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“No problem. I’ll hit the market on the corner. Care to come with me?”
Yes!
Any chance to spend more time with this amazing man and I’m on board. But that’s not what I say. For some reason, I’m reluctant to show too much interest in him.
“Ummm…”
“Come on.” He extends a hand. “I don’t want to get lost.”
“Considering the corner store is literally on the corner, I don’t think you’ll get lost.”
“Probably, but the companionship would be nice.” He definitely doesn’t give in easily.
“You really want me to come?”
“One thing you’ll learn about me, as we get to know each other better, is I rarely beat around the bush. I’m pretty direct.”
Funny, that’s pretty much what Paul said earlier. Direct. Do I like direct men? Maybe that’s why I fell for Scott. He’s also authoritative and direct.
“The sun’s nearly ready to set. I’ve been told the view is spectacular on the roof.” Zeb holds out a hand, waiting for me to take it. “I’d rather not miss it.”
“Umm…” I drag my hands over my pants.
“Come on. I don’t bite.” Those eyes of his twinkle with mischief. “Unless that’s what you like?”
It emboldens me to have a little fun.
“And if I do?”
“If you like that, I’ve got a host of other things you’ll enjoy. But first, let’s get beer and something for dessert.”
With my heart beating like a crazy lunatic, I let Zeb take my hand. Before I know it, he lifts my hand to his mouth and presses featherlight kisses over my knuckles. An oddly intimate gesture, it somehow feels right.
I make no move to pull away and find I really enjoy his companionship as we buy beer and cookies for the group. Our little house party is definitely turning into something more, but the moment we exit the corner store, I feel it again.
That sense someone is watching me.
Zeb picks up on it immediately.
“What’s wrong?”
A shiver works its way down my spine. Beside me, Zeb’s relaxed posture turns tense and his entire being goes on alert. Like me, he scans the street looking for threats.
“It’s nothing.” I try to play it down, but the set of Zeb’s shoulders and the clenching of his jaw tell me he doesn’t buy my dismissive comment.
His brow furrows and his stance widens. It’s a subtle change but awe inspiring. He’s ready for any threat.
Instead of sinfully hot, I see a man born for combat and violence against his enemies. It’s terrifying, yet oddly comforting.
“Come.” He takes my hand and pulls me down the street.
The entire time, he scans for threats. Unlike me, he’s focused and methodical. He takes his time to look down the street and behind parked cars. He checks for anyone hiding in doorways, but there are no threats to be found.
Once we’re back inside, he shuts the front door and locks it behind him.
“What other forms of egress are there?”
“Egress?”
