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.She didn't think so.With every moment that she spent with them and every thought that filled her mind about them,she fell just a little bit more into an abyss of emotions for both.It would take a lot more than hot sexto get them past the hurdle of their Alpha Triad third.For now, she could dream, because one day shewould have to say good-bye.And when that day came they would have to go and look for the realwoman who could complete their Triad.She was about to go to bed when she got a phone call from Tom. How are you? he asked, his voice a lot more chipper than she felt at the moment. I'm fine, she said indecisively.She had never wanted to hurt Tom's feelings.He needed toknow once again that there was no future for them other than friendship.His last voice message to herhad worried her and she knew she d have to repeat the same words to him. I would have called you earlier but I was at a teacher conference out of town and it wasdifficult, he apologized. Tom, don't worry about it.It's not a big deal. She sighed, staring at the ceiling in herbedroom.She d commissioned someone to paint stars to help her relax and fall asleep.She wasn tanywhere near relaxed. Have you given any thought to my proposal? he asked with enthusiasm.Shit.He reallydidn t get the picture even though she d declined before.Her stomach twisted in knots.She hated this part. I'm sorry, Tom.I told you already I can only be your friend.There s too much going on in mylife right now and I don't see us going any further than friendship, she said gently, hoping not to hurthis feelings.There was a quiet moment and then he replied,  You should think about it.We get along sowell and I know that in time you would come to care for me. I already care for you.But you have to understand that I don't love you.I need to lovewhoever I marry.It would not be fair for me or you for us to get engaged when I don't have thosefeelings. She blinked up at the fake stars, wishing they could help her get through this conversation. I've told you time and again, I love you as a friend.You are a really nice man and a wonderfulteacher. She swallowed hard, fidgeting with one of her frizzy curls.She hadn t botheredstraightening her hair that morning and now the curls had grown a life of their own. But the chemistryneeded for us to have the relationship I want in my future is not there. She bit her lip and winced. Ireally hope that you find the right woman for you because you are an amazing man. Dani, I know that in time things could change. He sounded so hopeful it pained her todisagree with him.If she felt even a little bit of the sexual attraction she had for Kane and Blake, shewould have considered it a long time ago.She didn t.What she felt was friendship and a little bit ofpity for Tom. Things won't change.I'm really sorry, Tom.I am here as your friend for however long youwant me, but anything else is out of the question.She felt like an absolute jerk turning away such a wonderful guy.But she refused to acceptless than what she wanted.And she wanted chemistry.She wanted love.She wanted much more thanbeing with a man because they were good friends.Tom was a nice guy.However, she was done withsettling for anything.He did not make her crazy with lust like Blake and Kane did. Maybe if we went out a couple of times, he insisted. No, she refused emphatically. Going out on any kind of date is not going to make mechange my mind.We are not compatible in that sense.And while I know you don't understand you'vegot to accept my words. I just don't think you're giving this a chance.We are so good together.Good together? What in the world was he talking about? She sighed, rubbing a hand over hertemple. Tom we are not good.We are friends.From a distance at that.You've never even hugged me.How could you know that a relationship that involves sex would be any good for us? Sex is overrated, he said quickly.Overrated her ass.Not the kind of sex Kane and Blake had given her.This was starting to pissher off. Look, Tom, sex might be overrated for you but I want someone to rock my world.I want aman to want me.I want to be licked all over.And I really, really want to scream his name at the heatof my passion.Do you understand?Silence reigned over the line. If you can't give me that, there's nothing else for us to talk about.Tom sighed loudly through the phone line. I thought you were different. I don't know what you expected from me.I'm just a woman.A woman with needs andwants.Right then her wants and needs were much more important than accepting a friendship-basedmarriage that would be dull and in which she would end up sexually frustrated and buying sex toys bythe bulk. I'm sorry I bothered you with my proposal. He sounded upset now.There was a high pitchand quiver to his voice.If she didn t know better she d swear he was crying. Tom, don't do this.You're my friend and I care about you.I would never want to hurt you, butyou need to understand you and I would never work out.Her words fell on deaf ears. Goodnight, Daniella. Goodnight, Tom.With a heavy heart she set her phone down.She hadn t meant to upset Tom or to be mean tohim.But she just could not lie to herself or him.For so many years, she d lived in bursts ofrelationships.Where she'd give in to other s suggestions and end up unhappy.Then she d find herself with a man who wanted her to change who she was to fit what hewanted.And that was just not going to happen anymore.She needed a man who wanted her as shewas.With her quirks.With her purple hair and with her love for books.She needed a man that wouldwant her body like no other woman existed in the world.But more than that, she wanted to feelcherished and loved because of who she was.NINEThe following morning Kane came by her office looking absolutely delicious.With his scruffyhair and days old beard she wanted to do nothing but whimper at the sight of him.Her boss rushed outof her office when he came to the desk. Can I help you? Marla asked with a flirtatious smile. I'm here for Daniella. He smiled.The moment the words came out of his mouth, her boss turned around with wide eyes andstared at her, the look she gave her was a combination of confusion and disbelief. Marla, Kane is a family friend, she said, trying to pacify her boss and at the same time keepthe privacy of their relationship to herself.Marla s brows rose with interest.She made it seem like Daniella couldn t have someone likeKane as a friend.After a heartbeat, Marla excused herself and turned around, flipping her long redhair over her shoulder.She headed back to the office.Probably to tell the others all about the unusualvisit Dani had at the front. Hi. She smiled at Kane.She went around the front desk and stopped next to him.Her firstinstinct was to throw herself in his arms and give him a kiss on his sexy smirk, but she held back.Ittook every ounce of willpower, but she did it. Hello, little librarian, he said, in that deep voice that made her toes curl in her comfortablewalking shoes. You re a contradiction.She frowned, wondering why he d said that. I don t think I am.He turned away from the prying eyes at their back and took a few steps to the library entrance.He offered her a hand, but she knew if she took it, there would be hell to pay later with the amount ofquestioning she d be subjected to.She shook her head and started walking.She really needed a betterjob, but she loved the library.She loved books.Hell, she even loved the old people that came and satthere day in and day out to read the newspaper for free. Why would you say that? she asked. Because you are.You wear your beautiful long hair with purple streaks.Your outfits can bedaring on some days but not on other days.You re a little angel with long skirts, comfortable shoesand glasses to hide your eyes behind [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]