Page 52 of Men or Paws

“What?” I said, finally standing up next to her and playing dumb as Houdini began licking my fingers like a fried chicken addict.

Beth crossed her arms. “You looked down my top.”

“That is incorrect.” I shook my head. “Technically, you were above me, so I looked up your top.”

She glared at me. “How old are you, fourteen?”

I smirked. “Sixteen. I get my driver’s license next week.”

She huffed and shook her head. “You really are a piece of work.”

I nodded, thinking about it. “Maybe I am, but you’re a piece of art. And yes, that was another flirt, so sue me.”

Maybe I should’ve left out that last part.

See what happened when I tried to be spontaneous?

Beth gave me a scowl, her lips pinched tight. Her silence spoke volumes, like maybe she was getting tired of denying the sizzling chemistry between us. Either way, I needed to come to my senses and get to work. The best way to do that was to change the subject and then make my escape.

“Let me just wash my hands and I’ll be out of your hair.” I walked over to the kitchen sink and turned on the water. “I’ve got dog drool all over me.” I pumped some soap in my hands and lathered them up.

Beth was quietly fidgeting, watching me, but then wandered slowly over in my direction. “Can we just forget what happened over there?” She pointed to the couch.

“Already forgotten,” I lied.

“Good.” She nodded, more thinking, finally looking like she was shaking off the spell we had both been under.

“Do you have everything you need here?” I asked.

Beth nodded. “Yes, thanks for stocking the kitchen with the organic food. How did you know that’s what I preferred?”

“Only the best for my guest,” I said.

“That’s . . . very kind of you,” Beth said.

“I aim to please.” I shrugged and decided to come clean. “Also, my agent, Oliver, may have talked to your brother about your food preferences and then gave a shopping list to Marcello, but you don’t need to know that part.” I laughed.

Surprisingly, Beth laughed right along with me.

She stopped when she saw me staring again.

I really needed to stop doing that.

Beth finally broke the staring stalemate. “Well, either way, thank you.”

“My pleasure.” I dried my hands with the kitchen towel and hung it back on the hook. “And if you need anything else, please just let me know.”

She shook her head. “I don’t think that’ll be necessary. You packed this place with enough food for an entire month.”

“Don’t want you to starve or anything.” I pointed to the door. “I guess I should go. Those scripts aren’t going to read themselves.”

Surprisingly, Beth didn’t seem like she was finished with the conversation. “Not so fast.”

I sighed and folded my arms under my chest. “Don’t tell me, you want to talk about wedding venues? I’m okay with something by the ocean. And even though your behavior has been questionable, you can still wear white.” I couldn’t help laughing.

Beth’s face turned a beautiful shade of pink that complimented her purple blouse. “I was hoping you forgot about that.”

“Not a chance,” I said. “I’m taking that one with me to the grave. Anyway, why can’t I leave?”