“Same.” He shakes himself and a slow smile spreads across his face. “Or so much of you.”
Sean’s sporting a huge grin while Vic does a poor job of covering his laughter.
Kill me now.
CHARLIE
Oh.My. God.
Those three words go round and round on repeat.
Firstly, I can’t believe I said that. Secondly, I’ve thought about those shoulders more than once over the past few months. Imagined what they’d look like bare. And now here they are in the flesh.
For a writer, I clearly have a shit imagination, because my memory did not do them justice.
At all.
Pete is broad, solid, and has a nice amount of dark hair covering his chest. I follow that trail down towards the waistband of what looks like work trousers with all those pockets. He’s got work boots on too.
With his dark messy hair and thick scruff, it’s like all my fantasies come to life.
Someone clears their throat, and I realise with a jolt that I’ve been staring. And we’ve apparently got an audience.
“Um . . .” Nope, got nothing.
I only came downstairs because Hailey lured me with the promise of tea and biscuits. Now I’m wishing I’d stayed in my room.
My gaze lands on Pete again.
Oh, who am I kidding? I wouldn’t have missed this for anything. Current embarrassment included. But I can’t stand here staring like a weirdo, so I turn to Hailey. “No tea and biscuits then?”
She laughs. “Not unless you want to squeeze it out of Pete’s clothes.”
No, but I’d gladly lick it off his chest.
Before I can answer, her eyes widen, and I see the exact moment she remembers that I’m actually a paying guest here.
“I’m so sorry, that was totally inappropriate.”
I wave off her apologies. I’ve not forgotten how lovely she was the last time I stayed here, when I wasn’t at my best. And the only reason my cheeks are on fire is because I can’t keep my eyes off Pete’s chest. None of which is Hailey’s fault.
Even if she did spill tea on him.
I smile at her, hoping to put her at ease. “It’s fine, really.”
“Why don’t you take a seat? And I’ll get you a fresh tea and those biscuits I promised you.”
I’m torn.
Can’t deny I’d wondered if I might see Pete again. Hoped. But I don’t really want to talk to him with an audience. “Um... if it’s okay with you, I think I’ll head back upstairs. I’ve still got a lot of work to get through today.”
Thankfully she doesn’t try and persuade me to stay in the bar. “Of course. You go on up, and I’ll bring up a tray.”
“Thanks.” I turn back to Pete. Still shirtless. Still unfairly hot. “It was good to see you again.”
His smile is just as warm as I remember. “You too.” He opens his mouth, like he wants to add something, then hesitates.
I’m about to turn around and head back upstairs when he seems to shake himself.
