It shatters the spell. Reality crashes in, cold and unshakable. We might be exiled here together, but we’re not meant for each other. The way my last and only relationship crashed and burned should be proof enough. Not to mention the fact that I’m playing boss in this whole endeavor, and she’s still getting over a breakup.
“Fuck, I shouldn’t have...” I swallow, looking anywhere but her, and back away. My body protests, drawn to her like a magnet. “This was a mistake. I’ll, uh—I’ll get us some dinner.”
I could use a run, frankly. Get the blood rushing in my ears so I can’t think. Strip away the restless energy that wants to lick into her mouth and tug off her clothes and touch her, smell her, taste her.Learnher, inside and out.
She turns back to the sink, sorting through the mess I made. “Fine.”
I can’t tell if she sounds relieved or upset.
Before I succumb to the urge to kiss her again, I flee.
Chapter 26
Cardamom, Cloves
Poppy
It’s nearly midnight, my feet are aching from the evening we spent in the kitchen, but I know one thing: I can’t stay on this houseboat.
Not tonight.
Not after that kiss.
I don’t know what to do with a Jack Hartman who pays me compliments. A Jack who makes me feel warm with a glance. Andespeciallya Jack who kisses me like the world is ending around us. My lips are stinging from the friction of his beard. I still can feel the imprint of his hands on my waist, not to mention the firm, yet not painful, grip on my braid. It’s so much easier to think of him as grumpy and aloof. Handsome, sure, and a hell of a chef, but never someone I’d really connect with, much less kiss.
I replayed his praise in my head all day. I just about lost it when he approved of my vinaigrette. Those little crumbs felt better than any social media comment, or sponsorship deal, or even the rare compliment from my family.
And then I crashed back to Earth with that kiss.
A kiss he ran away from, obviously disgusted with himself once he realized what he was doing. He called it amistake.
I wiggle into a form-fitting leather skirt and heels, plus a cropped, equally tight black tee. I let my hair down, putting in a bit of texturizing spray for good measure, then freshen my makeup in the tiny bathroom. When I emerge, I see that Jack’s back from wherever he fled to for takeout, a plastic bag in hand. He looks up when he hears my footsteps.
He’s so handsome, I can’t stand it. I hate looking at the curl of dark hair over his forehead, now that I know how soft it is. I hate his prickly beard, remembering how delicious it felt against my skin. I hate the way the T-shirt I nearly ripped off clings to him just right. All the more reason to go out. I need to find someone to hook up with; to douse the fire he lit in me. Otherwise, there’s no way I can continue to be around him.
“What are some good bars around here?”
He sets down the takeout with a thud. “What?”
“Bars in town. Which one should I go to?”
“You’re going out?”
“So?”
“Why?”
“I didn’t realize I needed to ask your permission before leaving.” I cross my arms over my chest. “Just give me a name. What about Salty Joe’s?”
He looks at me from head to toe, eyes narrowed. “What are you going to do?”
“I’m going to find someone to hook up with.” His surprised, surly scowl is priceless. I smile sweetly in return.
“Just like that.”
“Yeah.”
“Absolutely not.” He stalks in my direction, jerking a hand through his hair. “Trust me, there’s no one you’d want in this town.”
