Yes, I want him. Then again, he was an asshole. Maybe I need to stand up for myself. It’s a bit late, but an idea takes shape in my head.

“Ready for more?” His voice is rough.

He takes my hand, trailing it down his muscled abs and down to his heavy cock. I want it badly, but my self-esteem has other plans.

I smile. “No, I don’t think so.” I quickly let go of his hot length before I change my mind.

“Huh?” He rolls onto his side, propping up on an elbow.

My eyes move to his gorgeous, wide chest, and I swallow, telling my body to shut up. Intelligent Lauren is in control right now and will take the reins.

“Sorry, but no.” Taking a look at my nails, I see a chip.

“Why’s that?”

I turn back to him. His gorgeous hazel eyes look confused.

I huff. “You were mean last night and on the boat today.” I drop my hand to my side.

“Mean?” he repeats, lowering his head.

“Yes,” I huff. “I’m a lot of things, but I won’t be treated like shit by you. I’ve gone down that road before with other guys, and I don’t want to do it again. You aren’t long-term, and I’m not trying to find love with you either. If I don’t want something, I’m saying no.”

“First off, you should always say no if you don’t want something. But are you sure you don’t want me?” The look of confusion on his face intensifies.

“Well, no, I don’t. I mean, I do want you, but I’m still mad.”

“What does mad have to do with us right now?” He scans me up and down. “You can be mad, and we can still—”

“It means that I’m finally doing what’s right for myself and not putting a man first. I’m not going to pacify you to keep your feathers smooth.”

“But you were mad before, right? And we still—”

“Yes, we did. But, now, I’ve changed my mind.” Do I sound wishy-washy? Sure. I sit up, touching the back of my matted hair. Must have gotten tangled from rubbing up and down against the wall. Under normal circumstances, I’d comb my fingers through the strands, making sure to smooth it out before he saw. But I’m not playing that game—not anymore and not with Slade. If he doesn’t like my crazy hair, he can go elsewhere. I smile, liking this new development. Maybe there’s some merit to this no-possible-future thing. I can finally just be myself and do what I want without worry.

He puts his hand on my back, and I pause.

“You’re sexy as fuck. Now, stop being a baby and get your fine ass over here. What’s right is for you to have another orgasm.”

“That might be true but not right now. The answer is no. You made me feel inferior, and I’m not.”

I cross my arms below my breasts, and his eyes move straight to my lifted cleavage. Quickly, I drop my hands and pull up the sheets for cover. For the record, it isn’t easy to be haughty in the nude.