I nodded. "Aspen loves to have more women around. She was outnumbered growing up."
Angela smiled. "Is Cooper one of you at this point?"
I nodded. "He's closer in age to Maverick and Morgan, so I don't really know his story, and Mom told us not to pry. He was always over, playing and eating meals with us. He became like another brother. I can't remember a time when he wasn't there."
She looked away. "You know your family is kind of amazing."
"They're pretty great. Although they can be annoying." They had been on their best behavior tonight because we'd had guests.
"I imagine that you were in each other's business growing up."
"Aspen asked me about my love life.
Her brow rose. "Are you dating someone?"
I cocked my head and considered her. Her question made me pause because what if she wasn't attracted to me? It would be theshortest pursuit of all time. My brothers would never let me hear the end of it. "You really don't know?"
She shook her head slowly. "Know what? Explain it to me."
"I asked you the other day what it would take to win you over." I braced my hands on the counter. "I'm here because I like you."
Her eyes widened.
"I wouldn't have invited you to church or to my parents if you were just a client. I don't feel a sense of obligation because you're a single mother. I like you for who you are, the woman I saw cleaning up the water when her shop flooded, the one who sat on that chaise lounge in lingerie, confident despite her nerves. I like everything I've seen."
She bit her lip, and I was entranced with the fullness. "Is this because you walked in on my photo shoot?"
I laughed and shook my head. "I'm not going to lie to you. That image plays in my nightly fantasies. I couldn't forget it if I tried. It was the catalyst for me wanting to get to know you better. You were nervous to pose, but you drew on a confidence that came from deep within you."
"I was out of my comfort zone. It was all Wynter. She had this vision of a sexy shot, and I couldn't dissuade her."
"I've seen your website; it turned out classy." I wanted to use it as the screensaver on my phone, but what would I say if my brothers or even Ayla saw it? No, her home page was available whenever I wanted to see it. It would live on in infamy inside my head too.
"You want me?" Her voice was soft.
"You mean physically?" I asked, and at her jerky nod, I ran a hand through my hair. "Of course I want you. You're sexy as hell. But there's so much to you. You're an amazing business owner, mom, and a friend. You're the whole package."
"You make me sound like some kind of a super woman."
I moved around the counter, my hand hovering near her hair, wanting to touch but knowing I'd stop if she asked. "None of us are perfect, but I think you're as close as I'll ever get."
She let out a shaky breath.
"I want to know if there's something here. Do you feel this electricity between us?" I hadn't even touched her, and the energy was palpable.
She nodded.
I let my hand drop to her hair. It was silky soft, just as I'd imagined. I couldn't believe we were standing this close, and I was touching her. "I'm not in any rush. I'm prepared to play the long game."
Her eyes flashed with heat, and her hands curled around my neck.
She kissed me.
I hadn't expected that. It was like a bomb exploded in my head. There was white hot lava flowing through my veins.
I gripped the strands of her hair, afraid that she'd pull away.
I'd never felt this strongly about anyone. I wasn't sure what I would do if she said this was a mistake. That she didn't like me after all.
