Anything You Want: River Jewel Resort Series Book 1 by Madison Sevier Read Free Book Online Page A

chest, threads of desire already spreading through her sated body.
    “Would that be so bad, Sydney? If I never left?”
    Whoa. That sentence halted any plans Sydney had mentally made. She wasn’t exactly ready to hop off of him and run, but his words weren’t said with a casual air. He meant them. Sydney felt it and she wasn’t sure what she wanted right now.
    “Mark, I…” she rolled off of him and turned away.
    “No worries, Sydney. I know you aren’t ready for another commitment. That’s okay. I just want you to know I’ll be here waiting for you when you are.” He kissed her shoulder and rose off the bed to gather his clothes.
    The moment he left her side, Sydney’s heart ached.  The girl who believed in happily-ever-after, was kicking and screaming but the sensible just-been-heartbroken-woman was in control now and she needed to take things slow.
    “Mark, I had a lovely time.” She rolled her eyes as she sat up in bed, not bothering to cover her naked form. “Okay, that was ridiculous and lame. It was more than lovely. The only coherent word I can think is ‘wow’ and part of me would love to stay here in this secluded bubble with you. But I can’t. Not yet. There are so many things I want to do.”
    “Like what? I can give you everything you need. Just like the song says, Sydney, if you’ll let me.”
    “Mark, I had that once. Roger gave me everything, every possible material thing a woman could ever want and it wasn’t enough. Hell, I only know I need time, time to figure out who I am and where my life is going. It isn’t personal, okay. You’re a great guy and a phenomenal lover and any woman would be lucky to have you. I know from the time we’ve spent together that I care for you. You infuriate me, you make me laugh and I feel more alive and satisfied than I ever have. But is that enough?”
    He shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. “Well, my offer still stands, I’ll be here. I’ll wait for you.”
    Sydney smiled and held her arms out, beckoning him to embrace her. Their hug was long and heartfelt. When they pulled away, tears filled her eyes, but she blinked them away, and knew leaving was the right thing to do. For now.
    “I’ve gotta ’ run, Sydney. Work calls.” Mark averted his gaze and Sydney knew he was lying but she understood.
    “Okay. Well, the next time I’m in town, I hope I will see you again, Mark.”
    “Anything you want, Sydney.” He kissed her good-bye and smiled before leaving her in the grotto.
    Chapter Nine
    Sydney packed her bags and had the bell-hop take them to her car. After an amazing, relaxing week, she was ready to go out into the world. Reservations at a cute bed and breakfast in Cape Cod were made and it was one more thing to check off her bucket list, something she only recently decided to do. After all of her items were crossed off, she’d return to Mark, if he’d still have her. For now, she wanted to spend some time alone.
    They had spoken often during her stay that week, each promised to call. Sydney hoped that was true. She really cared for Mark and was grateful he understood her need to get past any of the emotions still holding her back. He was amazing. In fact, he had helped her set up a strict itinerary for her road trip and he hadn’t even put up a fuss about her leaving. Not much, anyways.
    “Well, you’re all set, Sydney. Javier filled your tank and everything’s loaded. Are you sure you won’t stay? We can hang out at the pool. Maybe we can work on fulfilling all of your dreams right here?” His mischievous smile made her blush and tendrils of desire flared through her.
    She playfully swatted his arm and shook her finger at him. “Mark, you’re too much.”
    “That’s not what you said the other day.”
    That man knew how to push her buttons, all of them. She knew in her heart, she’d be back sooner than she planned. It was hard enough to make herself leave. Sydney threw her arms around him and kissed him, “Thank