Working_Out by Marie Harte Read Free Book Online Page B

that accompanied her failed relationships.
    And after the sex, they could and would remain casual friends. Friends with Benefits. She could do that. So she hoped.
     
    The next night she sat shuffling through the cable stations when a knock sounded at the door. A glance at the clock made her sigh. Mr. Marine, a good ten minutes early. Go figure.
    “I’m not dressed yet,” she yelled out.
    “Then I’m definitely coming in.”
    She laughed to herself and crossed to the door. She opened it, and Mac pushed past her inside. “Grab your jacket. Let’s go.”
    “Hello. And how are you today? I’m fine. What? Yes. The class went well. The gym wasn’t too crowded.”
    He snorted. “Yeah, yeah. How are you? Good to hear. You look stunning, as usual. And no, I haven’t slept with anyone between last night, when you left me hard and frustrated, and now.”
    She blinked at him as she grabbed her jacket. “I don’t think I asked about your sex life.”
    “You should. Responsible partners are all about safe sex.”
    “Oh my God. Are you lecturing me?”
    The fifteen minute drive to his house grew into a debate about sexual responsibility. As usual, the argument was more about needling Mac than being right. Half the time she said things just to annoy him.
    “Oh yeah. For me, a condom is a must ,” she emphasized.
    He frowned. “But you said you’re on birth control.”
    “Duh, because I’m not ready for kids yet. But birth control doesn’t prevent STDs.”
    “Um, I get that. But I told you I’m clean,” he said as he parked the car.
    She left the vehicle with him and walked up the drive. “I thought we were talking in generalities. Why the push to have sex with me? I thought this was just a date. You know. Where we talk to each other.”
    He ground his teeth and let her into the house. “For such a small person, you have a big mouth.”
    “I’m not that small. Unless I stand next to freakishly large people, like yourself.”
    “You mean, freakishly sexy people. I know I make you uncomfortable, being so hot and godlike. It’s okay, Maggie. I’ll take good care of you.”
    She shoved him out of the way and took a good look at his place. “I’m amazed your ego fits through the door.”
    The large home in Green Lake fit what she’d imagined his finances to be. According to Shelby, who’d heard it from Shane, Mac had made a bunch of great investments over the years, diversifying. So unlike many in this economy, he actually had money to fall back on, added to his military retirement. He drove a new car that had to cost a pretty penny. And his home boasted hardwood floors, leather furniture, and exquisite built-in cabinetry around a stone fireplace. A few black and white photographs of different countries and places graced the walls. He didn’t have a lot of clutter, but he had pictures and Marine Corps mementos filling up a wall unit to the left of the fireplace.
    She saw him in the décor, but she also thought he’d had help. “This is way too neat for you. I was expecting black leather and chrome. Some nudie posters and pizza boxes.” She liked that he narrowed his eyes, obviously irked. “So who helped you decorate?”
    “Why is it so hard to believe I did it myself?”
    She just stared at him.
    He blew out a breath. “Fine. Shane’s mom helped me stage the stuff. But it was my taste. I picked out the furniture.”
    “Hmm.” She ran a hand over the back of the leather sectional. “Feels nice, and it’s big enough for that monstrously large body of yours.”
    “And my ego. Don’t forget how big that is,” he said sarcastically.
    “There is that.” She waited for it.
    “It goes without saying, I’m big all over.”
    “I knew you wouldn’t let that one slide.”
    He chuckled. “See? You do know me. Isn’t it nice, being all friendly?”
    She shook her head and moved deeper into the house. Through a nice dining room big enough to seat six she entered a gourmet kitchen. Jealous, because