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Why was her pulse racing? Just because Cal had brought them food, and he was all male in his fitted T-shirt and well-worn jeans? “I’d offer to pay you back, but I know you’d say no.”
His gaze searched hers, and she saw the question there. “You’re right about that.” He grasped her hand, tentatively, as if he wasn’t sure how she’d react.
She looked down at his hand linked with her fingers. His was more olive than her pale, freckled skin.
“You’re kind of a lot, Cal,” Steph said. “No offense.”
His brows rose, but he leaned against his car, and drew her closer. “I’m not offended, but what do you mean?”
“I mean …” She liked the warmth and sturdiness of his hand encasing hers. “What are we doing here? We haven’t communicated in ten years, and now in just one week, you’re doing chores at my house and bringing me and my friends food.”
Cal said nothing, his gaze remaining steady.
“I’m grateful for all your help, but I don’t understand it.”
He didn’t seem fazed. “I like you, Bee. It’s as simple as that.”
She studied his face and saw nothing but sincerity there. “I like you, too, Cal. Obviously.”
He smiled.
“But I’m also worried.”
One of his brows lifted. “About what?”
“That you’re too good to be true …”
He straightened from the car and released her hand, a frown appearing. “You mean like Greg Makin?”
“No.” Steph’s stomach twisted. “Not like a guy who’s trying to set up another person. I just wondered why you’re being so … awesome.”
Cal stared at her for a moment. “I’m far from awesome, Steph. But if I can help out someone I care about, I will. It’s honestly been a long time since I’ve been able to or evencaredto.”
She went silent at that.
“I don’t want to scare you off or anything, so maybe you’re right,” he said carefully. “Maybe I shouldn’t be saying this now, but I want you to know that I like you. A lot. And I also know I can be a bit persistent in things—it serves my line of work well—but I also don’t want to overwhelm you.”
“I’m not overwhelmed,” she said quickly, then sighed. “Okay, maybe just a little.”
His mouth quirked, and he nodded. “Fair enough. How about we keep the ball in your court for now. You decide how much or how little you want from me.”
“Okay,” she said, not exactly sure what she was agreeing to. But he was kind of distracting with his hunky good looks. Also, how did this man smell good after working most of the day in her yard? “Did you shower?”
His brows tugged together. “No. But I probably need to.”
“You’re fine, I just … you smell good.”
“Like paint?”
She moved closer and rested her hand at his waist. The cotton of his shirt was soft beneath her fingers. “Like … a man who worked all day in my yard.”
He chuckled. “That doesn’t sound pleasant. And you touching me is not helping me leave the ball in your court.”
She moved her other hand to his waist and curled her fingers into his shirt. “Why not?”
His eyes darkened. “Because I want to kiss you right now.”
“What’s stopping you?”
