Page 28 of Sterling Fight

“Stone, Vale, and you are the only ones single.”

I nod toward her left hand. “I’m not single. For ten days, at least.” I’m holding true to my promise which reminds me Genie never answered my note. The one she clutched in her hand, hellbent on wanting answers until Clay’s call interrupted us.

I swallow thickly and set down my fork. Pushing my plate away from me, I fold my arms on the island. “You didn’t answer my question. From my note.”

Genie stares at me. Her eyes are so expressive. The brown color is rich but not deep with flecks of gold that sparkle when the light hits just right. Fireflies in the night.

She sits taller on the stool and sets down her fork. Mirroring my position, she pushes her plate back as well.

“I check yes, Judd.” Yes, to dating me for ten days. But then, her gaze lingers on me, like she wants to tell me more. Like she is telling me more, but I’ll never master mental telepathy.

Instead, I just stare back at her, this weird tension building between us. A vibe I don’t recognize, but don’t mind. In fact, the energy seems to fuel me. Or it might be the sensual pull I feel toward her. From the moment I saw her in that yellow contraption I’ve had a hard-on. It might have happened sooner except for the ice pooling in my lap when I saw her in the bakery.

Then I consider seeing her with that douchebag Ralson outside The Boxer. I haven’t asked her about him. It was clear she wasn’t leaving with him that night, much to my relief. I wanted to go home with her. To follow her. To hang out with her. But she was gone in an instant. Like the firefly I first thought of upon seeing her. Flickering bright for only a flash and then disappearing back into the dark.

“Done?” I nod toward her plate, dispelling the momentary sizzle between us because I’m growing hard just looking at her and my gray sweatpants hide nothing. If I thought I’d get away with it, I’d clear these plates in one swoop, pull her up on the island, and make a meal of her.

But patience will be required when it comes to Genie. I owe her time, and while I don’t have much, I don’t want to waste any of it, which is another reason I do not want to go to my brother’s later today.

“We don’t really have to go to Stone’s, if you don’t want to.” I stand and reach for Genie’s plate.

She grabs it back from me. “I’m not done.” Her eyes meet mine for a second. Another flash of gold in them before she looks away. “And going to your brother’s is fine. It might be fun. And I’m curious about all your secrets.”

She hums humorously, but the last thing I want Genie to know is all my secrets.

When I enter the great room after cleaning up breakfast and giving Genie and me both time to shower, separately unfortunately, I find her standing with her back to the room. She’s admiring the view of the lake again, and I’m admiring her.

She turns and my breath hitches.

“Do I look okay?”

“You look pretty.” The words are not adequate. The sunlight is filtering into the room, haloing her in a warm glow. Although magical and bright, the moment is more than her appearance. There’s a sense of rightness to Genie standing here, in my house. Like she’s the remaining piece of a puzzle I’ve struggled to put together on my own.

She feels like home, and a sensation I haven’t felt for a long, long time returns to me. One I’m not ready to define for fear Genie won’t feel the same way. Thus, the need for more time.

Genie pulls at the sides of her dress, looking down at herself and distracting me from my thoughts. The Kelly-green skirt with small polka dots flares from her hips. The strapless dress is more flattering than the yellow thing she wore only yesterday. It accentuates her curves, making her breasts look even more voluptuous.

I’m in so much trouble.

“You clean up nice, too.” She glances up at me.

I scoff at my dark jeans and an untucked dress shirt. It’s been forever since I’ve attended a Sunday dinner, I honestly didn’t know what to wear. I’d ask if I met her approval, but the way she’s looking at me, my cheeks heat. She has no idea what she does to me when she looks at me like that. How it gives me hope, a feeling I don’t think I’ve ever fully experienced.

“Shall we?” She waves toward the garage, breaking the spell.

When we enter, she takes in my motorcycle, pickup truck, and the Ford.

“What is that?” Genie stares at the shiny black, mean machine.

“A GT500 Ford Shelby.” A total impulse buy, but I love my toys.

“Can I drive it?” Her eyes are wide as she glances back at me. Then she pouts her lips and folds her hands beneath her chin, batting her eyelids.

Oh my God, how can I say no to her?

I turn for the lock box of keys just inside the door and then toss the Ford set to her. The keys fall at her feet and Genie bursts into laughter. “I swear I don’t drive as bad as I catch.”

“You didn’t catch them at all,” I remind her, my mouth pulling up on one side. She’s so adorable and refreshing. Fucking thunderstorm in a summer draught refreshing. “And I’m a little worried about your eye-hand coordination.”