Leave the Lights On by Karen Stivali Read Free Book Online Page B

what to do? I mean, without prying too much, did you and your ex do anything? Or not at all?”
    Parker sighed, digging his forehead farther into the face cushion, beyond grateful that this had all come up during a facedown part of the treatment. “We did some stuff. Not a lot. And she was never really that into it.”
    Tanya moved back down toward Parker’s thigh. He wasn’t sure if she thought he’d relaxed enough that she could work on it or if she sensed that he needed the distraction of more pain to keep up the conversation.
    As she stretched the damaged muscle, she continued. “It doesn’t matter, really. Every woman is different. Any time you’re with someone new, you have to discover what works for her. That’s true for any guy. Trust me on that. Even the ones who think they’ve got it all figured out—half the time they don’t. They just think they do. Biggest mistake guys make is rushing. Don’t rush things. Go slow.”
    “What do you mean?”
    Tanya paused then went back to stretching his leg. “It’s kind of like massage. A good therapist doesn’t just go straight to work on the trouble spot, they get to know the person’s body. I always tell you I could do this job blind because I see with my hands. A good lover sees with his hands.”
    That makes sense. “Okay.”
    “Take your time. Women like to be touched. All over, not just on the naughty bits.”
    Parker breathed out a laugh then groaned as Tanya bent his leg at the knee then tugged it down, stretching the sore ligaments to their fullest reach.
    “And ask her questions. Most guys don’t do that, but they should.”
    “What kind of questions?”
    “Simple things like ‘does that feel good?’ You’d be surprised how many women will let a guy keep doing something that feels awful because they don’t want to tell him he’s doing it wrong and make him feel bad. If you ask, you’re giving her the opportunity to tell you and maybe show you how to do it the way she prefers it.”
    Oh Jesus. The thought of doing stuff wrong filled him with a dread so heavy he felt like he could sink right through the table from the weight of it. “Okay.”
    “Just pay attention. The fact that you’re worried about it means you care, and that right there gives you a huge advantage over half the guys out there. Seriously. You’ll do fine.” She took her hands off his leg, and he heard her wiping them on a towel. “Lay there for a few minutes and rest. I worked you kind of hard today.”
    Parker was thankful to be able to stay face down until she left the room. “Thanks.”
    “No problem.” She reached over and ruffled the back of his hair. “Have fun on your date. Just be yourself and remember, she’s a lucky girl.”
    Lucky? We’ll see.

Chapter Nine
    Sophie looked in the hall mirror for at least the fifth time since she’d gotten dressed for her date with Parker. Turning from side to side, she reached under her short black skirt to tug her top down farther. Does this lay flat enough? Should I wear a sweater instead? She pulled at the fabric beneath her arms, trying to make sure she wasn’t getting too sweaty. Calm. Down. She forced a smile so she could make sure there was no lipstick on her teeth. It’s just Parker. We’ve hung out a million times. Her attempt at being rational failed. The word “date” bounced around her mind like a pinball.
    The sound of Parker’s car pulling into her driveway made her jump. Glancing quickly in the mirror one last time, she tucked her hair behind her ears. You can do this. The doorbell rang, and she tried to relax. Seeing him standing on her front steps—dark trousers, a shirt as blue as his eyes, dark hair styled but still pleasantly tousled—it was all she could do to keep from grabbing his arm, pulling him into the house and pinning him to the nearest wall.
    God help me. “Hey,” she said, afraid any other attempt at speaking might lead to her saying something crazy like “take me now”.
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