Or so I’d tried to tell myself.
The silence shared between us was as disjointed as the heat blasting through every cell and vein. I lowered my gaze as she lifted her head, her mouth twisted in frustration. She’d managed to keep her one hand around the two beers, but with the other, she instinctively tried to keep herself from falling, slapping her hand against my bare chest.
“Oh, shit,” she muttered, her chest rising and falling, which of course drew my attention to her breasts. They were creations of beauty. I’d noticed her arching her back before, the same damn sunlight adding another dimension to her natural beauty.
Instead of pushing away immediately, she dug her fingernails into my chest with just enough pressure I felt the sensual gesture. And was even more aroused. With her head lifted, her lips were very close to mine. I could easily do the unthinkable and something I’d no doubt regret.
No, something she’d make me regret especially if she ever learned anything about me. Which I didn’t planning on allowing. I was here to do my job and live a quiet life. There would be no one else allowed in except for Sailor.
While the woman was as tempting as any could be, I’d made an oath to myself not to get involved with anyone. Maybe I was doing so in homage to the person I’d loved the most.
But damn if Grace’s perfume hadn’t filtered into my nostrils, the fresh scent of flowers and vanilla mixed with a slight hint of tangerine. The combination was dangerously intoxicating, enough so that my cock was rising to full attention.
I had to cool my ass down quickly or I’d need to get the hell out of here.
And that just wouldn’t be polite after all she’d already done for me.
When I moved my hand from her arm, she took a deep breath. While I kept my eyes pinned on her since I believed looking was allowed, I managed to snag a single bottle.
She didn’t move when I rolled the icy cold exterior across my forehead or when I took a long pull of the delicious brew. It was the first beer I’d consumed in over two years.
Thank God there were no restrictions on booze after my release.
At least the awkward and incredible spell was broken and she pushed herself away, looking to ensure she didn’t trip on the same piece of wood. Clearly embarrassed, she turned away, taking a few deep breaths.
“You didn’t need to do all that.”
I took another gulp before answering. Sparring with the feisty lady had been easy, even enjoyable. In doing so, I’d managed to take out some of my aggressions for having my life interrupted while enjoying her beauty from afar. Like a Picasso hanging on the wall. No one dared touch it for fear of getting their hand cut off.
But the way my cock consistently reacted to her heated looks created a burning need that would only get worse. However, certain lines could not be crossed. That didn’t mean I couldn’t flirt with them a little.
Or with her.
“Helping you out was the least I could do. I’m not good with giving thanks, Grace, but I do appreciate the kindness you’veshown Sailor and me. Don’t expect to hear that again.” I offered a short, husky laugh, which seemed to shock her.
“You can express yourself in something other than a growl.”
“Very funny.”
“I’m not kidding. Certain things I don’t joke about.” Her perfume continued to drive me crazy, enough I was concerned she could tell exactly what she was doing to me once she dared face the inevitable.
Whatever that was.
She was the kind of woman to speak her mind wherever it suited her. That intrigued me as much as the darkness behind her eyes. She’d been through a lot in her young life.
My tone must have given away something because she jerked around to face me, her eyes drilling through mine. I don’t know what she was looking for, but all she’d find was heartache.
With a tight swallow, she shook her head. “People should always be kind. What you did was a lot of work. I feel like I owe you now. You’re obviously a contractor. I can’t pay you but so much, but I’d love it if you’d consider doing some more work.”
If she only knew how much I wouldn’t mind. “I have a job starting on Monday.”
“Oh, that’s why you’re here. I mean in Missoula.”
She looked so disappointed, I found myself glancing at the sprawling perimeter. The bones of the ranch were decent, the scenery breathtaking, but her parents hadn’t managed to keep up with the needed maintenance. “Maybe we can worksomething out when I can find the time. I could be gone for long stretches.”
“I get it.” She rubbed her arm.
The nervous habit had told me several things about her, including she was as attracted to me as I was to her.
