Read Online Madness or Love (Be With Me Book 1) by Selina Bodur - Free Book Online Page B

low,
compassionate voice. He was a solid rock, a shoulder to lean on, reliable,
sensual, and he was all hers. He could be her knight in shiny armor; she just
needed to say the word.
    The practical part of her could see all of Thomas’s
advantages, but one tiny, pee-sized thought, branded in her mind, didn’t go
away—Ian. Victoria felt happy that night, relaxed, and adored seeing
admiration, respect, and clear attraction in the eyes of the man in front of
her. She had promised Kim, and she was really trying to get a grip on her love
life to see the possibilities around her. She pushed the nagging thought deeper
and smiled at Thomas, who was telling a story from his childhood.
    “And he made me stay in that closet for hours, hoping
that we’d find a hidden door to a magical world. Of course, that lasted till
our parents found us and grounded us for a week.” He leaned back. “I hope I
haven’t bored you.”
    “No,” Victoria said hastily. “I know how siblings can
be a pain in the ass. Kim is definitely one.”
    “I’m grateful she convinced you to go out with me. I’m
having a great time,” he said sincerely.
    “Me too.” Victoria looked at him calmly.
    “I can see that,” he replied. “You look different tonight.”
    “Different how?” she asked, surprised.
    “The first time we met, at that party you don’t
recall, you looked distant, like a marble statue. Your walls were so high I
didn’t believe I would ever be able to reach you. You were smiling, but I could
only feel the cold. Tonight you’re, to me at least, like the welcoming warmth
by the fireside.”
    Victoria thought about his words and couldn’t agree
more. Ever since she had met Ian, her attitude toward the opposite sex had
changed. A sudden realization hit her hard—she wasn’t available. Ian had
imprisoned her heart, and ever since the first time she’d laid her eyes on him,
she was his. The tiny thought of guilt in the back of her mind swelled. She
sighed inwardly. The whole evening had been one big fat lie. It was true it had
been mixed with the irresistible aroma of French cuisine, the crisp taste of
wine, a playful conversation, and the warmth of the doe-like eyes belonging to
the gentle man in front of her—but a lie nevertheless. For a brief moment, she
had forgotten that her heart was connected to another. She had believed the
lie.
    Victoria searched for the right words, but at the
exact moment she opened her mouth, her phone rang. A simple “Ian” brightened up
the display, and her heart jumped involuntarily. Her finger hesitated over the
accept button. Her eyes met Thomas’s.
    “I need to take this. I’m sorry.”
    “No problem. Take your time,” he reassured her.
    She stood up, took the vibrating phone, made several
hasty steps, and took the call.
    “Hey,” came Ian’s voice on the other end of the line.
    She reached the front door and stepped out. “Hey.”
    They both paused, savoring the moment of complete joy
and mutual understanding. Despite all the turmoil inside her soul, she smiled.
    “I’m sorry,” were his first words. “I should have
called sooner.”
    “Don’t be. I know you were busy,” she said quietly. 
    “That isn’t a legit excuse. I’ll make it up to you.”
    “Be careful.” She laughed. “I might actually wish for
something.” I might wish for you , echoed in her mind. “It’s nice to be
back home, huh?”
    “I thought that, too, but sitting in an empty
apartment alone is not the best idea I have for a fun time.”
    “You need to get away. Lose yourself in some tropical
island and shut out the rest of the world. A couple of days in radio silence
could do wonders,” Victoria suggested.
    “I’m not convinced. Lying on the beach alone; I don’t — ”
    “Then ask someone to come with you.” A lump formed in
her throat. She knew the meaning behind her words, but he deserved to be happy
with someone. She did too. A group of giggly girls passed by her.
    “Where are you?”