When he turns, electricity snaps between us. We’d probably still be sitting there, but a horn honks outside, reminding me I’m on duty.
Dammit.I rush out, check passports, and raise the gate. When I return, the atmosphere reminds me of the millisecond before lightning strikes.
I glance over his shoulder and point to the third garage on his screen’s list. “Ames will give you a fair price on tires.”
“Thanks.” His fingers clamp around mine, keeping me prisoner.
Again, I’m drawn into the depths of his blue eyes. I don’t believe in love—but lust? Sure. We’re both adults. Who would blame me? The sex police? Besides, after he heads back to Burlington, we never have to see each other again unless we agree to the occasional booty call. My lower lips tingle. How long has it been since the she-nub has shown interest?
My mental box makes an appearance in my mind’s eye, but I quickly set it back into the bowels ofthings better not thought about.
Around one, I make him a leftovers sandwich. By mid-afternoon, we’re chatting, so I move my laptop to the table, where we sneak glances and share random touches.
At one point, I picture him in my bed, kissing me in intimate places until I become wet with want. Face heated, I squirm. Eyeing me, he tilts his head and stretches before opening his legs. His body language could not be more explicit.
Just my luck.The door flies open before I can gather the courage to invite him home.
In struts my daughter. “Hey Mom, Dad claims he’s way too busy to…”
Her eyes widen, locking onto the stranger sitting at my table. “Hello. And you are?”
Mr. Wildlife rises smoothly, a hint of amusement flickering across his face, “Hi, I’m Jack. I work for Vermont Fish and Wildlife.”
My offspring turns to me, her brows lifting in a silent, seriously, Mom?
I never allow anyone to park in my building, let alone get comfortable. She crosses her arms before relenting to take the outstretched hand. “I’m Mackenzie, but everyone calls me Mack. A pleasure meeting you.”
She grips firmly, capturing his gaze precisely like I taught her. Gurion returns the shake with easy confidence, his smile warm, not at all condescending.
Quite sure he passed the first test, I clear my throat. “You were saying something about your father?”
Mack’s face shuts down, fingers twitching at her side. “He doesn’t want me tonight. He’s toobusy.”
When her voice cracks at the end, my stomach tightens.Dammit, Peter.The bastard doesn’t try to pretend anymore. His personal assistant is barely older than a babysitter, yet he ditches his daughter without a second thought.
As tears pool in her eyes, I shift forward, arms open. “C’mere. Give me a hug.”
“Eww. Mom. I’m thirteen, not six.” She dodges me like a pro and squats beside Monstro.
The white furball stretches luxuriously, arching into her touch while she buries her fingers in his thick fur. Smug as hell, the crazy feline meets my stare.
Stupid cat.
Mackenzie swipes her sleeve across her face, grabs the knapsack off her shoulder, and thunks it onto the table. “I’ll be right back.”
Spinning on her heel, she vanishes into the restroom.
As the silence settles, my guest leans back, one arm draped over the back of the chair. A few moments later, he stirs, “She’s a great kid.”
“She likes you.” My breath hitches while he scratches the feline’s head.
What would it be like to have his hands inmyhair?
The traitorous feline purrs like a damn motorboat as the man smirks. “Told you. Everyone loves me, including Monstro.”
Folding my arms, I scowl at the picture of pure contentment in front of me.
I can’t believe I’m jealous of the cat.
