Free What a Girl Wants by Selena Robins Page B

you act self-righteous?”
    “I’m sorry. I forgot this is Maddie’s world of sex and the rest of us star in it.”
    She punctuated each word, poking her finger in his chest. “And you should be grateful.”
    He covered her hands with his own and squeezed tight. “Let’s stop this.”
    She exhaled. “I’m a consenting adult who wants to have a brief, no-strings-attached relationship in a vacation setting, with someone I happen to like, even though I think he’s uptight and moody.”
    He rubbed the back of his neck, something he did when he was stressed. For an instant, sympathy yanked at her heartstrings as she saw the struggle, flickering across his features. But only for an instant.
    The big, teasing jerk doesn’t deserve my sympathy. He’d accelerated her hormones to maximum speed and then slammed on the brakes. “Do you get your ya yas out of turning a woman on and then stopping?”
    “Of course not.” He leaned his arm on the door and stared down at her. “We’re not two strangers. Anything between us would come with strings and complications. I have to focus on my career.”
    “Sell that rehearsed kiss-off to someone else. I’m not buying today.”
    “I’ve known you for six years and never once did I put the moves on you, or you on me. Why now?”
    She backed away, leaned against the back of the sofa and crossed her arms. “Is it me, or do all women go through a debate before canoodling with you?”
    “Why now?”
    She sighed. “You mean besides the fact that we have incredible chemistry? Or that the opportunity landed itself in our laps?” It was her turn to rub the tension away from her neck. “I can be myself with you, and you know I’m not looking for a commitment. Neither of us would be possessive or expect more.” She paused for a fraction and lowered her voice. “And I respect and like you. I couldn’t do this with someone I didn’t respect or like.”
    “I know. I also know that I’ve earned your respect and affection.” His intense gaze bored into her. “I’m not about to throw either away.”
    “Did you grow a conscience when I wasn’t looking?” She pushed herself away from the sofa. “Remember, I’m your buddy . I know about your hot lover rep ¾ ”
    “I’m not the top-service provider for a human stud farm with a lust checklist. And by the way, those remarks bug the hell out of me.” His eyes darkened. “You obviously don’t know me.”
    “I swear you’re a week’s worth on the Dr. Phil show.” She’d deliberately hit him where she knew it hurt. He never strutted, and he was super-private about his intimate life. But he’d pissed her off. Again. “And you’re wrong, s tud. I do know you. I also know you can spin a great story.”
    He grabbed the doorknob. “Tomorrow you’ll thank me.”
    She blew out an impatient breath. “Cripes, now you’re talking in clichés?” She yearned for solitude, so she moved away from the door. “Goodnight.”
    “This is not any kind of line or a spin. I’m worried that you might not be okay when it’s over.” He turned the doorknob. “Sex changes relationships, even good friendships. I’m not willing to go down that road.”
    Not trusting herself to speak, she took a deep breath and nodded her head. Rejection or not, she still had her pride, and she’d spent enough time discussing this. She’d long ago vowed to never shed tears over any man.
    He said goodnight and left.
    She leaned against the door. Was she…an idiot? No way. She silently chanted her personal mantra: Get over it. No dwelling or wallowing allowed. As Miss Scarlett once said, tomorrow was another day.
    With that thought, she headed to the bedroom and dug out her tape recorder. Work. Her salvation. She cleared her mind and clicked the record button on. She padded around the suite and said, “Okay, travel fans, in this part of the world, there’s no skydiving or parasailing, and there are definitely no black bears to scare away. However, ladies,