Page 9 of Undeniable

CHAPTERTHREE

Immersed in my latest read, I ignored the hum of conversation in the café as I waited for Alyssa to arrive. It wasn’t the trendiest café in LA, but that was part of its charm. That and the amazing food and proximity to my office.

Work had been so hectic this morning, I hadn’t had time to check my Spines for Soldiers email. As I scrolled through and spotted a new one, a thrill of excitement raced through me when I saw who it was from—Connor. I knew nothing about my new reading partner other than his first name and the fact that he was a former Navy SEAL, but I was excited, nevertheless.

I’d always wanted a pen pal. The idea that we could connect over a book from across the country or even the world made me giddy. I opened his message, but the longer I read, the more my smile fell until I was staring at the screen with my jaw hanging open.Are you kidding me?

“Who?” Alyssa asked, making me realize I’d said it aloud. I’d been so absorbed in the email, I hadn’t even seen her approach.

“Connor.” I continued to stare at my screen, aghast.

“Who’s Connor?” she asked, nudging me toward the line.

“The SEAL I was paired with for Spines for Soldiers. Former Navy SEAL,” I corrected.

“Mm. Sexy name.”

“For an asshole,” I sneered, my mind still on what he’d said. He was probably just a grumpy little old man who had nothing better to do with his time than tear other people down.

“Ooh. Tell me more.”

“What is it about women and assholes?” I mused aloud. “I mean, do you honestly enjoy being treated like crap?”

She barked out a laugh. “Fuck no. But if a man is dominant, controlling, the sex can be so, so hot.” She fanned herself.

My cheeks flamed with heat. I didn’t have much experience when it came to sex. Or at least, nothing that could be considered hot enough to scorch your panties like the kind Alyssa mentioned. I’d only heard about it secondhand and read about it in the few romance novels Alyssa had convinced me to try. I honestly wondered if it was a myth.

“Plus,” she continued as we inched toward the counter. “The more brooding and alpha they are, the more satisfying it is when they fall.”

“Fall?” I tilted my head to the side.

“In love, silly.” She yanked her purse up on her shoulder.

I covered my face with my hands. “You read way too many romance novels.”

“What can I say?” She shrugged, completely unapologetic. “It’s my job.”

Alyssa worked in the marketing department as well, but in the romance genre. Where I covered several types of fiction, she focused solely on contemporary romance because it wasthatpopular.

“Yeah. Yeah. I know.”

“So…” She leaned in, nudging me with her elbow. “What did your sexy SEAL say that’s got you so hot and bothered?”

I hmphed. “Sexy? He may have been a SEAL, but he isnotsexy.”

His attitude was so far from being sexy, it was laughable. He was arrogant and rude and… I blew out a breath.

“Oh honey, all SEALs are sexy. It’s like a job requirement or something. Like being able to hold your breath underwater for three minutes.”

I turned to her. “Is that even a real thing?”

“I don’t know. But I bet anyone who can hold their breath for three minutes is amazing at oral sex.” She waggled her eyebrows. “Imagine the possibilities.”

“I’d rather not.” I crossed my arms over my chest, a prickly feeling spreading over my skin. The few times a guy had gone down on me, it had been…awkward and less than pleasant.

“You’re no fun.” She pouted.

“I am fun!” I protested.

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