Page 32 of Cru's Crush

Cru glanced at my lap, groaned, and put his eyes back on the road.

“You asked, and I did warn you.”

“Lesson learned.”

I reached over and touched the sleeve of the pullover he’d put on over his shirt. “I like this.”

“Good thing since you picked it out.”

“Do you not like it?”

“I love it, Daph.” He looked down at my legs. “And I love the stockings.”

I ran my hand down my thigh and wriggled my eyebrows. “They’re silk.”

“One would think you’re intentionally trying to drive me crazy.”

I batted my eyelashes. “Crazy how?”

“I’m a man, Daphne, not a robot.” He didn’t even attempt discretion when he adjusted his trousers.

“Do you have the same reaction with all your friends?”

Cru rested his elbow on the arm of his seat and looked out at the perfect view we had of the ocean from the highway. “Here’s the deal, myfriend. We’re going to be living and working together, side by side, every day. At night, I’ll be in the bedroom right below yours. There’s a lot at stake here, Daphne.”

I had to turn away so he wouldn’t see how humiliated his words made me feel. Truly, it wasn’t his fault. I was the one playing games, as he’d said. I’d started it yesterday, and today, I took it farther than I should have. “You’re right, and I’m sorry, Cru.”

“I think we should dial it back.”

“You mean I should.”

He shook his head. “If that’s what I meant, it’s what I would’ve said.”

“It was nice to see Trevino today.” I hoped we could get off the subject of my blatant attempt at seducing him, especially given he clearly wasn’t interested in me.

“He said he was leaving California, but when he heard I wasn’t living in the cottage anymore, he changed his mind. I wish there was something in the winery he liked to do.”

“There’snothing? I mean, there are so many options.”

He shook his head. “If there is, he hasn’t found it yet.”

My phone vibrated, and I looked down at my mum’s response. “She asked if we’d mind eating a bit earlier.”

“I’m good with it. When?”

“Thirty minutes?”

“Where?” he asked.

“The Sea Chest. She said they want to enjoy the view before it gets dark.”

“We should be able to make it on time.”

I remained quiet the rest of the drive, still humiliated that Cru had called me out on my behavior. Something occurred to me, and depending on his answer, I might have to find another place to live.

“What’s the rule about bringing dates to the house?”

His hand was tight on the steering wheel, and his jaw clenched. “Do you mean to spend the night?”