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I chuckled to myself at the joke that my grandmother had made in Texas about big trucks: something must be small, her voice floated through my head. My smile widened as I put the truck in park and opened the door. I recognized Ryan as he walked out onto the porch. He was a little taller than I had envisioned and a bit more on the built side than I had expected after seeing his Facebook photos, but he was just as attractive as he had been when we’d Skyped to discuss the house. My eyes, however, were glued to the man walking behind him.
Chapter Three
Luke
“That’s a girl,” I stated quietly as I grabbed the screen door he’d let fall shut in my face—again.
“Yeah, it is,” Ryan chuckled. “Can’t put anything past you.”
“You know I never would have agreed with this had I known it was a girl,” I said through clenched teeth.
“Yup,” he laughed. “I am fully aware. That’s why I didn’t tell you. Come on, she’s pretty awesome. I promise. From her emails, Facebook, and the Skype conversation we had, I don’t think she’s a serial killer disguised as a the soon-to-be girl next door.” I watched him as he made his way over to the truck. I stood on the porch and watched the exchange.
“Hey, Emmy! Glad you made here without having to call,” he said and extended his hand toward her. She took it and smiled up at him. She wasn’t a short woman, but Ryan seemed to tower over her with his si
x-foot-one frame.
“Me too!” She smiled and let go of his hand looking over the house. “It's beautiful here. The trees are amazing.” I followed her eyes as they traced over the tall oaks that straddled the edge of the property.
“Yeah, they have been here as long as I can remember,” Ryan said as he took a small bag from her hand. “I left a bed and loveseat, also my small table with two chairs. I hope that will get you through until your stuff arrives. When is that again?”
“It should be here in a few days. I have my fingers crossed,” she laughed as she followed him, carrying a few grocery bags.
“That’s Luke. He’s the strong, silent type,” Ryan laughed.
“Hi, Luke.” She tipped her head at me with a smile that almost knocked me over.
I waved back and responded, “Hi,” though I doubt she heard me as softly as it came out.
“Hey, Luke, grab those other bags from her back seat, would ya?” Ryan called out as he led her in through the front door.
I scooped up the bags from the truck and carried them inside and upstairs to the room with the bed in it. One of the bags was full of folders and a laptop. I tried to read the tabs across the tops of the folders until I heard their footsteps coming up the stairs.
“Thanks for bringing those up for me,” she said as she moved closer to me.
“Anytime. If you ever need anything, let me know.” I dropped my eyes and caught sight of the slight curve of her breasts and the way the yoga pants she was wearing hugged curves that should be illegal. When my gaze met hers again, her arms were crossed over her chest, and she was giving me a look that screamed “My eyes are up here, buddy.”
“Yeah, I'm gonna go,” I muttered and turned to head down the stairs. “Ryan and I will help ya move your furniture when it comes,” I said as I turned to take one more look at her before averting my eyes to the floor.
“I think I can take care of it, but I appreciate it.” Her tone wasn't harsh, but it held a touch of indignation.
“Okay, well if you do need anything, just let me know.” I said without looking at her. When I hit the bottom step, Ryan was standing there grinning like a damn fool. I wanted to punch him. No, I wanted to beat him to a pulp.
He called up to let Emmy know we were leaving and that I’d be next door if she needed anything—not him. Me. She said goodbye, and I made a beeline for the door.
“She’s cute, right?” He said once we were outside.
“Yeah, but I know what you’re thinking and... No.” I cut my eyes at him.
“Oh, come on. You have been out of the game too long, my friend. I mean, when is the last time you got laid? Maybe you'll cut some seconds off your time if you get a little of this pent-up sexual frustration out of your system.” He slapped me on the back.
“I am fine, and I don't need a damn woman making me crazy.” I whisper-shouted.
“Uh, huh,” he chuckled, cutting me a look. “That's what we all say until we are balls deep,” he said through his laughter.
I meant it. The last thing I needed was to be distracted by some hot chick. I had been there and done that. I didn't need distractions, especially now.
“I have seriously got to work on finishing this table I started. You gonna help?” I asked him as he was wiping the tears from his face.
