I pulled down the covers and crawled in, leaving room for him. Soon enough, he made his way back, but he stopped at the door frame. Those beautiful eyes of his looked me over again.
"I should probably say something," he tried.
"Yeah," I agreed, "but I'm not sure what."
He just nodded. "You know I didn't come over to get laid, right?"
I nodded. "You know I didn't agree to a date to get laid, right?"
That earned me a chuckle. "No, not really. I just figure that if you want to treat me like your toy, then I'd have to be an idiot to refuse. I'm a pretty proud man, Violet. I think that's why I can't stay away from you. You're the same way, and I figure it can't be easy for you, being here in Cats Peak."
"Alone," I added. "It's not easy doing it alone."
He shoved his hand through his hair, making a weak attempt to comb it into place. "Yeah, well I dunno how to break this to you. You aren't alone. You've got Ashton ready to jump when you call. Pretty sure he's not the only one. And I don't really plan on going anywhere. Not until you kick my ass to the curb."
"Or another man shows up?" I teased.
He pushed out a breath. It wasn't strong enough to be a huff, and not loud enough to be a laugh, but it proved I was right. "Yeah. Um, I'm not real used to women like you. All my life, I've been taught that if she's hanging on another man, then she's trying to go there." He glanced over at his jeans on the floor, then back to the bed. "Have I worn out my welcome yet?"
"Not yet," I decided. "But I should probably warn you that the next big threat is going to show up in a few days."
"Fuck," he breathed. "Ashton's coming back?"
"His name's Cy," I told him. "The problem is that this one isn't going away. He's moving down the hall."
Luke nodded. "So, this is a one and done, huh?"
"Not sleeping with him," I assured Luke. "He's an old friend who's gonna be working for Southwind. I also have a feeling that you're going to hate him."
"I'll prolly be stupid." Making his decision, he moved to slide into the bed beside me, reaching up to smooth back my tousled hair. "I dunno how to play by your rules, princess, but I'm making an effort. I'm prolly also gonna screw it up, piss you off, and make a mess of this. So, just know that I won't mean to. I just..." He laughed once. "I like you - just the way you are. I can't get enough of this, so you keep doing you, and I'll figure out how to keep up, ok?"
I nodded. "I'm not trying to - "
But he cut me off. "Try, Violet. Fucking try, because I'm saying that I'm ok with it. Be big. Be bold. Maybe most people in this town are ready to hate you for that, but I'm not one of them. I may not know how to take it, but I also can't get enough of it. Just know that your cowboy's out of his depth, and ain't no one taught me how to impress a woman like you."
"Just like this," I assured him, moving to snuggle against his shoulder. "Just be my hero, Luke. I've never really had one before."
"Sure you have." And he kissed the top of my head. "Her name is Violet Dawson, and she makes men quake in their boots. Even I'm kinda scared of her. See, believe it or not, you're allowed to be your own hero, and I think you're doing a damned good job. Figure that's the part I like most."
Chapter Twenty-Two
By Tuesday morning, I'd finally caught back up on my work. That didn't mean I was done helping Violet, though. Soon as the clock hit noon, I grabbed my laptop, shoved it and a few files into my briefcase, and made sure my phone was in my pocket. Setting my office line to "do not disturb," I headed for the door, pushing through the heavy wood to see my latest receptionist jerk her head up. The girl had something. A spark. I wasn't sure what, but I liked it.
"Can I help you, Mr. Walker?" she asked, sounding nervous.
"Leslie, right?" I paused at her desk.
She jiggled her head quickly. "Yes, sir. I'm with Sunrise Temps. I mean - "
"It's ok," I assured her. "How long are you planning to work here?"
"I'm hoping for a contract, sir." Her cheeks were getting redder.
"You happen to know anything about teleconferencing, remote desktops, and file transfers?" I lifted a brow, making it clear I didn't expect her to.
"Um, everything but remote desktops, sir."
"Just Ashton," I told her. "I ask because I'm gonna need to go back to Texas. Friend of mine needs a little help after losing the closest thing she's ever had to a mother. Now, I can work just as easily from there, but only if I have someone here who can make sure my files and designs get where they need to go. Even better if I can take my meetings online."
