His voice is rich and deep and shakes me back to reality as I realize I'm still trying to pull the t-shirt down to cover my bra and stomach.
Now would be a great time to be struck by lightning. Please?
"I didn't think anyone would be in here," he continues, blocking the door with his massive frame so that nobody else can peek in.
Thank goodness he's a gentleman. Yanking down the t-shirt, I straighten it out and smooth my hair. The sensation of my cheeks burning in embarrassment is nothing new, but this time I actually feel they might burst into flames.
"Um, it's fine now," I whisper. My normally quiet voice has nearly disappeared entirely.
He turns with his hand dramatically covering his eyes, spreading his fingers slowly. How kind to try to make me smile at one of the most mortifying moments of my life. His hand drops as he holds it toward me. "Ansel Oakley."
Oh, come on now, seriously? I have to have an embarrassing half-naked moment in front of one of the Oakley boys?
Taking a slow breath, I shake his warm, strong hand. "Lynn Nelson." He doesn't release my hand. Strangely, I don't want him to. I can feel my cheeks flushing, hoping that the light is dim enough he might not notice.
"You're trembling."
I'm disappointed when he finally drops my hand, yet his dazzling smile takes over to make me tingly. He steps back, giving me some space so that I don't feel cornered. That's very sweet and observant of him.
"Hey," he says gently. "I'm going to leave, but can I tell you three important things first?"
If this had happened a year ago, I would have been so mortified that I'd already be asking Rachel if I could go home.
But if Rachel sent him to the back room, she trusts him. Plus, the Oakleys are well known in this town, so it's not like he's a random stranger. Most importantly, I'm wildly curious to hear what Ansel, the oldest and most mysterious of the brothers, could possibly have to say to me.
"Sure."
"First, I looked away the split second I realized what I was seeing. I'd never want to make you uncomfortable."
That was good of him. "Thank you."
"Second, the bit I did see…" he reaches out to stroke my burning cheek with his thumb. "You're gorgeous, Lynn. It's your eyes – I've never seen anything like them."
What does a girl say to that? My smile widens, and I nod, unsure.
"Third." Ansel hesitates, straightening up as his thumbs hook into his pockets. "I'd like to take you out." I must look blank, because then he adds, "On a date."
My mouth opens but nothing comes out for an awkward few seconds before I manage to murmur, "I don't really date."
He's not put off in the slightest. "Let's not call it a date, then. Maybe just a hangout? I'd like to get to know you."
I want to get to know him, too. Spending more time in the presence of such a gorgeous man would be worth the butterflies, the nervous twitching in my stomach, and the awkward attempts at conversation. But it would be…a lot.
"Just think it over," he says sweetly, taking another step back. "I could come back when you're finished work. Did you drive here today?"
"No, my sister needed the car."
"See? I just learned that you have a sister." He reaches for me again, then snaps his hand back. "May I pick you up? I could just drive you home, or we could go somewhere." His smile sends tingles through my soup-damp bra. "Or you can say no, and I'll leave you alone, and that's fine too."
It really would be fine. I can see the steadiness in his eyes. Ansel is a solid, balanced person and I'm not nearly as nervous as I would be with any other guy in the world.
From the squirrels apparently being chased by fire running around inside my stomach, refusing is the safest option. No. Not this time, squirrels. I'll fight both you and the fire.
"I'm done at five."
"That's a yes?"
"Yes."
