Page 26 of Nails

She clenched her jaw, frustrated with his bad timing.But she knew that for Russell to call her in like this on the weekend, whatever was going on had to be big.

“Sure.Be there in about fifteen.”

As she disconnected the call, she turned and saw Nails watching her.His arms were crossed.

She forced a tight smile.“Sorry.That was work.I have to head into the office.”

Something flickered in his eyes.Was that disappointment?She hoped so, because she was certainly disappointed.Before she could dwell on it, she heard herself saying, “I don’t know how long I’ll be.But if I get back early enough, would you like to grab dinner later?Your friend can come too.”

Nails smiled, but then his expression shifted to regret.

“I’d love to.But Snow and I have to head back to Virginia tonight.”

Disappointment settled heavily in her chest, but she nodded.“Oh.Okay.”

Maybe it was for the best.Still, the thought didn’t ease the sting.

Nails ran a hand through his short hair.He looked almost as frustrated as she felt.

They quickly cleaned up the kitchen together, and then Riley grabbed her keys from the counter.

Nails walked out the door first, and then Riley followed, locking up the house.

When she stepped off the porch, Nails stood there.

“Thank you for the coffee and lunch.”

She smiled, but before she could respond, he leaned down and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to her cheek.

It was simple and gentle.But it sent a shockwave through her body.Not because it was too much, but because it was exactly enough.It left her speechless.But in a good way.

As he stepped back, their eyes met.His eyes were warm, but seemed a bit guarded, like he wasn’t sure if he’d crossed a line.

Finally, she offered him a smile.“It was really nice meeting you.”

“Likewise,” he said with a grin.

God, why do I feel so nervous right now?She thought.

“Well, I'd better get going.Safe travels back home,” she said.

He nodded.“Drive safely, yourself.”He then started across the yard towards his mom’s house.

She walked to her Jeep.Her insides were fluttering like it didn’t know what to do with itself.

She opened the Jeep door and sat behind the wheel, her hands resting on the steering wheel for a moment as she stared out the windshield.

She looked up and saw he was standing on his mom’s porch watching her.She gave him a small wave.He returned with a small nod and a half-smile before disappearing inside the house.

She lifted her hand and touched the spot on her cheek where his lips had been.

God.She was in trouble.

Nails hadn’t expected a simple cup of coffee to unravel him the way it did.Riley was sharp, grounded, and full of layers that he found himself wanting to peel back.He couldn’t remember the last time he actually enjoyed just sitting around and talking to someone.

The things she’d been through and the strength she carried weren’t just admirable; they were captivating.

He felt the chemistry between them.It was subtle but undeniable.And as much as it scared him, he refused to run from it.Not this time.