I did.
Because now he was close.
His hand came up briefly, brushing dirt from just below my collarbone, his fingers lingering a second longer than neededand I realized why. The water soaked through everything, even my bra and it made my nipples show.
My breath hitched slightly and he noticed.
The sound of the water faded into the background as his eyes lifted to mine.
I didn’t move, or joke, or deflect.
I just looked at him, waiting for him to do something.
He stepped a fraction closer.
Close enough that I could feel the heat coming off him again, even with the cold water still running between us. My lips parted slightly. His gaze dropped there.
Then back to my eyes.
I leaned in just a little, hoping I finally got to taste his lips. But he pulled back.
Just like that, the moment was gone.
He turned the hose off, stepping away like nothing almost happened.
I blinked, still standing there, wet and trying to catch on to what happened.
“…wow,” I said under my breath.
He set the hose down, grabbing a towel from the stable. “Dry off before you catch a cold.”
I took it slowly, watching him.
“You want me to come over tonight?”
He paused.
“…no.”
I frowned. “No?”
“No,” he repeated. “I’m busy. I’ll be working late because we have your showcase tomorrow. Remember?”
“I don’t mind waiting.”
“I said no, Aurora.” His tone sharpened slightly. “Drop it.”
The softness was gone. I straightened, watching him for a second longer, trying to read past whatever wall he just threw back up.
“Okay,” I said finally.
He didn’t respond, he turned and walked off.
I let him go.
“Chewy,” I say to the shivering dog in my arms. “Your new daddy mean as hell with his fine ass. But it’s cool. I’mma get him to loosen up.”
NEW PERSPECTIVE
