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“Okay. I’m sure Duke won’t mind.” At the mention of Duke, my face heats. Ugh, stupid complexion.
“Duke, huh?” Lily narrows her eyes, and I resist the urge to squirm. “Tell me more about him.”
“Well, he’s a hockey player.” My cheeks are burning. “He’s the captain,” I offer, latching on to innocuous information.
“Is he now?” It’s obvious Lily’s not fooled. “And what does he look like?”
“Lily…”
She laughs, and it’s so good to hear.
I grin back at her. “Fine. He’s handsome.” She lifts her brows. “Okay, he’s the most good-looking man I’ve ever met.” Nodding, she grins knowingly. “In my defense, he works out all the time, so of course he has an amazing body.”
“Of course.”
“And the rest of it… the good bone structure, his amazing hands, good skin… that’s probably his diet, right?”
“Probably.” She chuckles, propping her chin in her hands.
I roll my eyes. “Now you’re patronizing me.”
She laughs again. “You know, it’s okay if you find him attractive.”
“No, it’s not okay. He’s my boss.” Last night, I steered clear of Duke and Tabby except to hug Tabby good night. After his apology, I needed a chance to regroup. I couldn’t help teasing him. He’s so serious all the time. But I didn’t expect how his smile would affect me, how seeing him relax filled me with equal parts desire to curl up in a ball next to him and just desire desire.
When that man’s face softens into a lazy grin, he screams sex like a sign at an adult bookstore.
But what really got me was the surprise on his face when he realized we were laughing together. I don’t think Duke York relaxes with many people, and that tugged at my heart.
Lily cuts into my musings. “When I worked at the diner, when I was a girl, I thought my boss was attractive.”
“You did?”
“Sure. It’s not like they stop looking the way they do just because they’re your boss.”
“That doesn’t help me, Lily.”
“I’m not trying to help you, hon.” She pats my hand. “And, in fact, I’m not even going to judge you. I can’t even remember the last time you thought someone was attractive. I’m happy to hear it.”
“That’s not good parental advice. You’re supposed to tell me it’s unprofessional to be checking out my boss.” I thought I was coming here to check my moral compass.
She waves me off. “June, I’ve never had to point you in the right direction. You’ve always been so eager to do the right thing. I’ve just stood by and let you work it out on your own.”
“That’s not true.” I sit up straighter. “You know I always come to you for advice.”
“You do. But it’s mostly just to talk things over. You need a sounding board, not a guide. Half the time, I get as much out of our conversations as you do.”
I consider that. Lily has never been an overbearing or pushy guardian. “Maybe you just remind me what the right path should be.”
“Maybe, girl. Maybe.” She pats my cheek. “So, what does your conscience tell you about this Duke?”
“I should stay away from him,” I admit. “He’s my boss, and he has a seven-year-old daughter. There’s too much complicated about it.”
She tilts her head. “That’s true.”
I sigh. “Yes. Yes, it is.” Unable to sit still any longer, I get up and pour Lily her coffee. Setting the steaming mug in front of her, she covers my fingers as she takes it.
Staring up at me, her smile is sad. “But sometimes our heart doesn’t listen to our head, does it?”
