She scratched her temple. “I can’t believe you’re suggesting sex with the woman who is gonna hurt your sister.”
“I’m not,” he responded. “Don’t get me wrong.” He bit his lip as his gaze slid down the length of her body, heating her blood as he did. “You’re gorgeous, and I would love nothing more than to spend a night or two in your bed, but I wasn’t really suggesting that.”
She lifted a skeptical brow and pursed her lips, calling bullshit on his statement.
He at least had the decency to dip his head and lifted his hand in surrender.
“Okay, I’m lying,” he continued. “I’m totally hoping this leads to a whole lot of sex in the short amount of time we have together before you have to talk to my sister and leave.” She took a breath to reply and he lifted a finger to silence her. “I’m also hoping that we can spend some time together over the next few days and enjoy each other’s company too.”
Everything about the way his eyes met hers said he was speaking the truth. And even though what he was suggesting was problematic as hell, there was relief in knowing he was guileless. He wasn’t plotting anything. He just wanted her.
God, how fucked up has my experience with men been if a man speaking the truth is refreshing. What does that say about your choices in men?
He took her hands in his, rubbing his thumbs over her knuckles as he stared at her.
“Vanessa, this isn’t ideal by any stretch of the imagination. Frankly, working at my sister’s booth during the festival can be apain in my ass. How about spending some time with me to keep me company?”
“So, you want me to be a distraction for you while you’re bored?”
He nodded. “Pretty much.”
“And what do I get out of this bargain?”
She didn’t know exactly what he was going to come up with. With the intensity of his gaze heightened, she could feel his enticing heat emanating from him, as if it peeled back the layers of her clothing and caressed her bare flesh.
“You get all of my attention focused on you.”
Her mouth was dry, and her heart raced in her chest, thudding against her rib cage. If his kisses had nearly melted her into a puddle on the floor, what would the full force of his focus do to her?
Was she brave enough to find out?
Vanessa walked into the back of the shop to get more of the special-order arrangements they were selling in exchange for tickets to the auction. Her phone vibrated in her pocket just as she was about to reach for the prepared tray of flowers.
A quick glance at the screen and she saw Janae’s name flash across brightly.
“Hey, girl, what’s up?”
“I’m good, just checking in on you. How did it go at Michael’s place?”
“It went fine,” she answered. “He was a perfect gentleman.”
“Good,” Janae countered. “I didn’t want to have to hurt him.”
Vanessa chuckled because even though Michael had the badge, she’d bet money if they ever came up against each other, Janae would definitely be the victor.
“So,” Janae continued, “are you available for lunch today or are you still waiting to talk to Cindy?”
She huffed, letting a long sigh escape her lips. “Yeah, there havebeen some changes to the original plans. So, if you’re up for it, I’m free for lunch. I’m actually at the floral shop now, setting up arrangements with Michael. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind if I dipped out for a bite with you.”
“Me and Cree,” Janae corrected.
“She’s back from her business trip?”
“Yeah, she arrived first thing this morning. She was in Philly, that’s only about three hours from here. We’ll pick you up in fifteen minutes. I’m craving a greasy burger and cheese fries. Is Johnny Rockets okay? It’s at the Crossings outlet mall and it’s far enough that we can dish about the sheriff and his sister where everyone and their mama can’t overhear.”
“Sure, I’m not picky.”
Janae laughed. “Yeah, okay. I bet your bougie ass is wearing some sort of designer shoe right now, even though you’re standing in the middle of a bunch of flower petals on the floor.”
