We stood there for a second. Evening air between us. Him looking at me like he was trying to figure me out.
I didn’t like how much I wanted to let him.
“You gonna let me in?” he asked. “Or we doing this on the porch?”
“Porch works for me.” I held out my hand. “I’ll make sure Justice gets it.”
He looked surprised for half a second. Like women didn’t usually tell him no.
Good.
But he recovered quick, stepping closer to hand me the folder. Closer than he needed to be. Close enough that I caught his cologne—something I didn’t recognize. Dark. Warm. Expensive.
Made me want to lean in.
I didn’t. But I didn’t step back either.
His fingers brushed mine when he handed over the folder. Not an accident. Quick, but I felt it go up my arm.
I kept my face blank.
His eyes said he knew exactly what he did.
Asshole.
I tucked the folder under my arm and waited for him to leave.
He didn’t.
“You mind if I use the bathroom real quick? Long drive out here.”
I should have said no. Something was telling me to say no.
But Justice confirmed he was family. And it was just the bathroom.
“Down the hall. First door on the left.”
“Good looking out.”
He stepped past me. His shoulder almost brushed mine. Almost. His cologne hit me again and I had to stop myself from breathing deeper.
The fuck was wrong with me?
I stayed by the door, arms crossed, listening to his footsteps. Telling myself I was being smart. Keeping eyes on the exit.
Not thinking about his back in that white tee. Not thinking about anything.
Two minutes later, he was back. Same energy. Like he owned wherever he was standing.
He stopped in front of me. Too close. Close enough that I had to look up to meet his eyes. Close enough that I could see a small scar near his temple.
I should have stepped back.
I didn’t.
“Thanks for holding it down,” he said. Voice lower now. “I can tell you don’t trust easy. That’s good.”
“I’ve had practice.”
