“I know you love your job, but the whole reason you’re not with anyone is because you keep comparing them to the men you’ve read about in those stupid stories. ”
“Gasp! I can’t believe you called them stupid stories. I’m so not buying you a Kindle for Christmas. Hey, I get more pleasure from my books than anything. I love to read, and you should do it more often. It might give you some hope, Wh
it. Prince Charming is out there, babe. Don’t give up. ”
“First off, you buy more books than anyone I know when your damn job is reading other people’s books. ”
“That’s different. I’m working when I read those. I need pleasure reading. ”
“Yeah, pleasure reading. How many vibrators have you gone through because you get turned-on by those books?” I placed my hands on my hips.
Courtney started laughing. “Oh my God. Are you jealous of my Kindle? You want a hot story, Whit? I’ll recommend one to you. I’ll even buy it in paperback for your ass. ”
I shook my head. “Puh-lease. No book would ever get me to the point where I needed to reach for a vibrator. Ever!”
The smile that spread across Courtney’s face said it all.
Ah hell, I’m in trouble.
“One hundred bucks says I can get you reaching for one. ”
I stood there, staring at her. “No way. ”
“You’re a chicken. ”
“I’m not a chicken, you bitch. ” I turned and walked toward the stairs.
“Two hundred then. ”
I stopped and looked at her. “You’re really willing to put up two hundred bucks to see if a book will turn me on enough to need a vibrator?”
“Oh yeah. Just to prove your ass wrong. Baby girl, you have no idea what you’ve been missing out on during the last few years you spent with that asshole Roger. ”
Just the mention of his name caused a shudder to travel through my body. “Fine. One book. I’ll read one book, and if it doesn’t work, I don’t ever want to hear about how hot your latest book boyfriend made you one night. ”
The smile on her face scared me slightly.
Oh dear God. What is she gonna have me read?
As I turned to head up the stairs, she called out, “Wait! What about tonight? Let’s just go and have a few drinks. I’d kind of like to see a cowboy or two, Whit. Please!”
I really didn’t want that Richard guy hitting on me all night, but I did want to relax a bit and grab a few beers. Anything to keep my mind off of Roger and New York.
“Fine, but I’m only going to stay for a couple of drinks. ”
“Yes! You’re the best!”
The next thing I knew, she was flying past me and up the stairs.
“Jesus, what’s the rush?”
She turned and looked at me like I was nuts. “I have work to do—shower, shave, search for an outfit, do my makeup and hair. My God, Whit, it takes work to get beautiful. ”
I shook my head. “Pesh, if they don’t see you for how beautiful you are without going through all that shit, then fuck ’em. ”
“You can say that. You’ve given up on men for all eternity. I just want one good fuck. I haven’t had sex in way too long. ”
My mouth dropped open as she turned and walked into her room.