Sweet Satisfaction by Becca Dale Read Free Book Online Page B

anyway.”
    Confusion muddied his green eyes. “Meaning what?”
    “I’ve never had a friend like you, and I don’t want to mess us up. Guys change when they get a woman to fall for them. They say one thing until she gives in and another after the fact.”
    Gentle fingers traced her cheek. “Ah, Kate, baby. I’d never do that to you.”
    She pulled back. “You wouldn’t mean to.” Bubbles popped on her arm as she raised it in and out of the water, allowing the soap to slide toward her fingers. Anything to avoid his knowing gaze. “You think I’m silly for my list, but I set the criteria for a reason. Tall because tall people have an easier time in today’s world. I want that for my kids. If I’m shallow because of it, so be it. Fun because he’d be less likely to smack me around. And sexually adventurous because if he knows going in I’m willing to try stuff, he won’t leave the first time he’s bored.”
    He grabbed her ankles and tugged her forward, draping her legs over his. “So other than the height thing, which is simply dumb, I don’t see the problem with a relationship between us.”
    “I do.” She leaned forward, her head on his shoulder. “Can’t we please stay friends? I’m open to benefits if neither of us is seeing anyone else.”
    He stiffened.
    “Be my buddy, Con. Even my fuck buddy. But we can’t be more. If we try, we’ll end up hating one another.” Pulling from his arms, she slid to the far side of the tub. “I’d rather lose you now than watch that happen.”
    Connor stood in a rush, water sloshing over the sides. He grabbed a towel and stepped out to dry off. She stared in awe of his muscular form. Rock solid—a chiseled body to balance his soft heart. So much strength, he weakened her knees and her resolve. She couldn’t glance away from his chest, fascinated or maybe unwilling to witness hurt on his face. “Are we done talking?”
    “Among other things.” He jerked on his jeans and grabbed his wallet off the counter. “I’ll leave you some cash for a cab. Sleep here tonight and get your car in the morning. I have to go.”
    “What? Why?” She rose from the tub barely catching the towel he threw at her. “Connor, come on. Talk to me.”
    “I can’t. Not right now.” He slammed the bathroom door behind him.
    Kate bailed out of the tub and ran after him. “What is your problem? I’m giving you an out. You can come and go as you please. I won’t expect more.”
    He turned to glare at her, his hand on the doorknob. Already leaving.
    Desperate to avoid falling at his feet and begging him to stay, she stomped her foot. “You kidnapped me, Papa Bear . I didn’t ask you to do this. In fact, I told you I didn’t want it.”
    Wrapping the towel tight around her, she stormed closer, focused on her anger rather than the pain slashing her insides to bits. “This is what I was afraid of. It’s why I pushed you away for so long. I knew you would want more at first, but in the end, you won’t. A month, a year, even ten years down the road, you’ll walk away and never look back. Statistics prove it time after time. Hell, the parade of lovers through my mother’s bedroom has proven it.”
    “If you really think I’m capable of treating you like shit, then there’s no point in my staying, is there?”
    “Damn it, Con. Stop this. Drop me off at my car, and we’ll talk in a few days. After you’ve cooled down and can see reason.”
    “I can’t be near you right now, Kate, and I don’t want you driving home on the winding road in the dark, so stay here. But don’t call me. I’m done trying. Tonight was my last shot.”
    “Why can’t you be reasonable?”
    “Reasonable?” His jaw tightened, and if he were any other man, she’d expect him to take a swing at her. “I’ve been reasonable for three years. I hoped pushing you might get through the wall you’ve built between us, but apparently it backfired.”
    “I agreed we could be friends who sleep together.