The Relationship Coach Read Online Free Page B

moved up in a quick shrug. “I don’t know. I guess I’m afraid,” Amanda admitted. “Sometimes I don’t think he’s as into me as I would like.”
    “Keep your focus on the goals you’ve set, and if Jason’s the right one, you’ll soon know. When it’s time, he’ll propose,” Lacey advised, worried about her friend’s doubts.
    “Yeah, I know. He’s supposed to pick me up here in about five minutes. You don’t mind if I go off and leave you?”
    “Hey, it’s Saturday. You’re not supposed to be working. I just needed someone to commiserate with, and I came looking for you,” Lacey said, reality once again returning with the weirdness that was her family.
    Amanda smiled. “I wanted to make sure everything was ready for this week.”
    Lacey shook her head, knowing Amanda took her position in the company seriously, and trusted her to handle all the publicity. “No, you would have been here, even if we didn’t have such a busy week.”
    “I get a lot done over the weekend. And this week is important to Mate Incorporated.”
    “Yes, it could be interesting.” So much was at stake this week and in the midst of a busy work week, Dean was coming home, and now she had to deal with Kerri’s engagement.
    Jason stuck his head around the corner of Amanda’s office. “Hey, you ready to go?”
    “Yeah, just a second. Let me shut down my computer.”
    “Hi, Lacey. How are you?”
    Lacey gazed at Jason, his auburn hair reflecting tints of gold and red, a quiet, geeky kind of guy, who appeared to have a silly side to him, and she worried he would break Amanda’s heart. “I’m working too hard and now I get to help plan a wedding.”
    “You’re getting married?” he asked, his eyes widening in a surprised stunned look.
    “Oh, no. It’s my sister, Kerri. She graduates college in two weeks, and she’s getting married in June. A rushed wedding.” One she hoped to postpone for at least four years.
    His lips turned up in a cocky boy grin that most women would have loved, but had no affect on her. “Aren’t women good at organizing those kinds of things?”
    “You sound sexist, but yes, I know I could get this wedding together. The problem is, I hope I can help her realize the value of waiting.”
    “Lacey, you know family members are the hardest to convince,” Amanda warned and walked to Jason’s side.
    “Yes, but this is my baby sister.”
    Jason wrapped his arm around Amanda. They were a striking couple with his six foot frame and red hair and her short, five foot frame and shoulder length mahogany hair with blonde streaks. Amanda had met him at one of their seminars and so far the relationship rocked along right on track. If only he could outgrow his silliness just a bit and Amanda could loosen up, there was a chance the couple would make it. Lacey hoped for the best for her friend.
    “We’re leaving,” he said. “I’ve got a night of surprises planned.”
    Amanda glanced at him and smiled in appreciation.
    Oh yeah, they were doing great. Amanda’s worries were concerning, but they were only three months into the relationship. “You guys have fun tonight.”
    “How much longer are you going to stay?” Amanda asked.
    “I’m leaving now. I have two hours to get ready before I pick up Dean at the airport. You two aren’t the only ones who are planning a night of surprises.” Anticipation, excitement and desire raced through Lacey like the Indie 500, speeding her pulse rate, leaving her breathless with excitement.
    Amanda and Jason gazed at each other and grinned. “See you Monday.”
    “You too. Bye, Jason.”
    “Bye, Lacey. Send me an invitation to the wedding.”
    “There’s not going to be a wedding,” she yelled after him as they walked out the door.
    Lacey refused to let Kerri make the biggest mistake of her life. And she refused to let her ruin her welcome home night with Dean.
    ***
    A buzz of warmth and excitement zipped along Lacey’s spine sending shivers of anticipation