Page 44 of Chasing the Sun

I laughed to myself—saved by my own damn kid.

Levi looked between us, oblivious to the fact that I was having a full-body meltdown over the proximity of a woman I allegedly couldn’t stand.

“Ellie, I need to run to the store,” Levi said, out of breath. “Stan said we need more stakes for the pumpkin patch setup.”

Ellie nodded, checking her clipboard. “And zip ties.”

Levi pointed at her. “Yes. Right, zip ties. Got it.”

I narrowed my eyes. “You’re letting a fourteen-year-old drive into town for supplies?”

Ellie scoffed. “Oh, forgive me,Father of the Year.What was I thinking, allowing a teenager without a valid driver’s license to drive to a store?”

Levi rolled his eyes. “I’m going with Mr. Stafford, Dad.”

I didn’t actually think she would allow Levi todrive illegally, and I certainly wasn’t worried about him running errands with Stan. I was worried about being left here.

Alone.

With her.

Ellie turned to Levi and grinned. “You’re my hero. If you come back with snacks, I’ll add ten percent to today’s earnings.”

“Oh, heck yeah.” Levi shot me a grin and jogged off.

And just like that, I was alone with her again.

Ellie let out a deep sigh, stretching her arms over her head. Her white T-shirt lifted just enough to expose a sliver of smooth, sun-kissed skin.

I dragged my eyes away before I did something fucking stupid, like reach out and touch her.

Or fall apart completely.

“So.” She exhaled again, twisting her lips in thought. “Are you going to keep glaring at me, or are you going to help?”

“Help?” I scowled. “Help with what?”

She smiled, slow and sweet, stepping into my space. The heat between us crackled.

I held my ground, my muscles going tight as she tapped a finger against my chest.

“Don’t worry,” she said, voice soft, teasing. “I won’t tell anyone you actually like it here.”

I grabbed her wrist. Not rough, but not gentle. Just enough to remind both of us that we were walking a razor-thin edge.

Her lips parted.

Despite knowing better, I let my thumb brush over the inside of her wrist, slow and deliberate. Ellie swallowed hard. Her pulse jumped under my touch.

I leaned in, just enough to feel her breath on my skin. The tension coiled so tight, I thought I’d snap.

“Hey!” Levi’s voice rang out.

Ellie jerked her wrist free and I took a step back.

Levi jogged toward us again, holding up a yellow bag this time. “I forgot the keys, but I did find some Sour Patch Kids.”

Ellie laughed, reaching into her pocket to hand Levi a set of truck keys. He tossed her the candy as she beamed at him. “You do love me.”