"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
"Right now," he said, enunciating each word, "it’s the journey that concerns me. Not the point of departure."
She seemed to think about it. "In that case, maybe I should give you a ride. One you won’t forget." She grinned and stretched out on her back, then raised her hips.
He bit his lip, pained by her ability to reduce elegant concepts to insipid chatter. For a second, he thought he heard a faint creak, coming from the wall, behind the rattan dresser."
Hey, cowboy," she said, with a little buck of her hips. "Ready to saddle up?"
Reluctantly, he looked at her. Truly, she was beautiful. But the prospect of simplifying his theory, to the point where even she could understand it, made him gnash his teeth. Still, what choice did he have? If his supposition was correct, she was the instrument he needed. She was his gateway to heightened awareness. Forcing a smile, he scooted to the side and slipped a pillow between his back and the headboard. When she settled back down, looking puzzled, he steepled his hands, feeling like a weary parent, obligated to tell a bedtime story.
"What I’m saying, Mona... what I’m trying to express—"
"You want it with the lights on, or off?"
"Damn it all! Will you let me explain?"
A sharp thump rattled the wall, near the money slot.
Startled, he sat up, staring at the wall.
She waved away his concern. "Minarii's just checking. Making sure that I'm all right." Quickly, she sat up, lifted her hand to the wall and tapped out a brief but intricate rhythm.
Flustered, he said, "Can't you just stop for one minute? Stop what you're doing and listen?"
She compressed her lips into a thin line, then brushed her hair back. "Fine," she said. "You talk and I'll listen."
"Well, then." He took a breath, letting his anger subside.
"You need to understand," he said, lowering his voice, "that a physical coupling isn't the only thing I'm seeking. There's also... Well, what I'm trying to get at-"
"Yes?" said Mona, retrieving a pack of cigarettes from her purse. Deftly, she tucked one between her lips.
"Please don't," he said, apologetically.
She rolled her eyes, dug out a lighter and flicked it, taking a long pull on the cigarette.
"What I'm trying to explain-"
"End of a relationship," she said. "That's my guess."
"Pardon?"
"You got dumped." She blew out a long stream of smoke. "Nine times out of ten, that leaves a man in limbo."
He frowned. "I'm hardly in limbo."
She eyed his groin. "When I touched you a while ago, it was pop-goes-the-weasel."
"So?"
"Now I say the 'R' word, and Mister Weasel takes a powder."
Feeling the heat of his blush, he glanced at his crotch, then at the timer, which was up to 16 minutes.
"Who's to say it wasn't me?" he said, speaking more quickly. "Me wanting to free myself from a relationship that's dying. To admit to the possibility of new partners. To new horizons and perceptions - without, if you will, any strings attached?"
She smiled. "Well, then. Here's to no strings."
She reached behind her neck and pulled at the strand that secured her halter-top.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
US$ 6.00
Within U.S.A.
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Fine. First Edition. Black and red smooth illustrated paper over boards, in matching glossy jacket, 8vo. 1st printing. 305pp. Fine/Fine. As new: bright tight, sharp and unmarked. Neither ex-lib nor remainder. Very handsome volume, typical of Toby's high-standard design. Seller Inventory # 008480
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Good. Seller Inventory # SONG1592640842
Book Description hardcover. Condition: Used; Very Good. Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. Though second-hand, the book is still in very good shape. Minimal signs of usage may include very minor creasing on the cover or on the spine. Seller Inventory # CHL9692441
Book Description Softcover. Condition: Good. No Jacket. A collection of ten short stories features men and women whose lives have reached turning points they can no longer ignore. Solid binding. Moderate edgewear on the boards. Please note the image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item. Book. Seller Inventory # 123673434
Book Description hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Bumped edges. Scratches to the cover. Marks to the edges of the pages. Next day dispatch. International delivery available. 1000's of satisfied customers! Please contact us with any enquiries. Seller Inventory # mon0000339715
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. W27. Seller Inventory # 1592640842Mi
Book Description Softcover. Condition: Fine. Advance reading copy of the first edition. Pictorial wrappers. Fine. Seller Inventory # 380085
Book Description hardcover. Condition: Fine. Slight marks to edge of pages. No.1 BESTSELLERS - great prices, friendly customer service â " all orders are dispatched next working day. Seller Inventory # mon0000858137