* * *
Several hours later, dusty, and tired, Anna and Callie dropped to the couch in Anna’s living room. Reaching down to scratch Samson on the head, Anna let out a deep breath of contentment.
“I have to say, Callie, you were right. Having the guys come over to help really did make the day a lot more productive. I can’t believe how much we got done.”
“And the view didn’t hurt now did it?” Callie nudged Anna playfully.
No, it certainly had not been a hardship to watch the guys work today, their muscles bulging as they carried heavy boxes and pieces of furniture around. As the men in question walked into the room, Anna’s heart sped up watching Ryan pull the bottom of his shirt up to wipe his face, exposing strong abs and that delicious V of muscle low on his torso, all dusted with blond hair. When she realized that Ryan had caught her stare and was grinning impishly at her, Anna knew she blushed a bright red, deepening her embarrassment at being caught gawking. But how could she not stare when he was so damn sexy!
“Okay, I think that’s the last of the junk from the attic. It’s all loaded in my truck, so Cal and I can drop it off at the dump tomorrow.” Jake sank down on the couch next to his fiancée and pressed a kiss to the side of her head.
Callie giggled and leaned away. “Ewww, babe, you stink!”
“What? My sweaty man aroma doesn’t turn you on?” Jake pulled her into a tight hug, as they both laughed.
The playfulness between Jake and Callie was so filled with love, Anna was starting to feel uncomfortable, like a third wheel, until she noticed Ryan smiling affectionately at his friends. His connection to the happy couple was also tangible, but, when Anna looked closely, she could see what felt suspiciously like longing in his eyes. Could it be he was looking for the same kind of love Jake and Callie were blessed to have? Anna found herself wistfully wondering what it would be like to be so loved and cherished by someone like Ryan. How incredible that would be.
Jumping up with nervous energy, Anna felt compelled to push away her feelings, as she worried the others could sense her growing attraction to Ryan. The last thing she needed right now was any awkwardness between them. After all, her job and her only real friendships were on the line.
“Well, the place looks amazing. I can’t believe how much we got cleaned up and fixed. I really appreciate your help.”
Callie stood up from the couch and stretched her arms up high. “I’m glad we got so much done for you, but I think Jake and I need to head out. We don’t get many days off together, and our own to-do list is massive.”
Jake stood up, wrapping his strong arms around Callie’s waist. He leaned down with a mock growl, nuzzling into her neck as he muttered, “I know what is on my list to dotoday, gorgeous…”
“Get a goddamn room, guys, or at least wait until you’re out of the house before you jump each other.” Ryan slapped Jake on the back in a typical guy embrace and pulled Callie in for a gentler hug. “I’ll see you later, I’m just going to grab a quick drink.”
Anna glanced at him as he headed toward her kitchen, seeming so at ease in her home. Something about him being there felt incredibly comfortable to her. Turning back to the front door, where Callie and Jake stood ready to leave, Anna twisted her hands together, suddenly overcome with gratitude.
“Thank you so much for helping me. I’m sorry I took up so much of your day.”
Callie pulled her in for a hug. “Don’t be silly, we’re friends. Helping each other is what we do, and we were happy to be here.” Her gentle chastising eased some of the worry Anna was feeling, but she still felt unworthy of their time and kindness.
Closing the door after they had left, Anna took in a deep breath as her entire body tingled with the awareness that Ryan was standing close behind her.
“So, what’s next?”
She turned to see him leaning against the wall, arms folded in front of him. He had a relaxed look about him and seemed to have absolutely no intention of leaving.
“I was going to get started on painting some walls, but you don’t have to stay. You’ve already done so much and I’m sure you had better plans for your day off.”
“Sweetheart, what kind of man would I be if I left you to paint this place by yourself?” Nudging her playfully, he continued to tease her, “Besides, I need your arms to still be functioning tomorrow night.”
Anna’s breath sped up as dirty thoughts of why Ryan would want her arms tomorrow night filled her head. She could tell his mind went down that sensual path as well when his eyes grew dark and he looked at her with what couldn’t be mistaken as anything but lust in his eyes.
Anna broke the tension with a nervous laugh. “Right. My arms. For carrying all those trays of drinks.”
Ryan pushed up from his stance on the wall, and Anna was struck by how close he was. So close he could just dip his head down and kiss her. Would he? She wasn’t sure, just as she wasn’t sure if she was ready for that. He seemed to sense her hesitation and backed away with an easy smile.
“Tell you what. You spring for pizza, and let me choose the tunes we listen to, and I’ll stay and paint. Sound fair?”
Feeling slightly more even-keeled with that casual offer, Anna smiled. “Okay, I can go along with that. But I swear, if you tell me you want pineapple on your pizza or play rap music, I’ll have to kick your cute butt out of here.” It was a shock to her, how easy flirting with him was.
With an exaggerated swagger, Ryan walked past Anna toward the living room. Giving his butt a shake, he grinned over his shoulder. “I’ll have you know this cute butt thinks fruit on pizza is an abomination, and the only rap music worth listening to came out two decades ago. How about pepperoni and mushrooms on the pizza? Keep it simple.”
“Perfect.”
Chapter 5
