The Second Time Around Read Online Free Page B

to get her out of his system once and for all.
    â€œI got your order ready.”
    He reached into his pocket for his billfold and moved toward the register. As soon as Clarence noticed the money in his hand, he shook his head. “It’s on the house. Tell Brenna I made it just the way she likes it.”
    â€œI’ll do that, thanks.” He reached for the Styrofoam containers and headed out the door. Halfway down the street, Jabarie slowed his step when he realized he was practically running.

    As soon as he returned, Brenna moved to the small office to the side of the store and dove into the food while Jabarie covered the floor. As she chewed, she made a mental note to thank Mr. Clarence for remembering she loved her catfish nuggets smothered in hot sauce. She took another bite and groaned out loud. Nobody’s catfish came close to his. It was no wonder he’d been in business for over thirty years. One of the things she had missed most about Sheraton Beach was the food.
    With a heavy sigh, she reached for the orange soda and took a long swig then glanced through the glass wall at Jabarie behind the counter. He had finally loosened his tie. His wide shoulders strained against the fabric of his shirt. At six-two, he looked like a giant standing over a pair of giggling teenage girls who were obviously infatuated by his good looks. Brenna couldn’t blame them. She’d been just as mesmerized at their age. Watching his mouth as he spoke she couldn’t help wondering what it would be like to kiss him again. She remembered his lips being soft and gentle while his kisses used to have the power to make her toes curl. She blinked and dragged her eyes away from the glass. What in the world was she doing? Have you forgotten he ripped your heart in two? There was no way she was going to fall for him a second time.
    Yet she couldn’t take her eyes off of him. A deep sigh escaped her lips as she concluded how attracted she still was to him. Watching him excited her and sent heat flowing down between her thighs, and made her yearn to have him hold her in his arms again. She breathed quietly, stunned by the physical need that had been dormant for five years.
    Hearing a light rap on the door she glanced up to find Jabarie staring down at her. Her heart did a somersault as he turned the knob and opened it.
    â€œAll quiet,” he said as he rested against the doorjamb.
    She swung around in the chair and took a deep calming breath before speaking. The attraction between them was much too strong for her to ignore. “Thanks for everything. I owe you one.”
    His dimples deepened. “Good. I’m going to hold you to that.”
    â€œIt’s been a zoo today. My bookstore is twice this size and in a busy part of the city, but even when my partner’s out I have never been this tired.”
    He nodded knowingly. “The growth of Main Street has been very good for the economy around here. You might want to talk to your aunt about getting some more summer help. Those girls were just asking if there were any openings.”
    She just bet they did. Probably thought they’d have the privilege of seeing Jabarie every day. Jealousy brewed in her little head, and for the life of her, Brenna couldn’t understand why. Jabarie meant nothing to her.
    She nodded and reached for the soda can. “I’ll make sure to talk to her tonight.”
    Jabarie nodded in agreement then glanced down at his watch. “Well, I guess I better head back to the hotel.”
    â€œOh, gosh, yes! You better hurry before someone tells the queen you’ve been mingling with the peasants,” she teased. And when he groaned, she laughed. Brenna knew how much he hated the wisecracks.
    â€œI see you haven’t lost your sense of humor,” he said when he stopped chuckling.
    Crossing her legs, Brenna returned the smile. “No, I guess I haven’t,” she said, even though she hadn’t