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Crystal followed Erin, taking time to think before she answered. Leaves rustled in the breeze and birds chirped.
“It’s remote and peaceful. An artist would have a quiet space to work.” Crystal tilted her head and nodded as an image formed. “I have an eye for photography, and with your gorgeous gardens, this would be a great place for engagement and prom pictures. It could even be a venue for weddings. There’s real money in that business.”
“Wow. I never thought of that. I’ll have to look into all the options.”
Zach’s silhouette appeared in the doorway, casting a dark shadow from the sun gleaming behind him. “Brody’s here, Mom. I think Crystal has taken up enough of your time.”
“Okay, great. And stop being grumpy. She’s a sweet girl, and you need to mind your manners.” Erin pointed a finger at him and walked past. “I’ll see you up at the house. Don’t dawdle. Brody is always on a schedule.”
“We won’t be long,” Zach said.
Silence engulfed the barn as Erin’s footsteps faded.
Crystal’s pulse skipped. His mood hadn’t improved. “I wanted to talk to you earlier at the park, but you ran away.”
“Ran away?” He stepped into the barn. “I didn’t run away. I had nothing to say to you after that sham between you and Levi.”
“You don’t understand. Sydney—”
“No excuses. I know what I saw. I don’t give a damn what you say or do with Levi, just don’t you dare play my mother,” he said in a deep, gravelly tone.
“Play your mother? What are you talking about?” She had been sincere and nice to Erin.
“Stay clear of her. She doesn’t understand your type.”
“My type?” Her blood heated. “What is my type?”
“The kind of person who doesn’t give a crap about her reputation and will lie on camera to get ratings. You’re hurting our business, and Levi is clueless. Thank God my mother doesn’t watch reality shows.”
“Hurting your business? I’m saving your business.” She stomped her foot. “Sydney was pissed you carried me up that slope and lent me clothes. She told Levi and me she was going to fine your business for breach of contract if we didn’t find a way to cover it.”
He crossed his arms, and Crystal took a step closer. “Levi refused at first. He wanted no part of it.”
“Well, he got over that fast enough. Either you’re a better actress than I thought, or you’re into him.”
“Why do you care? Are you jealous?”
Zach scoffed. “Hardly, just saying, you both sure played the part.”
Her temperature spiked. She took another step and glared up at him. “You need to give your brother more credit. I had to beg him to act the way he did to save your ass because I couldn’t stand the thought of you”—she poked Zach’s shoulder with her finger—“paying for my stupidity.”
That hurt to admit.
Zach captured her hand and held it against his chest, standing stock-still. Tingles radiated up her arm, and tears burned the back of her eyes.
The blinding sun behind him hid his face, but his heart thumped hard under her hand. His warm breath blew across her hot cheeks, and the room shrank.
A light breeze swirled the heated air between them. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze and leaned closer. Now she could see his expression, and it rocked her to the core. His eyes darkened, and his gaze dropped to her lips.
Was he going to kiss her? God help her, she wanted him to. Her knees went weak, and she closed her eyes.
“Dinner’s on the table,” Erin called from the deck of the house.
Zach dropped Crystal’s hand and jerked back with a curse.
Blood rushed to her face. How on earth had she let things go that far? He pushed all her buttons, and she still couldn’t resist him.
He shook his head and took a step toward the door. “We’re done here.”
