Page 20 of Pinch

“Well, I think it’s pretty cool that you’re a scientist.” Gavin’s tone is warm.

“Thank you.” I still don’t make eye contact.

We continue watching the film. Gigi buries her head in the pillow when the T. Rex pushes the kids around in the car, when the raptors chase the kids in the kitchen, when they barely escape the island. Of course, we tease her.

“We’ve watched this movie a billion times.” Maverick stands, stretching as it ends. “I can’t believe you’re still hiding from dinosaurs.”

“It’s scary!” Gigi stands, and Spanky trots up to her side.

I stand as well, and Patsy stirs in my hold. “I’m taking her out. Want me to take Spanky, too?”

“Please!” Gigi clasps her hands before catching the bannister and trotting up the stairs.

“Come on, bad boy.” I snap my fingers, and the white puff ball jogs up to my side.

To my dismay, Gavin stands as well, following me. “I’ll help you.”

“I don’t really need help.” We walk through the kitchen to the back door, and I walk across the wooden deck to put my tiny guest on the grass.

She hops more than walks, and I can’t help a smile. “She’s so tiny!”

“Hey,” Gavin touches my arm, and it’s like a little shock. “I’m really sorry I saw you naked this morning. It was a total accident.”

“We really don’t have to talk about it.” I blink up at his blue eyes, which are stupidly gorgeous.

“If it helps, you have a really nice body.”

A flash of heat fills my stomach. “It doesn’t help,” I answer quickly.

My face is red, and I angrily fight against my involuntary physical response to him. It’s simple biology, as I well know being a scientist. I can control it.

“Your breasts are perfect.” A naughty glint is in his eyes.

“Please stop talking.”

“It was like one of those movie scenes when all of a sudden, a perfect rack flashes across the screen. LikeAirplane! Or what was that high school movie with girls in the showers?”

I know exactly what he’s talking about. My mom is a total movie buff, and I was raised on old films.

“They don’t do that anymore.”

“Doesn’t mean little boys don’t know how to track them down.”

My eyes slide to his. “I take it you tracked them down? That sounds right.”

Player.

“You bet I did. There’s nothing better than perfect breasts. They’re works of art.”

Patsy is hopping back to where we stand after doing her business. I walk forward and scoop her off the ground. “I’m going to bed now.”

He laughs, a full-throated hearty sound I don’t want to like. “I’m just messing with you, Haddy. Can’t we be friends?”

“I think you know the answer to that.”

He puts his hand on the porch railing, leaning forward. “Maybe I’ll grow on you.”

“Good night, Gavin.” I turn on my heel and head to the door, the noise of his chuckle echoing behind me in the night.