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The name in the upper corner says Anthony Duncan.
Who’s that?
It doesn't seem real.
“Anthony is my grandfather. Aka Gramps,” Cole says. He places his hand on my knee but jerks back just as fast, like it almost didn't happen. But I know it did, I felt it, his warm fingertips lingering on me. “We both put in some money to help replace your supplies. At first, I was going to pay for the whole thing, but after I told Gramps what happened, he felt awful and wanted to help. He wouldn't take no for an answer.”
My heart melts in my chest. What a sweet man.
“This … this is so nice of you ... I can't possibly take this.” I hand him the check back and stand. “How about that tour now?” My cheeks heat.
They're sweet for wanting to fix the damage Rocky did, but I'll take care of it. I hate taking money from people. My mom may not have shown me how to work hard, but my father did. When I was a little girl, he’d teach me things about money, how to budget, how to balance a checkbook. But what he drilled home the most was to never take handouts or to rely on others to make your way. You need to be strong and work hard to make a living. Sure, we all get in a tough spot and need help. Asking a family member to borrow money you will pay back is different.
But this … I can’t. I can’t possibly accept this.
“Listen, Addi. I know how important your art is to you. And I feel like an ass that it’s all ruined.” He stands up and grabs my waist, pulling me against him.
The move is unexpected. I gasp and place the palm of my hands against his chest, but he grabs them and drops them down by my side, pulling me in close again. I don’t fight him this time. Instead, I give in and lean into his smell, his heat.
Cole runs his hands up my sides and over my curves, his fingertips lightly brushing against the soft material of my dress. I close my eyes and enjoy his touch. When he reaches my face, he cups one side while running a finger down the other.
“Addi ...” His mouth is close, so close I feel his hot breath tickling my lips as my eyes flutter open.
No. No kissing allowed.
Then he does the last thing I thought he would.
He pulls away and leaves me standing there like a fool, ready for a kiss that doesn’t happen.
“How about that tour now?”
Wait, what?
