Page 19 of Flirt Away

“I told myself for a long time that I was comfortable with my body. And for the most part, that’s true. I love myself for who I am. But being with Jeff was one of those life decisions that kept me from actually accepting it.” She turned, catching Zane’s sweet, empathetic gaze. It was hard to concentrate on anything but him when he stared at her that way.

“My mother is perfect. Physically. Of course, she’s had countless procedures to stay that way. But her looks are her business. She’s a walking advertisement for her practice and weirdly proud of that fact. She’s still a size four and doesn’t have a wrinkle or an age spot on her body. To her, the only way to keep a man satisfied is if you dress up his arm.”

“First, I don’t know what dressing up someone’s arm means, but wouldn’t that be up to the man to figure out what he likes and finds desirable?”

She opened her mouth, but Zane held up his hand.

“And that goes for a lady, too.” He ran his hand through his wavy hair. It bounced to his shoulders. “I’m sure there are women who find my hair unruly and would prefer someone with a clean-cut look.” He lifted his shirt, showing off a tattoo of a sailboat on his chest.

His nipple was right smack-dab in the center of the wheel.

“And I’ve got eight more tatts on my body. Maybe people find that unattractive. I don’t want to be with a woman who wants to change me or judges me for my decisions—both good and bad.”

She raised her finger to her lips. All she could think about was sucking on that nipple. She shook her head. “You’re pretty hot.”

“Thanks. So are you. And it bothers me anyone would make you feel less than beautiful. Especially your own mother.”

“It’s hard for me to believe that sometimes.” She inched closer and covered his mouth with her hand. “And that has nothing to do with me not loving my body, and everything to do with the way the world views overweight women.” She dropped her arm to her side. “People say things like, ‘Oh, you have such a pretty face,’as they look me up and down. And both my mother and Jeff… would say things like, ‘Are you sure you want to have a bagel? Carbs are your enemy.’”

“Unless you ask for someone’s help with your food intake, they shouldn’t say anything.”

“Well, Jeff thought he was doing me a favor,” she said. “The worst was when he told me how his wife lost the freshman fifteen.”

Zane took the glass from her hand and set it on the end table by the outdoor chaise lounge. “I’m glad you’re not with him anymore. He doesn’t deserve a woman like you.”

“What does that mean?” She held her breath as Zane brushed her hair back from her face and wrapped his strong arms around her body.

His hands made their way down her back, lifting her shirt and finding her bare skin.

“Confident. Smart. Sexy. Kind. Did I say sexy?”

She smiled. “You did.”Don’t ask the question. Don’t do it. You don’t want to hear the cheesy, ridiculous answer that is only a half-truth.“What about me is sexy?”

“When I opened my office door last week and laid eyes on you, I knew I was a goner.” He brushed his soft, hot lips over her cheek. Then the other one. His hands curled over her ass, pulling her even closer.

“Why?”

“You strolled down the corridor with a massive amount of self-assuredness, a tinge of sweet innocence, and a dollop of sexiness that made me want to get to know you better—if you had any interest in me.”

She stared deep into his dark-chocolate eyes as she ran her fingers through his soft, thick hair. “I have to know something.”

“What?”

“Everyone has a type.”

He arched a brow as his hands glided up her back and unhooked her bra. “You’re my type.” He leaned in, but she tilted her head back.

“Some men like large breasts. Others prefer big butts.”

“Are you going to tell me size matters? Should I be worried?”

She laughed. “I’ve seen and felt the goods. You’ve got nothing to worry about. And now you’re the one deflecting.”

He narrowed his eyes, and his expression turned serious. “I like my women smart and to know what they want. And I like curves. I don’t like girls who are so skinny I’m afraid I’ll break them.” His eyelids fluttered, and he groaned. “You’re the sexiest woman I’ve ever met. Both inside and out. And I can’t wait to find out what will make you call out my name as your body quivers under my touch.” He lifted her shirt.

“What? Here?”

He nodded.

---