant and parked the Jeep. “All right, I bet you run from me before the night is over.” It was a challenge.
    “I will not.” I defended.
    He stuck out his hand. “I bet you will run from me by the end of the night.”
    I reached over to shake his hand, but stopped just before and looked at him. “What do I get when I win this bet?” Because I will win once I set my mind to it I could accomplish anything.
    He thought for a minute. “What do you want?”
    “I want a favor, any favor, no matter what it is. What do you want?” I repeated his question to him, curious what he wanted from me.
    “I want a second date . No matter what happens tonight, I get a second chance.” He locked his green eyes with mine. The challenge was on . Then I put my hand in his, his hand engulfing mine.
    “Deal,” I confirmed, feeling the energy from his hand surge into my body, and I shivered again. He smiled a very smug and confident smile. “Is this what you do with all of your girls? Make them want to run, I mean.” His luscious lips tipped in the corner very playfully before he countered.
    “So you’re saying you’re my girl?”
    Before I could answer , he hopped out of the Jeep and trekked around to my side. He opened the door and didn’t bother to avoid touching me. I slid over on the seat facing him, my dress pushed up a little. He grabbed my hips and lifted me from his oversized Jeep. He set me on the ground, and I took a minute to readjust my dress. He scrambled to take his phone out of his pocket to take my picture.
    “Leave your dress like that,” he rasped. “I’ll keep that picture for myself.”
    “Ha ha, not funny, there is no chance you will see my panties on the first date.” I wasn’t ready to give myself to anyone. I was numb to touching and feeling. I had been numb for as long as I could remember.
    He raised an eyebrow and smiled. “This is not our first date.” He took a picture and then typed something in it before putting the phone back into his pocket. It rang as we entered the restaurant. He checked it and put it back in his pocket, then talked to the hostess.
    I stayed back looking at the restaurant . It was a very large, open steak house. Pictures of trees and canoes hung everywhere on the walls. I had never eaten here, but it was very clean, and the smell of delicious food wafted around me.
    Jason walked up to me , serious at first, but smiled as he caught me gazing at his tall, bulky, muscular body. “They are ready to seat us.” He put his hand on my lower back, and I stiffened slightly. He didn’t remove his hand as we walked to our table. It was a booth. I arched my brow at him, and he shrugged. The hostess saw our communication.
    “Sir , you said you wanted a booth. Would you rather a table?”
    “No, this is perfect , thank you.” He smiled at her, and she blushed.
    I laughed a little as I slid into the booth. I peeked over at him, but he was busy sliding onto the bench seat next to me. I moved all the way to the wall, and he stopped short of touching me.
    “I ’m