Page 31 of Small Town Sizzle

“I noticed there’s a silent auction as part of the fundraiser. You think they’re still looking for items? I might have a few connections that could help.”

Her hand remains on my arm, and I can’t deny that I like how it feels there. My eyes keep drifting to her perfect pink lips and the way her floral dress dips just casually enough to show off her ample cleavage.

Her brow arches slightly. “You have connections?”

I smirk. “Don’t sound so surprised. I’ve been known to pull a few strings when it counts.”

She crosses her arms, leaning against the wall. I pause for a second, realizing I’d rather her be touching me again. I wonder what it would be like to kiss her, to hold her in my arms.

“What kind of strings?”

“I’ve got a buddy who deals in sports memorabilia. Might be able to get a signed jersey or two. That sort of thing.”

“That could be helpful. I’ll check with the committee and let you know.”

She pushes off the wall again, her hand on my arm yet again. Being this close to her, smelling her vanilla perfume, there is something about her that isn’t allowing me to think straight.

The conversation lulls, and I realize I’ve run out of questions—at least legitimate ones. But I don’t want to leave yet, not while she’s standing here, looking at me like I’m not entirely a lost cause.

Damn it, I should have thought this through a little better.

Without thinking, I lean forward and pull her into me. She’s staring up at me with those big green eyes, and all I can think about is what her lips will feel like against mine. I cover her mouth and feel the instant she melts into me.

All those things they talk about happening in romance movies…yeah, they’re all true. Firsthand experience right here.

Just as quickly as it happens, I realize I’m crossing a line and immediately pull back.

“I should get back inside to the guys,” I tell her quickly before I walk away.

“Alrighty then,” she mutters under her breath.

I shouldn’t have done that. I have no business getting into any relationship after how my last one ended.

Chapter Ten

Maya

He kissed me. He kissed me, and I’m not mad about it.

I’m not sure that I’m even walking right asI push the door to the youth center office open. George trots to greet me, his nails clicking against the linoleum floor. All I want is a moment to myself, to shake off the weird energy Garrett left in his wake.

He kissed me.

Leti is lounging at her desk, her feet propped up like she owns the place, a bag of popcorn in one hand and a smirk on her face.

“What are you doing?” I ask, narrowing my eyes at her. She’s up to something—I can feel it.

She doesn’t answer right away; she just keeps chewing, her grin widening. Finally, she waves a buttery hand toward me. “Nothing. Just enjoying the show.”

I cross my arms, staring her down. “What show?”

“Oh, you know,” she says, her voice dripping with fake innocence. “The one where two insanely hot guys are clearlyvying for your attention, and you’re over here acting like it’s just another day.”

I roll my eyes so hard I might strain something. “You’re delusional.”

“No, no,” she insists, sitting up and clutching the popcorn bag like she’s settling in for a blockbuster. “I’m serious. That TJ guy is clearly coming around because he has a crush on you. Then when Garrett walked out…dang, girl, I wasreadyto watch a fight. Popcorn in hand, front-row seat.”

“Please,” I mutter, shaking my head. “They weren’t going to fight.”