Against the Odds by Laura Drake

Author:Laura Drake
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2016-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

“WAS IT AN old boyfriend who made you tense up?”

She tried to roll away, but he petted her, running his palms over her back until she relaxed again. This was less awkward if she didn’t have to see him. “Both of them.” Under her ear, the heavy thudding of his heart was soothing.

“You’ve only had two boyfriends? As beautiful as you are?”

This was embarrassing. But if he was going to let her into his past, she’d have to be willing to do the same. She rolled off, to lie beside him on her back. “You have to realize, my mother had exacting standards.”

“But, didn’t you tell me your mother passed away—”

“Over two years ago. I know. I’ll get to that.” She sighed. “The boyfriends my mother picked for me had money. More money than we did. Bright, up-and-comers, country-club kinda guys. You know the type—button-down shirts and loafers. Destined to learn the business from Dad. After Yale, of course.”

“There’s a ‘but’ coming.” He stretched his arm out, and she lay her head on it.

“It was great. At first. They were polite and solicitous, taking me out to fancy restaurants, polo matches, parties... I was so dazzled that it took me a while to realize what was happening. He’d suggest that the dress I wore didn’t suit my coloring. Or he’d make a passing mention that my purse wasn’t a name brand, then the next time I saw him, he’d bring a present of a purse from a New York designer.

“My mother was thrilled, of course. But the demands progressed. What was I thinking, wanting to cut my hair? He wanted to vet my friends. He didn’t want me to chime in on political or business discussions. But that wasn’t the worst.” She realized she was tapping her fingers on her thigh only when he took her hand to make her stop. “Of course the first boyfriend was my first. In bed, I mean. He was very happy to find I was a virgin, and very happy to relieve me of that burden. And the second wasn’t very happy to learn that I had already been relieved.”

Oh, God, was she really talking about this? How did she paint herself into this corner?

“Just say it, Hope. It’s okay.” He squeezed her hand.

“It’s not horrible. They didn’t beat me, or get kinky or anything.” She bit her lip. “But that’s how I figured it out, that no part of that relationship was about me. Not the places we went—they only cared about being seen, I guess with me as arm candy. Not the presents they bought me—they were just to make me look good enough to be with them. Certainly not the sex. That was all about them. What’s that saying? Wham, bam...”

“Thank you ma’am. I get it.”

“My part was to be the receptacle. I know that sounds awful, but that’s what it felt like. My mother was mad when she found out I broke things off with the first guy, then harassed me until I told her why.

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