Page 47

“Hot damn, I’m going to either give her a raise or fire her for not setting us up.”

This time my small blush became a sunburn. He was totally checking me out, without makeup, old jeans, tank and all. “I—we should get back. Or we’ll miss the show.”

“I have a confession of my own. Don’t you want to hear it? Your grandmother is the best PA I’ve ever had. But don’t tell her I said that. She’s impertinent enough as it is. Always gives it right back.”

“I’m glad. I haven’t seen her this happy in years.”

The lie between us hovered on my lips, seconds away from falling. I moved to pick-up Daisy, but he scooped her up before I could. He cuddled her under his right arm, pressing her gently against his side. Then he draped his left arm around my shoulder as we walked outside.

He was warm, smelled like pine and soap. My nipples peaked in my bra. I bit my lip. It didn’t feel to right to pull away even though we had just technically met. Was he… could he be C.C.? Red-faced, I couldn’t look at him, even though I felt his eyes on me.

It hit me like a ton of bricks. All this time he’s been here miles apart from where I sleep. I have him pinned up in my kitchen, a spare hidden under my bed. I’ve touched myself so many times, while dreaming of his smirking, smug face and chiseled body. He’s my grandma’s boss and possibly my nemesis? Our court date days away? Every pre-conceived notion I had of him blurred. My head was still spinning that Gran’s boss could be Mr. Hotshot Homeowner and my Mr. July all wrapped up in six plus feet of pure Adonis-like perfection.

“This is us over here. Everyone! This is Bunny’s granddaughter Daisy and her friend,” he stopped quirking a brow.

“Kismet.” I dumbly answered, ignoring Gran’s sharp look. My mind instantly recalling the word for what was taking place.

Everyone said polite hello’s while two pairs of sharp eyes noticed his arm still around me. Gran’s and a striking woman. She eyed me up and down in a similar way he had.

“I’m Chase, by the way. He leaned down whispering with lips that almost touched my ear.

Goosebumps broke out across my skin, my nipples were still erect, and I hoped in the dark no one would notice, yet I knew his eyes missed nothing. He led me to a prime spot in front of the fire, sat down, tugging me with him. Daisy happily sat in his lap, licked his fingers, then rolled onto her back, eyes pleading for a belly rub. Even the canine wanted his hands on her.

I tried to relax, pretended to focus on the fireworks. It was an excuse not to talk. My heart beat fast, so fast, I knew he could sense I felt like a deer waiting to flee the predator. He finally leaned over again, “I don’t bite. Well, never wanted to before.” I turned my face to his, it was so close his pupils dilated as his eyes fell to my lips. I licked them on instinct, hearing his groan as the fireworks exploded around us in a grand finale. “Breakfast tomorrow?”

“Excuse me?”

“I’d ask you to dinner, But I don’t want to wait that long.”

“I’m seeing someone.” The lie fell fast. I needed to put a roadblock between us. He went right through it.

“Yeah, you are. Me.”

“Cocky much?” But I already knew that answer from all of our email exchanges.

“Don’t you have house guests?”

“I do. You could stay over. We’ll be perfectly chaperoned.”

“You’re kidding.”

He smiled. All golden skin and eyes. Damn, he was so sexy. My body was already gone for him months ago, but his easy going smiles nearly stole my heart.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered. His brows furrowed. My confession was soft but serious. Telling him the two words that I meant from my heart for things he didn’t know I was responsible for yet. I feared he’d fire Gran if I told him. I looked over my shoulder at her. She was glowing, laughing in a way I hadn’t heard in years, like before Pops died.

“I better go spend time with Gran.”

“Am I going to have to fight Bunny for you?”

“She’d win.” I grinned back at him.

“Well then maybe I’ll just win her over first.”

“Something tells me you already have.” I got up, brushing sand from my thighs, the action drawing his eyes to them. His jaw clenched as he forced himself to look away. I motioned for Daisy to come, but she wouldn’t leave his arms. Can’t say I blamed her. “Traitor,” I whispered. His husky laugh followed me as I crossed the sand finding a spot behind the fire next to Gran. I looked across the flames, his eyes watched me like he was staking a claim. I quickly looked away.

“Nice of you to join your granny,Daisy.”

My face flamed again. “I was stunned. Just blurted out the dog’s name. You didn’t tell him I have his calendar pinned up in my kitchen?” I hissed.