Page 76 of The Bronze Garza

“Tough luck.”

“Fine,” he grumpily acquiesces. “It’s not like you could eat cotton candy anyway.”

“I can.” I smile. “You’d just have to hold my hair while I hurl it back up.”

“What, exactly, about me gives you the impression that I’m the type to hold your hair up while you puke?”

“You might not do it because you like me, tough guy. But you’d do it because—”—I reach over and pat his thigh—“I’m your job.”

I’m pulling back my hand from his thigh when he reaches down and wraps his fingers around mine, keeping my hand there.

I pause, forgetting to breathe.Waiting. For him to say something. Explain why he’s holding my hand captive. But he doesn’t. He just continues driving, casual and relaxed, as if nothing out of the ordinary is happening here. His thumb brushing back and forth over my knuckles.

Eventually, I release the breath I’m holding, slow and steady, and let my hand go lax. Even as his skin on mine ignites me. Spins me dizzy.

I don’t know what it means, butGod, I hope he never lets go.

~

“I appreciate youcoming with me tonight.”

He’s walked me to the condo.

Keyed open the door for me.

And now he’s crowding me inside its frame. His intense gaze all over my face.

“Lamest date ever,” I say, concealing my nerves with a laugh.

“Wasn’t a date.”

“Right.” I jab a finger at his abs. It almost breaks. “Not a date. A ‘favor’.”

“Right.”

“For a favor.”

“Unfortunately.”

I fidget under his penetrating stare. His green irises darkening around the edges.

Take me. You want me. Take me. I won’t throw myself at you, but I’ll let you have me anyway you want me as long as you make the first move.

The air crackles between us. Our breaths thick. Brown eyes to green.

Take.

Me.

A distant laughter breaks through the moment. A guest from across the B&B maybe.

Torin clears his throat and takes a step back from me. “Night, Lyra.”

Disappointment drips down my chest. “Good night.”

I close the door in his face.

The house is quiet. Tillie is usually up late making a mess of a kitchen—she’s in culinary school—but considering it’s a Saturday night, she’s probably out clubbing. I’ve only known her a couple of days, but I’ve had enough interactions with her to know that if there’s one thing that girl is going to do, it’slive her life. We’re just a few years apart, and where I’m always in, she’s always out.