Read Online Connected by the Tide by E. L. Todd - Free Book Online Page B

open about it.”
    “I don’t see why they should be embarrassed.”
    “Women’s sexuality has been discouraged since the beginning of time. It’s okay for men to enjoy sex, but it’s taboo for women.”
    “I’m glad you don’t feel that way.”
    “Definitely not.”
    He drank from his coffee while he looked at her. He was even more attracted to her than he was before. “Thanks for being so cool about it.”
    “You want my advice?”
    “Of course.”
    “You need to stop thinking about her in that way.”
    “I know,” he said with a sigh.
    “And the best way to do that is to think of someone else.”
    He didn’t know where this was going.
    “And I think that person should be me.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “You and I should fool around.”
    That made his cheeks flush . He was very attracted to her and imagined her naked body often. “Have you been in this situation before?”
    “I loved someone who didn’t love me back. After I cut him out of my life, starting seeing other people, I moved on.”
    “Do you still talk to him?”
    “Sometimes. We are still friendly.”
    “Did the feelings go away?”
    “After I stopped seeing him on a daily basis and started seeing other guys.”
    “I really like you, Ren. I want this to work.”
    “Well, let’s take baby steps.”
    He nodded. “Yeah.”
    “And you should come over tonight.”
    “I should?”
    She smiled. “Yeah.”
    “Is this a date?”
    “I guess.”
    “What does it entail?”
    “Well, I think I can help you with your masturbating problem.”
    He felt his skin flush with desire. He didn’t know what she meant, but he knew he would like it. “What do you mean?”
    “You’ll see.”
    “As intrigued as I am, I meant what I said before. I respect you and want to take this slow.”
    “I’m d oing this to help you. When you’re with someone else, you’ll stop thinking about her.”
    “But it sounds physical.”
    “When two people please themselves, does it always have to be about love?”
    “No. But I would like it to be.”
    She grabbed his hand on the table. “Trust me. I’m helping you.”
    “Okay. But you don’t have to do this. I’m more than willing to wait as long as you want.”
    She ignored his comment. “Come over tonight. Whenever you would normally—you know.”
    He popped a boner just thinking about it. “Okay.”
    She looked at her watch. “We should get to class.”
    He adjusted himself before he stood up. “Yeah.”
    They went to class , and Henry tried not to think about what they would be doing tonight. He wanted to stop thinking about Sydney every time he rubbed one out, but he didn’t want to ruin what he had with Ren. She said this wasn’t related to their relationship, it was just physical. He was too curious to say no. Since she knew exactly how he felt about Sydney, he didn’t feel so guilty. He wasn’t tricking her, using her, or hiding anything from her.

11
     
    Henry pulled the napkin out of his pocket then drove to the address she left or him. When he drove down the street, he fantasized about what she had planned for him. He hoped it would help him get over Sydney without ruining the relationship they had now. He knew he could fall for Ren if he was in the right place.
    When he parked the car in the driveway, he looked at the house for a moment. It was average size, large enough for a small family. He wondered if she lived alone. When he knocked on the door, she answered with a smile on her face.
    “Come in.”
    He stepped through the door , then looked at the house. The room was covered in wooden floorboards and white furniture. Colored pillows brought some diversity in the mix. “Your place is nice.”
    “Thank you.”
    “Do you live alone?”
    “It’s just me and Perry.”
    “Perry?”
    “My dog.” She nodded to the back door. A Great Dane was looking through the window, giving Henry a look of jealousy.
    “Nice,” he said.
    “So, how are you?”
    “Nervous,” he said