Page 28 of As You Crave It

“With what?” She eyed him critically, knowing that she would be able to see through his bullshit, but he continued shoveling it out, anyway. “With what, Quin?” she asked again when he didn’t answer.

He took a deep breath, knowing that he was about to bury himself so deeply that he was sure he wouldn’t be able to climb out. It would only lead to embarrassment, but he didn’t care. He was desperate to convince her to give him another chance. “On the beach, last night, you told me I don’t know how to be in a relationship. And you were right. I know how to get a woman into bed. But beyond that I’m clueless and doomed to be alone forever.” He paused and took a deep breath, gently removed his glass from her fingers and drank another mouthful of rum. “So, I need you to show me how.”

“Show you how?” She laughed. “I don’t think you have any trouble with women.”

“Like I said, it’s not just about sex. I’m good there.” He was more than proficient when it came to those skills.

“Yeah, you’re telling me.”

“But I need you to show me what women like, outside of the things I already know. You’ve already put the kibosh on anything that can happen between us—besides friendship and sex, apparently. But romance is the part I’m missing here.”

Quin was sure he could probably use his common sense, or even an internet search engine to learn the dos and don’ts of romancing a woman. But he didn’t want to do any of that. He had been right earlier when he said that friends with benefits felt more like a relationship than he’d ever had before. But if he could keep Celia close, in something that looked like a relationship, then maybe she would change her mind. “Tell me how to get, and keep, a woman like you.”

Celia’s mouth opened in shock. She wasn’t sure quite what Quin was asking of her. “You want relationship advice?” She shook her head. “I don’t know.”

Since he’d left her room, she been trying to work out in her mind what was happening between them. She knew how this would end—in heartbreak. She didn’t want to let it happen again, but her need for Quin was somehow greater than her fear. She wouldn’t let him into her heart. But that didn’t mean that they couldn’t keep sleeping together, enjoying a more physical relationship. They could hang out again, like the old friends they were. She just couldn’t give him her heart. She could still feel the hurt from the past. But they were older now, wiser. She could resist falling for Quin. She loved the guy, only as a friend. But...

That was a fucking lie, and she knew it. If they weren’t on the deck of her boss’s yacht, she would have no doubt straddled him right then and there and rode him all the way back to Miami. But she knew that would never happen. She’d never been so assertive when it came to men. She remembered when Quin had asked her what she liked in bed, and she couldn’t even form the words. As a friend, Quin could do something for her, too. She’d spent her entire adult life behind a computer, and very little time with dating. “Fine,” she said. “I’ll show you how to romance a woman. But you need to do something for me.”

He smiled. “Anything.”

“I...” Celia trailed off for a moment, trying to find the right words. “Remember earlier, when we were together, and you asked me to tell you what I wanted?” She paused. “In bed.”

“I do remember that.”

“You could probably tell that I’m not the most adventurous lover. I—Oh, God, this is embarrassing.” She shook her head and looked down.

“Don’t be embarrassed,” he told her. His tone was gentle, and she remembered how vulnerable he’d been with her just seconds ago. He was her friend, and she could say anything to him. “Say it,” he told her, shifting closer to her. He put his hand on top of hers, and she felt comfort at his touch “Whatever it is, just say it.”

Celia took a deep breath. “As long as we have this ‘friends-with-benefits’ arrangement happening,” she said, making air quotes with her fingers, “or whatever it is, if I’m going to show you how to romance a woman, I need you to show me how to make love.” Quin froze and then snickered, bringing his glass to his lips. She punched his shoulder. “Don’t laugh!”

“Okay, I’m sorry.” He tilted his head and watched her. “Are you serious?”

“I am. I’ve had some lovers, not many, mind you, but I was always more submissive in bed. And sometimes that’s fine. But I also want to take control. Sometimes I want to be more...” She trailed off again, searching for the right word.

“Aggressive?” he asked, guessing.

“Assertive,” she said, correcting him. She took the glass from his hand and her fingertips glanced along his. His skin was warm and smooth, and she had to force herself to concentrate on the conversation they were having.

“I don’t know. Based on what we did a few hours ago, I don’t think you need any pointers.”

“I’m pretty sure I froze up and you did all the work there, champ.”

“Let’s call it a solid team effort.” He held out his fist, and she laughed and bumped hers against it.

“Either way, I’m drastically behind the curve when it comes to sexiness.”

“There’s no way in hell that’s true. But I’m not crazy enough to say no to your proposal.”

“And I won’t say no to you, either.”

“I think we’ve just managed to complicate our friends-with-benefits arrangement,” he warned her.

Had they ever! Celia looked up at the clear night sky, as if the stars might hold the answers she was looking for. She was taking a big risk, and she wanted to trust that Quin wouldn’t break her heart once before. Could she trust he wouldn’t do it again? Was there a way to get what she wanted but also protect herself?

“It’s always been a little complicated between us,” Quin said.

“Yeah, I know. Do we have a deal?” she asked, extending her hand to him.