Page 85 of Fake It For Love (Faux Love)
“I’m not taking your money,” she stated. “I can’t. I would feel like you were paying me to have sex. It would take away from what I feel for you.”
“I’m paying you,” I said. “You need the money. I want you to have it. You deserve it. And we made a deal. I don’t go back on my deals.”
“But—”
I pulled out from under her and sat up so I could look at her. “Claire, seriously listen to me. This isn’t just a contract for me either. This is very real to me. When I was up there, you were the person I thought about. You were the one I wanted to see again. I kept thinking about all the stuff that didn’t get said. The things we didn’t get to do. I was worried about you here on the island. I could think of nothing else but getting back to you. The guys at the airport thought I was crazy for wanting to drive in the storm. I can’t explain the way it felt, but I had this sense of urgency to see you again.”
She looked away. “Ryan, you are this incredibly attractive man with money to burn. You’re smart and kind and I’m not afraid to admit you are pretty damn close to the perfect man. I’m nothing like that.”
“Good, because I don’t want to sleep with an incredibly attractive man,” I teased.
“You know what I mean,” she said. “I’m not the typical woman people would imagine you being with.”
“I don’t give a shit what people expect or imagine,” I said. “I know what I want. I know what gets me hard and makes my blood course with desire. It’s you.”
She swallowed hard and looked up at me. “I think you might be too good to be true.”
I smiled and dropped a kiss on her lips. “I don’t know about that, but I’m pretty happy you think so. You’re the only one I want to impress. Your opinion is the one that matters to me. I don’t give a shit what anyone else thinks.”
“You’re not embarrassed to be hooked up with the big girl?” she asked.
“Big girl?” I repeated.
“I don’t look like Norah or the other women,” she said sheepishly. “I’m not fishing for compliments. I’m just pointing out that society has set some standards. I don’t quite fit with those standards of beauty. I’m cool with it. I feel good. I’m not down on myself or anything like that, but a man like you is probably used to women that fit within those standards.”
“First of all, a man like me can decide for himself what he finds beautiful and attractive,” I said. “Second of all, I don’t give a shit what society says. Never have. I do me. I worry about what makes me happy. Lastly, you are gorgeous. You have to know that. I don’t give a shit what size you wear. That’s not what makes someone beautiful. Although in your case, I think you’re hot just the way you are. I like being between your thighs. I like your very ample assets. I’m a guy that likes to touch and feel. I want to feel a healthy woman in my hands.”
She laughed and patted my chest. “Thank you.”
“I’m not just giving you a line of bullshit,” I assured her. “Women have this idea about what men are attracted to. They want to hide their little belly pouch or worry about whether or not their thighs touch. I’m going to tell you a secret. Men don’t give a shit if your thighs touch.”
She burst into laughter. “Good to know.”
“Not trying to be crass, but man, women get some wild ideas,” I said. “I mean, I’m sure there are guys out there that like the skinny girls. That’s cool. I’m not opposed to anyone based on the skin bag they’re wearing. I’m more about intellect and personality. If that gets me hot, that’s what matters. Oh, and I’m a boob man.”
“You’re a boob man?”
“I like boobs,” I said matter-of-factly.
She laughed again. “You’re male.”
“I mean, I like boobs,” I said and gently cupped one of her large breasts.
She sighed and seemed relatively content. I hoped I had reassured her. I wasn’t lying about any of it. She was sexy as hell. I loved her body. Even now when I knew I should be falling asleep, I was aroused. It was impossible not to be with her naked body pushed against mine. I could hear her breathing slowing and knew she was falling asleep. I would have to wait to have her again.
With the day finally behind me, I was able to take a beat and replay the events that had unfolded. When I woke up yesterday, I had been hopeful I could spend some time with her. Then Mom called and I was certain my day was ruined. It almost had been. But damn, had it ended well. I couldn’t believe she was in my arms. I knew what she was getting at with the psychobabble. I knew that had been part of it, but I wasn’t lying when I told her I had fully intended on this happening one way or another. The excitement made it just a little clearer. I knew I cared about her. I had to face off against the wrath of Mother Nature to fully understand just how important she was to me.
After we got some sleep, I would broach the subject of continuing this relationship after the contract was over. Hell, the contract was a moot point. We didn’t need to fake it for anyone. We were in this thing. It was the real deal. We were together. The ring on her hand might be a little premature, but maybe one day.
