Gorgeous Consort by E. L. Todd Read Free Book Online Page B

fingers on her lips. She moved through the house, checking every bedroom and bathroom. Then she returned and looked at the granite countertops in the kitchen.
    “So…?” I sat on the couch and put my feet up.
    “Okay, this is what I’m thinking…” She was in her designer mode. “Gray walls with white trimming. A white rug with black leather recliners, and colorful art on the walls to lighten up the place. How about that for starters?”
    I shrugged. “Sounds fine to me.”
    “You weren’t kidding about not knowing what you want.”
    “Nope.”
    “At least you’re laid-back.”
    “I trust you, Perfect Ten.”
    She stopped in her tracks then her head snapped in my direction. “What did you just call me?”
    I gave her a smirk. “I finally found a nickname for you.”
    “That’s not a nickname,” she said. “That’s you objectifying me.”
    “Hey, it fits,” I said with a shrug.
    “Battleship is a real nickname. Perfect Ten is not.”
    “But it suits you so well.” Before she could argue with me I walked outside to the back patio. The breeze moved through my hair, and the bright view of the beach was blinding to my eyes.
    She followed behind me, and her argument dropped once she saw the white sand and blue waves. “Wow…this is beautiful.”
    “I know.” I sat down in the chair and stared across the water.
    When she looked away from the water she examined the patio and furniture. “This place looks perfect. I don’t need to do anything.”
    “At least I got something right.” I stood up and headed to the pool. I stuck a few fingers into the water. “Perfect temperature.” I turned to her and gave her a smug look.
    “Forget it.”
    “Come on, loosen up.”
    “I am loose,” she argued. “Just ask Aspen.”
    “No, you’re totally uptight. You’re stressed about your family and your sister’s engagement, you’re depressed you haven’t found Prince Charming, and you’re pissed off no one gives you the credit you deserve. Do something crazy and let go.”
    “And I’ll accomplish that by letting you see me naked?” Doubt was in her voice.
    “Hey, this is a two-way street,” I said. “You’ll see me naked too. And don’t act like that’s not a treat.”
    “You and I have different definitions of treats,” she said. “Getting a cranberry scone with my morning coffee from Starbucks is considered a treat.”
    “Well, I’m about to change your definition.” I pulled off my shirt and tossed it on the chair.
    Her eyes immediately went to my chest and she stared at my definition and hardness. The look on her face told me she liked what she saw, but she quickly looked away like she didn’t. “You’re wasting your time.”
    “You’re going to make me skinny dip by myself?”
    “I’m not making you do anything.”
    I undid my jeans and shoes and slid them off. I stood in my boxers, my thick thighs available for her to see. My hips made a noticeable V that disappeared into my boxers. There was no way she didn’t like what she saw. “Come on.”
    She crossed her arms over her chest. “Why do you want to see me naked so bad?”
    “I call you Perfect Ten for a reason.” I stepped into the water. “I won’t even look. Just get in.”
    “You’re such a liar,” she said with a laugh.
    “Okay, I will. But get in anyway.”
    “This is a really odd friendship.”
    “It’s our thing.” I winked then stepped further into the water. “The water feels great...” When my shoulders submerged, I took off my boxers and tossed them on the concrete. “Are you as outgoing as you claim?”
    She shifted her weight and looked at the sky. “I can’t believe I’m even considering this…”
    I splashed her with water. “Don’t be a pussy.”
    “I have a pussy so why would that be offensive?”
    “Just get in. Or I’ll drag you in.”
    She shifted her weight again while she debated her decision. Then she released a loud sigh. “Fine.”
    “Yes!”
    “But turn