Freaks Under Fire by Maree Anderson Read Free Book Online Page B

misunderstandings?
    Perhaps it would be more prudent to show him, rather than tell him—Jay was all too aware that at times her manner of speaking and the way she expressed herself could disconcert humans. But what was the best way to show Tyler she truly wanted to be intimate with him?
    And, to complicate matters further, her brain chose that moment to replay a previous encounter with Tyler. One where she’d been ninety-five-point-seven percent certain she’d correctly interpreted his emotional and physical state, and had indicated her readiness for intimacy by grasping his hand to lead him to the bedroom… only for Tyler to turn her down, insisting she wasn’t ready.
    The encounter unspooled in her mind.
    How to put this so Tyler would understand? “I have extensively researched human sexuality and I am fully aware of what’s involved,” she told him. “Further, if you have concerns at my readiness, I am capable of manipulating my body functions to insure my—”
    She broke off as she noted him biting his lip. It appeared he was attempting to hide a smile. Likely, this was one of those times when detailed explanations were not appropriate. But she couldn’t help feeling…
unappreciative
of his capacity to be amused by her at this current time. “Perhaps it would be best if I did not explain my capabilities in this instance.”
    “Yeah,” he said. “Awesome as it is to know you can get yourself all fired up without any help from me, we guys kinda prefer to think we’re the ones responsible for girls ‘getting ready’. If you know what I mean.”
    “Then before I provide you with any further amusement, perhaps you would care to explain what you meant by your previous statement about ‘readiness’.”
    The instant the words left her lips she knew she should have made an effort to moderate her tone, but it was too late. Tyler would have to, as Caro would say,
deal
.
    Thankfully, he didn’t take offence. In fact, if his pulse rate and relaxed muscles and even breathing were any indicator, he was now calm and unworried. Which was very confusing indeed.
    She re-ran the significant portions of the encounter in her mind, analyzing them for nuances she might have misinterpreted. But there was no misinterpreting what she had seen and heard. Tyler had clearly indicated he desired intimacy. She’d made it clear she desired it, too. Yet he’d turned her down.
    What was she missing?
    One’s first sexual encounter with a new partner was purported to be a significant act that, inevitably, complicated everything. Surely, then, there must be multitudinous things for a young human male to be worried about? Then again, perhaps Tyler’s reticence stemmed from there being another person in the house—his ex-girlfriend, no less. But that was an excellent reason to retreat to the bedroom, which, after all, was not only a room with a
bed
, but a private area where one person could bed another.
    Some of her confusion must have shown in her expression for he endeavored to explain. “I mean you’re still treating this like some lab experiment—you’re analyzing everything. When you’re too caught up in the moment to be analytical about it, then you’ll be ready.”
    “But if I’m too caught up in the moment to analyze it, how will I recognize my readiness? How will I know I’m… ready?”
    “Believe me, you’ll know.”
    Believe me you’ll know…. What manner of explanation was that?
    A wholly inadequate one, that’s what.
    Jay set that problem aside for the moment and turned her mind to other hopefully more fruitful issues. “Ready” was an adjective meaning “Completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress. Mentally disposed. Made suitable and available for immediate use.” If these definitions were to be believed, then Jay had been “ready” back then, and she was “ready” now. However it was obvious that dictionary definitions did not take into account the opinions and