Read Online Going Down by Vonna Harper - Free Book Online Page A

those other things provide the level of sexual satisfaction you’re getting?”
    â€œYou tell me,” she snapped. Damn him for thinking her existence began and ended with her clit. “Didn’t you get as much satisfaction from completing a business deal as bonking some woman you picked up? I don’t know. Maybe what’s between your ears isn’t that important to you, just what’s between your legs.”
    â€œI’ve hit a nerve.”
    â€œMaybe,” she dodged. Then, unbelievably restless, she stood and paced to the back of the boat where a large, sturdy chair had been welded to the floor. Guessing that that’s where Reeve or a guest sat when reeling in monster fish, she tried to imagine doing the same herself. But although she loved a challenge, she couldn’t fathom ending any creature’s life simply because she needed to be entertained.
    He’d joined her but damned if she was going to acknowledge him. Damn him for not comprehending that she existed from the neck up.
    That’s what he’d done, hadn’t he?
    Why was she so confused?
    â€œHave you talked to anyone about how you feel?” he asked. “What about your sister?”
    He wasn’t any closer than he’d been while they were eating, but now there wasn’t a table between them. Besides, standing put her more in tune with the boat’s gentle rocking, more in tune with her body’s response to the movement—and him.
    â€œHayley’s a jewelry designer. She creates incredible work, is so talented. I envy her ability, but I’m not creative. What works for her won’t for me; I know, I’ve tried.”
    â€œWouldn’t work for me either.”
    For the first time she really looked at his hands thanks to a marina light. Not that there was a business type, but she couldn’t begin to fathom those strong hands and that body behind a desk. Was that how he filled his time now that he’d sold his business, working out?
    â€œSo no future for you in the arts,” he said. “What else have you looked into?”
    Wondering if he’d asked his question because he’d sensed what she was thinking, she climbed into the chair and gripped the arms. “What about commercial fishing? Is there a future in that for me?”
    â€œAre you picking something out of a hat, or does working out-of-doors appeal to you?”
    â€œI don’t know.” He’d positioned himself to her right and was leaning his hip against the armrest, infringing on her space and teasing her nerve endings. “Maybe that’s where I should start, deciding whether I need a roof over my head when I’m on the job.”
    â€œMaybe you’ll get married to someone capable of paying all your bills and then some. Come on, you know it’s a possibility. Given your looks, you could have your pick of the sugar daddies.”
    â€œUnless the man doesn’t want his wife’s resume to read the way mine does. Besides, who the hell said I want to live off some man.”
    Instead of picking up the challenge she’d thrown him, he faced her with his hands gripping both armrests. Not that she was in any danger of course, but he’d trapped her between the chair and his body.
    â€œI’m sorry about your parents. I don’t want you to think I don’t care.”
    Blindsided by the unexpected comment, she stared up at him. His form all but blocked out the dark sky, and the way he rocked from side to side in time with the tide put her in mind of a slow, sensual dance. There was just him, and her. And the night. And words that said her pain had reached him.
    â€œI know you do,” she managed.

5
    C ruising the bay at night was something everyone should do at least once, Saree concluded a half hour later. In addition, said experience was definitely habit forming, especially when the captain of the craft was a deep-spoken, dark, and sexy man.