Page 27 of Releasing Reenie

“Cocky bastard.”

“Truer words have never been spoken, sweetheart. Now show me what you got.”

And I did. He was right behind me the whole time, but I still reached the bench first. And I knew him well enough to know he didn’t let me win this time.

We spent the next several minutes walking slowly around the bench to catch our breath.

His shirt had a V of sweat down his chest and his skin was slick with it. The run didn’t dampen my urges for this man, but it also didn’t ease the turmoil his words had given me.

“Thanks for pushing me.”

He shot me a crooked grin. “Who said I was pushing you?”

Again I rolled my eyes. “You were and we both know it. You may know how to hold back when it comes to being pushy about my emotions, but physically you’re an ass.”

“I held back last time.”

“I know, so why didn’t you today?”

“We’re friends now. And friends know when friends need a little kick in the booty.”

I plopped down on the bench, not bothering with the rest of my stretches even knowing I’d regret it the next day and sighed.

“Fine. My mother was a controlling bitch who dismissed everything I wanted and made every one of my decisions for me and berated me when I disagreed or tried to make any myself. I was never enough, my ideas were stupid, she was ashamed of my appearance, my effort in school, I talked too much, I talked toolittle, my makeup was a disgrace, my hair must have come from my father because it was unmanageable just like the rest of me.”

I let out a long shaky breath, emotions like a swat team ready to break through my walls. “But I didn’t let her break me.” I straightened my shoulders, and held my chin high, turning to look at the gorgeous man beside me. “No one will ever break me.”

“You’re amazing.”

My brows furrowed.

“That is some seriously fucked-up maternal carnage, but you didn’t let it hold you back and you’re not letting it keep you from helping Mira, despite what it likely brings to the surface.”

I snort-huffed because the alternative was to break down and bawl like a baby.

“That woman needed to tear you down to feel good about herself and that’s all kinds of fucked-up.” He rose from his spot on the bench. “But, Reenie, I hope you know no one wants to break you here.”

I swallowed a dry patch in my throat, not daring to look at him. But his hand came into view in front of my downturned face.

“Come on. Let’s figure out the best way to help Mira. And do it from the hot tub, because I’m pretty sure I’ll need crutches tomorrow after this run.”

He smiled and it was contagious. Or maybe I was just so relieved at spilling my guts about my mother that returning a smile was easy.

CHAPTER 13

Maureen

As I waited for Luna to get our coffees, my mind wandered. I’d had a nice time with Trent in the hot tub. Nothing happened but friendly banter and good conversation, but that’s what was so amazing. He didn’t try to talk about what I’d confessed, he didn’t psychoanalyze me or manipulate me with what he’d learned.

And maybe that was why when I went to bed last night, my fantasy had him in the starring role. Only it wasn’t my usual type of fantasy. And it led to the most explosive orgasm I’d ever had. The fantasy? Trent topping me.

“Ooh, we got free cookies!” Luna said, setting a tray on the table and plopping into the seat across from me. I looked up startled, my face hot with my reverie. “I told the guy we were from Rawhide, and he gave me a wink and handed me two cookies. Said he was looking forward to coming for Visitors’ Weekend and he hoped to see me there. Lucky me.”

I glanced at the guy behind the counter. He was handsome and well put together but he was no Drake. I wondered when she’d give in to her feelings for the guy and stop attempting tofool herself into thinking she was just interested in him as a “friend”.

Luna moaned and my attention was pulled back to her. She was sipping her coffee like it was divine.

I took a sip of my own and realized she wasn’t overselling it. “The coffee is other-worldly good. Thanks for bringing us here.”

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