Page 35 of Indigo Ridge (The Edens 1)

Or was it because she’d lost her phone? I kept my mouth shut, watching as this guy withered under her stare.

Winn had the death glare perfected. It was sexy as hell to see such a fierce woman, especially knowing she could throw it all away and let her guard down to flirt and laugh like she had at Willie’s. And beneath it all was another layer, the professional, sharp-witted woman who’d come to my home bearing her notepad and pen.

Complex. Confident. Compassionate. Each of Winslow Covington’s facets was attractive.

I fought a grin as she stood unmoving, waiting for the suit to speak.

“I was worried about you, Winnie.”

She patted the Glock holstered to her belt beside her gleaming badge. “Unnecessary.”

He glanced in my direction, his mouth flattening. Skyler had been glaring at me since the moment I’d parked on the street and walked to Winn’s porch.

Before I could knock on the door or ask who he was, he’d informed me that she wasn’t here. He’d probably thought I’d leave. Why hadn’t I left? Maybe because I’d instantly disliked this guy and the arrogance wafting off his tailored jacket.

“Who is this guy?” he asked, jerking his thumb at me.

She ignored his question. “How did you find my address?”

He looked to me again, inching closer to her. “Can we talk in private? It’s about the house.”

“What about the house? I told you ten times, I don’t want it. If you do, then you can buy me out. Otherwise, quit stalling and put it on the market.”

“Winnie.”

“Skyler.” She uncrossed her arms and flicked a wrist like he was a fly that she was brushing away. Then she turned to me, and for a moment, I expected that same glare and dismissal. But then her expression lightened so suddenly it made me blink twice.

&n

bsp; Gone was the glare. Gone was the set jaw and furrowed brow. A stunning smile transformed her face, showcasing her beauty, and damn it, I wanted to kiss her again.

“Hey, babe.”

Babe? Before I could make sense of that, she closed the gap between us, stood on her toes and pressed her lips to the corner of my mouth.

When she dropped to her heels, she shifted, giving Skyler her back. Her eyes widened and she mouthed, “Please.”

Pretend to be the boyfriend.

Fine by me as long as she knew I wouldn’t ever be the boyfriend.

“Hi, baby.”

“How was your day?”

I bent down, unable to help myself, and brushed my lips against hers. “Better now.”

And damn it, that wasn’t a lie. Every time I saw her, she was more beautiful.

“Are you staying tonight?” she asked.

“Was planning on it.”

“Good.” She stepped past me and inserted her key into the lock. Without a glance at Skyler, she disappeared inside the house.

“Winnie,” he called.

She was already gone.