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He really was a gorgeous man with a body like a Greek god. Not only that, but he was kind and compassionate too. He had to have a flaw somewhere.
I winced at that line of thinking. Ever since my sham of a marriage fell apart, my jaded heart didn’t let me trust anyone. I never let anyone get too close and always expected the worst. You couldn’t be disappointed that way.
“All done,” Gavin announced as he closed the hood. He dug an old rag out of his back pocket and wiped his hands before tucking it away again. The act was oddly arousing. His hands were big and strong and dirty and for some reason, I wanted them on me.
“That was fast,” I said, trying to clear those images from my mind. I could feel my cheeks heating and knew they’d give me away if I didn’t focus on something else.
“Told ya it wouldn’t take long,” he replied playfully, that crooked grin firmly in place.
“You saved me a lot of time and hassle. How can I repay you?”
He watched me for a moment, bringing his hand to his chin and scrubbing it over his beard in contemplation. “Have coffee with me.”
My eyes widened in surprise, and I sputtered, “What?” A nervous giggle spilled from my lips.
“Let me buy you a coffee,” he replied, his face turning serious. “Unless, there's someone else…” he began, letting his words trail off.
“No. There’s no one.” My hurried response earned me another chuckle.
“Well, then, what do you say?”
I didn’t have to think about my answer for long. I wanted more of this man. And I wouldn’t turn down a coffee this time of morning.
“Okay,” I agreed, “but you have to let me buy the coffee. It’s the least I can do.”
“If that’s what it takes.” A seductive smile curved his lips, and my stomach dipped.
“Meet me at the coffee shop on Main?” He nodded and hopped in his truck, waiting for me to start my SUV before taking off. My entire body hummed with nervous energy. I hadn’t been on a date in a long time. Not that this was a date, but it was coffee with a man. A very rugged, good looking man who oozed sex appeal. And I had time to indulge. Sure, I needed to get back to the B & B, but Eli was with his father this week, and I hadn’t done anything for myself in months. Just this once, I wanted to do something spontaneous and impulsive, and now was the perfect time.
Chapter 4
Melody
“Tell me about the project you’re working on,” Gavin said once we were seated. We each had a coffee, and I’d splurged on a pastry. The giant cinnamon roll was nearly as big as my head, but it was the most popular item on the menu, and I’d been dying to try one. They were always sold out by the time I made it in.
“I’m updating one of the bathrooms at my grandparents’ bed and breakfast.” I dug my fork into the pastry and pulled a substantial chunk away.
“How’s it going?”
“Okay.” I shrugged, not sure how to answer. “I’m learning as I go and just praying I don’t mess anything up.” I brought the fork to my mouth and popped the morsel inside. An involuntary moan escaped my lips, and Gavin’s gaze dropped to my mouth. I covered it quickly with a napkin, embarrassed at the sound I just made.
“Good?” he asked as one side of his mouth tilted up in amusement.
“Mmm hmm,” I confirmed, mouth too full to speak. “You need to try it,” I offered, breaking another piece off with my fork and offering it to him. I expected him to take the fork from my hand, but instead he leaned forward and closed his lips around the tines, sliding the piece off, his eyes never leaving mine. My breath hitched, and my pulse accelerated.
“Mmm, that is good,” he confirmed as I tried to catch my breath. He licked his lips, and suddenly all I could think about was his tongue.
“Do you have anyone helping you, or are you going it alone?” he asked, and my eyes snapped to his. My entire body flushed at the humor twinkling in the hazel orbs.
“My grandpa tries, but he’s had both knees replaced so the tile is all me.” He nodded in understanding.
“What about you? Is your tile project a lone endeavor too?” I took another bite, careful not to get carried away this time.
“It is now. I had some help laying it, but I’m finishing the grout.” He told me about the house and all the things that needed to be fixed or updated. I told him more about the bed and breakfast as I offered him more cinnamon roll. He graciously accepted, and soon it was gone and both of us were full.
“I’m not really ready for this coffee date to be over,” he said once both our drinks were empty.
“Oh, so this was a date?” I questioned playfully, trying to keep my cool even though my heart was galloping in my chest.
