“Uh-huh…”
Her lack of confidence is not reassuring, but I’m too wound up to care as I stalk across the parking lot toward Lowcountry Automotive. The bell rings as I step inside, a younger-looking version of Talon sitting at the desk in the front. I know he’s the youngest Banks sibling, but for the life of me, I can’t remember his name.
“Where’s Talon?” I all but bark, and he raises one eyebrow as he crosses his arms over his chest, tattooed forearms on display with his rolled-up sleeves.
“He’s in his office. Should I warn him you’re coming?”
“Where’s the fun in that?” I say sweetly as I turn on my heels and walk the short distance toward an open office door, not bothering to admire his broad shoulders or the scruff covering his jaw.
“What the hell, Talon?!” I practically screech as I burst into the small space and slam the door behind me.
“Gonna have to be more specific, with you goin’ off in here like a firecracker,” he drawls, unfazed as he sits back and throws his glasses onto the desk. My gaze narrows on them because I can’t remember Talon ever having glasses.
And he looked hot in them.
“They’re blue light because staring at the computer hurts my eyes.” He leans back in his chair. “But that’s not why you’re here.”
“I just want to know why you did it. Why you continue to make nasty comments on my posts and now called thepoliceon me. What have I ever done to you?”
My hands fist at my sides, and my chest heaves as I try desperately to calm myself. Each accusation had been louder than the last, and I can’t tell if the blood pumping in my ears has muffled the sounds in the garage or if they’ve all stopped to listen.
“You’re saying I what? Have time to chase your damn truck around the city making complaints?” Talon stands slowly, his massively delicious body unfolding like he’s putting on a show.
For me.
I shake the thought from my head. “Who else would it be?”
“How the hell should I know?”
“You’re the only one that makes sense after what happened back then.”
“Back then? Like a fucking decade ago? I’m not some Goddamn child, Cora.”
“Donotact like it was nothing,” I hiss, my body vibrating with anger.
“It’s not me,” he murmurs low and growly as he rounds the desk. Instinctively, I take a step back and then another until my back hits the wall. Talon’s hands come to rest on either side of my head as he cages me in with his body.
He smells delicious and I hate that I notice, every nerve ending coming alive as I stare up at him.
And up and up.
Because the man is huge in comparison to me, and I just want to climb him, those full lips taunting me. He must catch mestaring because his tongue darts out to wet them, and I release a barely audible whimper.
I hate that I’m attracted to him after everything he’s done.
I hate that of all the people in Magnolia Point, my traitorous body wantshim.
His head dips to meet mine, his face turning so his mouth is a breath away from mine andoh my God this could be it…
I let my eyelids flutter shut, my heart ready to beat right out of my chest as I turn just the slightest bit, giving myself over to temptation.
And then it happens.
Something clangs against the concrete floor, the sound loud and echoing around the bays like a bomb detonating.
I jump, ducking under Talon’s arm, my hand slipping on the door handle as I try and pull it open.
“Stay away from me,” I whisper, and with a little more force I add, “and stay away from Taste of Magnolia.”
