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How was it that he made the whole place smell this damn good? It wasn't right. When I was around him, I was like Anthony sniffing out an apple pie. It was ridiculous. Human beings shouldn’t be able to smell pheromones. But they could. I’d looked it up last night, after convincing myself that I'd been hypnotized by Cole's musk. But I hadn’t. I just really dug the smell of fresh sweat. And pine. And something else, something earthy and deep, like chipotle or paprika or . . . ahem. Don’t go there, Elara.
"Thanks," I replied, trying to ignore the way his tight black T-shirt clung to his body like a second skin. "I'm just gonna get some of this Unicorn's Whisper up on the walls in the back."
"Unicorn's what-now?" He stood close, put his hands on his hips, and read the cans. He looked like a wall of sex, impossible to pass. "Well, fuck me. The world's gone crazy."
"I'm the crazy one for buying it."
"Your words, not mine." It felt like both of us were trying so hard to be pally with each other. No more flirting, not since we nearly exploded all over each other in the steamy office. It had all been friendly banter since then, and frankly, it was driving me wild.
"Want me to check in on you later?" he asked. "Make sure everything's going smoothly? Do you know how to cut in?"
"Yeah, I just take a chainsaw to the top of the can, right?"
"No, cut in, like, when you paint up to an edge that . . . okay I'm realizing that you're joking right now."
"Got YouTube, remember?" I said, with a grin on my face. "Don't worry about checking in. I know what I'm doing," I insisted, hoping to avoid any further temptation.
"Fine," he smiled. "Just holler if you need anything."
Phew. I'd made it past the sex wall.
As I peeled open the first tin, its contents shimmered. Stupid name or not, it really was a nice color. Like freshly fallen snow. Or freshly whispered . . . unicorns. I dipped the brush and got to painting.
I tried to focus—I really did—but my mind kept wandering to Cole. I hadn’t told him about my interview. It just hadn’t felt right. I wondered how he’d have reacted. He’d have probably just been happy for me. He probably wouldn’t have broken down into tears and begged me to stay in Bluehaven Beach forever, right?
I heard a grunt from the main bar area. Unable to resist, I peered through the gap in the door and watched him work—just for a moment. Every movement of his body seemed to taunt me, each bead of sweat glistening under the lights. I couldn't tear my gaze away, the way his brow furrowed in concentration, his T-shirt riding up slightly to reveal a peek of his toned abs.
Intrusive thoughts battered me.
Lick his abs.
Bite his shoulder.
Press your hand down onto his crotch. . . .
Flustered and out of control, I retreated to the bathroom, locking the door behind me.
"Okay, Elara, get a grip," I whispered to myself, my heart pounding in my chest. With trembling fingers, I slipped a hand beneath my pants, down my panties, the touch sending shivers down my spine. I bit down on my lip, stifling a moan as I gave in to the overwhelming desire.
"Damn it, Cole," I thought, trying to keep quiet. "Why do you have to be so. . . distracting?"
As the waves of pleasure subsided, I tried to regain my composure, taking several deep breaths. This was not how I'd planned my day, but I couldn't have ignored the sexual tension any longer. I had to do something about it, or it would have driven me mad.
But as I returned to work, I found that I hadn't squashed my desire. It was still there, dancing on my clit, tempting me to touch myself again and again.
And you know what would be even better? my desire asked. If Cole touched you instead.
***
After I’d successfully painted the entire office in a single coat of Unicorn's Whisper and regained my composure, I relaxed at home with Anthony.
“What do you think, Anthony?” I asked him. “Was your morning walk enough for you today? I think I’m a bit too tired for another one.”
Just then, Lily arrived at my door, a bottle of wine in hand. Her fiery red curls were piled haphazardly on top of her head, and her infectious grin practically screamed "girls' night" as she breezed into my house.
"Girl, I'm so happy for you!" she gushed, uncorking the bottle with a practiced hand. We clinked glasses, savoring the velvety smooth liquid as we settled onto the couch.
We chatted for a while about the pastry school. Lily was surprised to hear that I’d be making two desserts for them in three hours.
