Read Online Skin by Dale Mayer - Free Book Online Page B

obvious?”
    “Yes, you were,” Robin said in a short voice. “I know we’re all here dealing with shit. And it’s private shit. Hell, I don’t want all my dirty laundry hanging out for everyone to see, but you’re glowing like a kid right now.”
    Tania walked over so she could stare into the mirror. There was no glow now, only bruises. This day had been tough, and it looked like it wasn’t over. She didn’t know what to say; surely the red all over her face said enough. Robin turned to stare at her in the mirror.
    She sighed, and in a much gentler voice, she said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you. But your erratic behavior is like a neon sign. It never does any good to let a man know you are too interested. Interested, yes, but that you have no resistance to the attraction – no.”
    “It’s all so difficult. I’ve never felt anything like this. Hadn’t ever expected to, and now… now, I have no idea how to handle it.” She ran her fingers through her hair, wanting to grab on and pull it out. “Apparently I’m not doing a good job of it.”
    “Just relax. Be yourself. Don’t try to impress him. Don’t worry if he doesn’t like something you say or do. All relationships are improved when the two people involved are honest, both with themselves and each other.”
    Robin studied her own features in the mirror. “Before this,” she motioned to the ruined side of her face, “I had several really good relationships. Keeping a relationship going is an art…maybe that’s where I fall down. But you have to get one to learn how to keep it. And you’re sending off signals that would confuse the hell out of any guy.”
    Tania’s mouth fell open. “Wait. You just said I was too eager.”
    “And too confused. He wasn’t there the whole time, so he didn’t see the gambit of emotions flashing across your face for the last hour. Just calm down. If it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be.” She shrugged.
    “And the shark and guppy comment?” Tania said drily. Inside, she just felt tired, like her first foray had been bad enough that she should go to her room and forget all about Kane.
    “He’s a big, sexy male, and he knows it. You are a tiny, sexy female, and you don’t know it.”
    Tania smiled. “I can see that.”
    “Sharks have their purposes in the ecosystem, too. Maybe he’s learning to be a relationship man… Look, all I’m saying is I wouldn’t want you to jump into anything and get hurt.” She walked to the door. “Now, let’s go finish our meal.”
    With the second person in as many hours warning her to tread carefully, Tania realized they just might know what they were talking about. Subdued, she returned to her chair and finished her plate.
    “Tania, are you ready for a session tonight?”
    Unfortunately, Jenna’s question appeared to fall into a moment of silence at the table.
    Tania froze. She worked to keep her face calm, but inside, her mind screamed hell no! The last thing she wanted was a third woman warning her to back off. She’d gotten the message. She chewed slowly while she considered her answer. The therapist would analyze everything she said, a failing of the profession.
    “I’m really tired tonight. How about in the morning?” she said quietly.
    She felt the heat of Jenna’s gaze as she cut up a piece of chicken and ate it. When she raised her gaze to look at the therapist, Jenna smiled. “Sure, sounds good. How about a breakfast meeting? 7-ish?”
    “That’s early, but sure…at least I’ll be awake for tomorrow’s class.”
    Jenna smiled. “Good. Until the morning then.” With a smile at everyone, Jenna stood up and took her leave.
    Almost instantly, a tension Tania hadn’t been aware of before eased. The teacher left the room and the kids were now relaxing. She grinned.
    “Hey, what are you smiling at?” Robin asked with a big smile. “You appear to be in a good mood.”
    “Yeah, I pushed that meeting off until the morning.” Tania