Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 42959 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 215(@200wpm)___ 172(@250wpm)___ 143(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 42959 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 215(@200wpm)___ 172(@250wpm)___ 143(@300wpm)
They got to the park near her building. It wasn’t exactly what fairy tales were made of, but there was grass and trees and it made Bell happy. There were no kids running around. They were probably in school. He only saw some guy walking his dog in the distance.
She spread out a blanket, then sat down and patted the spot next to her. She started to unpack her bag. It looked like sandwiches and potato salad were on the menu.
Tank wasn’t a small man, so sitting his big, tattooed ass down in the park had to be an awkward sight. If the boys at the club could see him now, he’d never live it down.
“Tank, why’d you do that? Seriously. It’s a lot of money. I don’t know when I can pay you back.”
“I never asked you to.”
“But I can’t accept that,” she said. “It’s not right.”
“Friends can help friends. That’s got to be some kind of rule.”
“No, I’ve never had a friend like that before. I mean, something like this usually means a person wants something in return. But you’ve made it very clear that you’re not interested in me at all. I guess I’m confused. Confused but grateful.”
He’d fucked up big time. Why had he tried to insist they stay only friends? For her own good? For her safety? No one could protect her better than him.
“You’re wrong there. I’m very interested.”
“Doesn’t sound like it to me. You’re more like a good Samaritan, walking me home with no strings attached. That’s a friend.”
The sun shone down on their little picnic, bringing out the beautiful blonde of her hair. She looked like an angel. He reached out on instinct and stroked her face. Her skin was as soft as he imagined. “I think about you. A lot. And not like a friend.”
“Really?”
He ran his thumb along her lower lip, too tempted to lean in and kiss her. “I’m sorry, Bell. I tried to do the right thing, but I’m pathetic when it comes to you.”
“Don’t be sorry, Tank. I don’t really want to be your friend.”
How could he go back now? He’d brought this up, exposed his feelings. It had taken a Herculean effort to push her away, and he couldn’t do it any longer.
He pulled his hand away. “That’s really cold.”
She playfully slapped him in the arm. “You know what I mean.”
“And here I counted you as my best friend.”
“You did not.” She was on her knees now, shoving him, or attempting to. He loved her crazy, playful nature. Most women worried more about makeup and keeping a perfectly straight face—not Bell.
He fought back, tickling her sides and making her giggle. The whole world went away. They ended up on the blanket, rolling around like teenagers until he was partially over her, her wrists shackled at the sides of her head. His control was hanging on by a thread.
“Okay, okay, I give up,” she said between breaths. Damn, she was gorgeous.
“Good. I like being the winner.” He released her, but as soon as he did, she grabbed the collar of his shirt and pulled him closer.
They stared at each other briefly, then everything else was inevitable. They kissed, deep and long. Weeks of holding back came out with a vengeance. It was passion and love and every raw emotion. He wanted to devour her. He was lost, never having experienced anything close to this with a woman. Sex was sex. This was … everything. She had complete control of his heart, and apparently his cock. fr
“Tank…”
He leaned back a bit. She ran her hand over his cheek.
“Let’s not be friends,” he said.
“Okay.”
****
Was it possible to be in love already? It was exactly how she felt about Tank.
They’d been unorthodox friends, and now so much more seemed possible. He’d finally given up the idea that she was too good for him or that he’d somehow ruin her by affiliation.
“If we’re not friends, what are we?” she asked.
He was on his back now, one arm under his head, his big body spread out on her blanket. She wanted to touch him, to run her fingers along his ink, but she’d never been intimate with a guy so kept her hands to herself.
“Special friends?”
She frowned. “Is that another term for friends with benefits? Because there are no benefits for you.”
“Why not?” He sounded like a disappointed child.
Bell smiled. He was such a beast but with a soft heart. “Because I’m a virgin.”
He leaned up on both elbows. “No. You sure about that?”
“I think I’d know.”
“Interesting,” he said.
“Are you having second thoughts about being special friends?”
“Knock it off, Attitude. Call yourself whatever you want. You want to be my girlfriend? My old lady?”
She swallowed hard. Of course, she wanted it all, but she had to proceed with caution. She wore her heart on her sleeve and didn’t want to get it broken.