Broken (Broken 1)

“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.