AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He held out my heels like a peace offering. “I thought maybe it would be a good idea if I changed that, considering I’m writing a piece about you.”
I snatched my shoes. “Maybe you should have thought about that before you started accusing me of murdering my parents.”
“Now you’re exaggerating.” He smirked.
“Maybe I am.” I gave him a small smile. “But you have to admit, you’ve taken this too far.”
“Prove me wrong,” he dared me.
I tilted my head and studied him. “And when I do, what happens then?”
“I’ll think of something.”
“Why should I believe you?”
He stepped closer, waves of magnetic heat rolling off him. My body craved giving in to the attraction. He reached up as if he wanted to rest his hand on my cheek; instead he balled his fist and let it drop to his side. “You shouldn’t believe me.”
“That’s comforting.”
“Don’t get comfortable around me, Sorrel.”
My brain knew that was good advice, but my heart didn’t want to heed his warning. There was an undeniable comfort in his touch, even in his presence. I really was going crazy. “I won’t,” I lied.
“Hmm.” He pressed his lips together. I don’t think he believed me. “Why did you scream when I knocked?” he changed the subject.
“Um . . .” I blushed. “It’s silly. I thought I saw something in the shadows and heard someone laugh.”
His eyes danced with amusement.
“Did you see anyone?” I had to ask, even though I knew it made me sound all the crazier.
“Just myself.” He smiled. Like a genuine smile. It was breathtaking.
It was official. I was certifiable. “Okay. Um . . . good night.” I had no idea what else to say. It was either that or, Take off your shirt, please.
He leaned against the doorframe, in no hurry to leave. “You didn’t let me apologize.”
I bit my lip. “I suppose I didn’t. You can proceed.”
His sexy smile appeared again. “It could take a while.”
I held my stomach. All sorts of butterflies were taking flight. “Like long enough that you might want to sit down for it?”
He took a step, crossing the threshold. “Would you mind if I stayed for a while?”
I shook my head no because I lost the ability to speak and I couldn’t think of anything in that moment that I wanted more.Chapter EightI stood in my kitchen staring at Eric, perplexed by not only his unexpected appearance but also by my cat who, until this very moment, had liked no one but me. She sat on his lap as if she were claiming him as her own. I couldn’t blame Tara; if anything, I was jealous of her.
Eric sat on my couch lazily stroking Tara while looking around my apartment as if trying to take it all in. “Nice place,” he commented. “I’m surprised it’s not decorated in pink.”
I grabbed a bottle of strawberry wine and two glasses and headed his way. It was hardly a walk. The kitchen and living area flowed together. “I thought for resale value, I should keep it neutral.” My entire apartment was decorated in shades of cream and gray and accented by several plants, making it look like a mini jungle.
“Smart thinking.”
“You don’t like pink?”
“Not until very recently.” He grinned.
My cheeks flushed while I nodded toward my sliding glass door. “Would you like to sit out on the terrace? It’s a beautiful night.”
He stared down at Tara, who was purring louder than I’d ever heard her. “I’d love to, but I’m trapped.”
“Tara loves the terrace. I grow catnip.”
“You drug your cat too.” He chuckled.
I narrowed my eyes at him.
He threw his hands out. “I’m teasing.”
“Uh-huh.” I headed for the door.
Eric, with Tara in tow, quickly met me there and slid the door open for me. We were immediately hit with a cool breeze that carried with it the smell of jasmine and magnolia with a hint of mint. Tara nuzzled Eric with her head one more time before jumping out of his arms and heading straight for the planter box full of catnip.
“Thank you.” I walked out into my own personal oasis.
“Wow.” Eric looked around in amazement. “I’ve never seen a balcony botanical garden. Did you grow all this?”
“I did.” I loved this space, which was lit up by bistro lights strung overhead. It was bright and colorful. I’d planted every flower imaginable from marigolds to hibiscus. I had lemon trees and planters bursting with strawberries. And trellises crawling with an assortment of berries. Not to mention medicinal herbs of every kind.
Eric stared between me and his surroundings, stunned. “I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone quite like you.”
I shrugged. “I’m just a girl who loves flowers and pink everything.”
His aqua eyes captivated my own. “You’re so much more than that.”
My heart erratically skipped several beats. “I bake and decorate cakes too,” I squeaked out.
“I think I remember something about that,” he teased.
