“There’s a lot you can do to help yourself. Have you ever taken self-defense classes?”
“No,” she said, wrinkling her nose. Her only form of exercise was hiking trails that weren’t too strenuous. Anything more than that never sounded like much fun.
“Later I can show you a few moves that could prove beneficial. But first let’s finish this installation.” Fisting his hands on his hips, he glanced around the tidy room. “We’ve got all the windows in here and the kitchen. I already did the guest bathroom and bedroom. I think all that’s left is your bedroom and en suite bathroom. Do you know how many windows you have in there?”
She swished her lips to the side. “Two in the bedroom. One in the bathroom.”
He grabbed what he’d need then swept an arm through the air. “Lead the way.”
Hesitation pinched her face. “Why don’t you go ahead? You don’t really need me in the way, and I can order pizza or something for dinner. I mean, I’d better at least feed you for allyour work, right?” She chuckled, but it came out forced and a little awkward.
He bit back a smart-ass remark about her not wanting to be alone in her room with him. That type of comment would be typical for them, but not in this moment when she was so vulnerable. Besides, the idea of seeing her bedroom sent such an intense thrill through his body it was better to pretend it was all par for the course.
“Pizza sounds great,” he said. “I’ll be quick.”
He headed down the short hallway and veered into her room. He flipped on the light and strode straight into the attached bathroom. If he took too much time, he’d get lost in a stupid fantasy about a more interesting reason to be in here. He made quick work of putting up the last sensors then crossed back into the bedroom.
He couldn’t help but glance around the room. A blue-and-orange-swirled comforter neatly covered a four-post bed, and a ton of decorative pillows made it look comfortable as hell. Like he could dive right into a cloud. Two cherrywood nightstands flanked the bed, small lamps and stacked books on both. Framed photos stood on her long dresser along with an intricate jewelry box, and an ivory-colored chair nestled in the corner with a bright orange throw blanket tossed over the back.
A vibrant painting on the light gray wall caught his attention. He approached it slowly, studying the pops of pinks, purples and reds in a field of green. The jagged mountain peaks loomed in the distance with a smattering of lush trees filling out the perimeter, as if protecting the colorful flowers from intruders—preserving the essence of peace and calm.
“Doesn’t look like you’re getting too much work done in here.”
Eve’s amused tone turned him around. He shrugged then faced the painting again. “Just being nosy, I guess. I really like this picture. I’m not sure why. There’s just something about it.”
“It’s my favorite spot,” Eve said, moving to stand beside him. She stared at the framed art. “My dad had this commissioned for me before he and my mom left town. He wanted a way for me to feel close to him. This is actually where I picked those flowers from earlier.”
He hooked a brow. “Really? I’ve tried most of the trails around here, but I don’t think I’ve seen this spot.”
“Not surprising. It’s one of the easiest trails around. This park is mostly used by parents with small kids who need fresh air and an excuse to get out of the house. I’m sure you like something a little more challenging. You know, more manly and rugged.” Her expression was one of mock sincerity.
He chuckled. “You know me well. But I’d love to see this place someday. Looks beautiful.” He stared down at her as he spoke, his words meaning so much more than a compliment for the picture. A few seconds of silence settled between them, and he wished he had the courage to say more. To stop using humor to disguise his emotions.
As if feeling his eyes on her, Eve tilted up her chin and their eyes locked.
Time stood still. Heat climbed the back of his neck and everything else around him disappeared. His throat went dry, and the overwhelming desire to finally discover how she tasted had him wetting his lips with his tongue.
She swallowed hard, a pretty blush staining her cheeks.
Screw it. He was tired of fighting his instincts, tired of holding back when all he wanted to do was jump in with both feet. His heart puttered in his chest and he leaned forward, the scent of her floral perfume invading his senses and making his world unsteady.
Her eyes widened for a beat before slowly closing.
He bent lower, her mouth so close. Her body so warm. He glided his palm around her neck, his thumb pressed against thesensual curve just below her lips. He’d waited months for this—held back out of respect for this woman who’d become his friend. Never wanting to lead her on or promise things he couldn’t provide, but just one kiss would be all he’d need to douse his curiosity.
The doorbell rang and they jumped apart like two teenagers caught by their parents.
Eve’s eyes flew open, and she flattened her hand to her chest. A forced laugh barked from her throat. “Got to love Luigi’s. Delivery’s always so dang fast. Ready to eat?”
What he was ready to do was stand under a bucket of cold water to erase the stupidity that had momentarily taken hold of him. He took a step backward, needing to get out of her intoxicating orbit. “I have two more sensors to install over the windows in here.”
“Okay. I’ll grab the pizza and set everything out.” She turned to leave, and he reached for her forearm to stop her. She hesitated, staring at him as if waiting for him to finish what he’d started.
He dropped his hand to his side and cleared his throat. “Hold on one second. I want to make sure it’s okay for you to answer the door.” He hated the flash of disappointment that darkened her face as he grabbed his phone and pulled up the security app. A quick glance confirmed the young delivery girl standing on the porch, waiting with a pizza box in her hands. “Yep. Pizza’s here.”
She gave him a tight smile and hurried out of the room.
“Shit,” he muttered, squeezing the back of his neck. Great job making things awkward from the very start of this assignment. He had no idea how much time he’d be spending with Eve over the next few days, but one thing was sure—if he didn’t keep himself in check, he’d never survive.
