Stuck on You (Crimson Romance)
Page 23
She took in Chip’s sharp features and completely put together look. Some girls might not like a guy so stylish, but she’d always thought there was something sexy about a guy who took care of himself.
“I don’t think so, Chip. I’m afraid I’ve hit my reality show limit at three losses.”
He smiled. He was cute when he smiled. “Maybe the fourth time’s a charm.”
“Or maybe the forth time’s another humiliating loss on national television and a wasted effort.”
Chip stroked his hand along her jaw. She flinched, not used to people touching her there. Ever. He pulled his hand back but stepped closer, dropping his voice. “Or maybe the world hasn’t gotten to see the real you. They haven’t seen what you’re really capable of yet. I can help you change that, Zoe. Say the word and I can make it happen for you. And I could guarantee a payday too. No more leaving empty handed.”
He didn’t wait for her to respond before walking away to congratulate the winners, which was good since she didn’t know what the hell to say to him anyway. What did he know about who she really was?
And what was with the sudden touchy-feely stuff?
Her fingers traced the patch of skin still blazing from the warmth of his touch. Along her jaw she felt the familiar ridge of raised skin — scars that had faded with time but were still so painful and carefully hidden beneath her makeup. She’d never told anyone about the car wreck that had nearly killed her and the years of painful recovery she’d suffered through.
She glanced over to where Ben celebrated. Now he had a way to finish paying off his medical bills.
Been there, done that. Still doing it, actually. But the bills were worth every penny … every sacrifice.
She’d convinced him his physical disability was actually a trophy, and yet she couldn’t say the same about her own scars. She couldn’t let them go. Couldn’t share the truth with anyone. She’d worked too hard to forget the past — to change her life, to protect her future — to share her secrets with anyone.
Chip was wrong. No one could ever see the real her. If they did, they’d think she was weak and that wasn’t something she could stomach. Not after everything she’d been through.
She’d spent the last ten years making sure no one would ever find out. She wasn’t about to throw that all away now.
But if he could offer her a “guaranteed payday” as he called it, could she afford to turn him down? The stack of overdue envelopes in her mail had probably doubled while she’d been on the show and all she had to go toward them was a shopping spree at Macy’s.
She needed the money and Chip made a compelling offer.
Maybe finding out the details couldn’t hurt …
About the Author
Heather Thurmeier was born and raised in the Canadian prairies, but now she lives in upstate New York with her own personal romance hero (aka her husband) and their two little princesses. When she’s not busy taking care of the kids and an adventurous puppy named Indy, Heather’s hard at work on her next romance novel. She loves to hear from her readers.
~ Heart, humor, and a happily ever after.
Website: http://heatherthurmeier.com
Email: heatherthurmeier@gmail.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/hthurmeier
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HeatherThurmeierAuthor
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