When We Touch by Brenda Novak Read Free Book Online

completely and totally over.
    Assuming it was basic chemistry, the kind that could come out of nowhere even with a complete stranger, she shrugged off her reaction. He was merely referring to what she’d said earlier. “Or so they think. I’m sorry I went that far. I had no right to drag you into something that could have long-term repercussions inside your own family. But…it won’t turn out to be a big deal. I let both him and Noelle know it’s not serious. We don’t have to go around holding hands or anything. Maybe a smile or two at the wedding—that’s all.”
    “You’re saying you implied we’re not making love, just having sex.”
    “Exactly. But I made sure they knew it was mind-blowing.” She tried to joke a little herself but the images that flashed through her head—images of Brandon’s mouth on hers—made her words anything but funny.
    “There’s only one problem,” he said.
    “What’s that?”
    “If you told them it was casual, they already know you were lying.”
    For some reason, she was having difficulty catching her breath. “What makes you say that?”
    “Honey, you’re not capable of casual.”
    She’d certainly been more circumspect than he had. But that didn’t mean she couldn’t play the same game of Catch Me If You Can. “How do you know? I’m just as capable of free and easy as anyone.”
    “You’re speaking from experience? You’ve had other ‘free and easy’ relationships?”
    She thought of the two men she’d slept with. Both had been long-term, steady boyfriends. “Not yet,” she admitted. “But after what I’ve been through, I’m not looking for a commitment. I think everyone understands that. Emotional entanglements are too…sticky and…and confining.” The memory of Kyle coming forward to tell her he’d been with Noelle made her want to bang her head on the steering wheel again. “Not to mention painful,” she added. “And when they don’t work out you have to deal with regret for getting involved in the first place.”
    “I couldn’t have said it better myself.”
    “Why shouldn’t I have my fun just like everyone else?” she asked, warming to her defiance. “I’m twenty-seven. I can do whatever I want.”
    “Now you’re getting me excited.”
    She heard the humor in his voice but chose to ignore it. “Maybe I’ve been playing it too safe. Maybe I wouldn’t be the one nursing a broken heart if I was willing to take a walk on the wild side once in a while.”
    “I’ll buy that.”
    Again, she ignored the subtle smile in his voice because she loved feeling empowered. Just the idea of breaking the rules and getting away with it seemed to revive her flagging spirits. She could fight back if she wanted to!
    But her enthusiasm dimmed as fast as it had dawned when he said, “Great. Come on over. Venus is out tonight. I’ll show you.”
    Shit. She’d gone too far. She’d merely wanted him to respect her as someone equally capable of making that choice. Instead he’d called her bluff.
    Suddenly feeling the need to backpedal, she searched for a good excuse. “I would, but…you’re not the right kind of guy for my first hook-up.”
    “Are you kidding?” he said. “I’m the perfect guy. And I’m volunteering.”
    “That’s kind of you, but…it wouldn’t be… smart .”
    “Define smart.”
    “We wouldn’t gel. We’re not…compatible.”
    “Because…”
    She swallowed hard. He knew he appealed to women, knew she was no exception. What would he accept that would allow her to save face? “I’d be a boring partner for a thrill-seeker like you.”
    “That’s like saying you have to wash your hair,” he said flatly. “If you’re stepping up your game, you’re really going to have to do better.”
    “It’s not as lame as you’re making it sound.”
    “It’s worse. Face it. You’re all talk.”
    “No, I’m not,” she said. “Think of the women you’ve been with. The variety. The experience. I’d be…meat and