Read Online Naked Edge by Charli Webb - Free Book Online

are clean sheets. I finish before she does and sit on her bed to wait.  
    The sound of gravel crunching under tires announces Wade’s return. I get up and intercept him on the front porch. I reach for the sack in his hands. “Thanks. I’ve got it from here. See you tomorrow.”
    Wade lowers his voice. “Look, man. I didn’t mean to intrude on your territory, but Boone said you and Skylar were over.”
    “We are.” The Walgreens bag rustles in my clenched fist. What’s wrong with me? I don’t want Skylar. So why does the thought of her being with Wade twist my gut into knots? It must be some weird nostalgic reaction.
    Wade’s a nerd, but he’s a good guy with a bright future and no baggage. He’d be perfect for Skylar. I need to back off.
    “So…” Wade rubs the back of his neck. “What about Cherri?”
    “What about her?”
    “You care if I ask her out?”
    “Hell no. Go for it.” I slap him on the back. “You want her number?”
    A sheepish grin spreads across Wade’s face. “She already gave it to me.”

Chapter Seven
Skylar

    I slip into a t-shirt and a pair of yoga pants instead of my regular pajamas, which don’t cover nearly enough skin. I’m tempted to put on a little mascara and lip gloss, but Rowdy’s in full paramedic mode. He’s not interested in anything other than my health.  
    My heart skips a beat when I find him sitting on my bed. He’s rubbing his eyes so he doesn’t see me. I take the opportunity to study him. He was always attractive, even during those awkward pre-teen years, but he’s absolutely gorgeous now.  
    He looks up and smiles at me with the same boyish charm he’s always possessed. It lights up the entire room. “Feeling better?”
    I nod. “Much.”
    He stands up and hands me a white paper bag. “Here’s your prescription.”
    “Where’s the receipt?” I can tell by the two tiny tears near the top that it was stapled to the bag.
    He shrugs.  
    “Did you take it or did Wade?”
    “Does it matter?”
    I fold my arms across my chest. “It’s bad enough that I can’t pay for my own meds. I need to know how much money I owe Wade.”
    “Believe me, he’ll never miss it.”
    “I’m not taking a single dose until I have the receipt.”
    Rowdy sighs then pulls it out of his pocket.  
    I cringe when I see the amount. I knew it would be expensive without insurance but I had no idea it would be over a hundred dollars.  
    “Breathe, Skylar.” Rowdy puts his hands on my shoulders and guides me to the bed.  
      “How am I going to afford this every month?”
    “Don’t worry about that right now.” He kneels in front of me and gazes into my eyes. “There’re lots of resources in Boulder County. I’ll help you figure it out. Okay?”
    “Okay.” I hope he’s right. I took a year off after high school to take care of Mom. I’d hate to postpone college for another year, but I will if I have to. If I work full time and save everything I make, after paying for food and rent, maybe I’ll be able to start next spring.
    Rowdy taps the bag with his forefinger. “Now take your meds.”
    “Yes, sir.” I roll my eyes then follow his orders. I always hated inhaling the dry powder even before I knew how expensive it was. I suck it in and hold my breath as long as possible, then cough as I exhale. “I have to go rinse out my mouth.”
    When I return, Rowdy’s sitting on my bed again. I wonder if he has any idea the sort of fantasies that inspires.
    He stands up then pulls down the covers.  
    I can’t help the nervous giggle that escapes. “Are you tucking me in?”
    His cheeks flush. It’s absolutely adorable.
    “Get in bed, Skylar.” He’s back in full paramedic mode.
    I try to cover my frustration with sarcasm. “Are you going to read me a story, too?”
    “Do you want me to?” He flashes his panty-dropping, crooked grin.  
    “Don’t do that.”
    The smile falls off his face. “Don’t do what?”
    “Use that fake, sexy smile on