Amy and Kallie stepped in, sweeping the air from his lungs. Amy wore a pale-pink t-shirt, jeans, and tennis shoes. Nothing fancy. So why did she look so darn sexy?
“Are you okay?”
He rolled his shoulders to ease the tension. He’d hoped not to have to face her again until Sunday. He spoke through clenched teeth. “I’m fine, it’s just... that woman...” He’d rather Amy think Debbie was the source of his tension, instead of her.
This is all your own fault. Debbie, Amy, all of it.
Why had he kissed her last night?
“Let me guess, her car is ‘making a funny noise’?” Amy mimicked Debbie.
Was she trying to lighten the mood?If we pretend we didn’t share an amazing kiss last night, will this situation be less awkward?
Not likely, but it was worth a try.
“Again.I keep assuring her the car is fine, but she’s willing to pay the service fee.” He shrugged.
“Can you blame her? You’re an attractive man.” Amy’s cheeks turned rosy as she realized what she’d said. “I mean... you’re a... a great mechanic. And a woman like her...” Amy clamped her mouth shut and suddenly became very interested in Kallie’s shoe.
This was the second time she’d accidentally admitted she found him attractive. He found her embarrassment refreshing, especially after Debbie’s overt advances. He liked the rosy glow in her cheeks.
She’s cute when she’s flustered.
Laughter bubbled up in him, the emotion almost foreign. “Is it just me, or are you like this with all men?”
Her face registered surprise, then her lips curved into a reluctant smile.
He leaned back in his chair, arms folded, waiting for an answer.
“I’ve come to make a payment on my car repair,” she said, ignoring his question.
“I told you not to worry about it.”
“And I told you I don’t want your charity. What is it with people in this town refusing to accept money for their services? How do any of you make a living?”
“What do you mean? Who else is refusing to accept your money?”
“Faith refuses to let me pay her for babysitting. She said she’d rather have me give back to the community by helping with the Fall Festival.”
“If you ask me, Faith is getting the better end of that deal. The festival is a big deal around here. It’s a lot of work.” He watched Kallie play with one of Amy’s ringlets. He itched to hold the toddler almost as much as he itched to tangle his fingers in Amy’s curls. He gripped the arms of his chair with both hands. These two females were going to be the death of him.
“I’m happy to help with the festivalandpay for babysitting, but apparently my money isn’t as good as Debbie’s.” She pretended to look hurt, her lips forming a pout.
What a lousy actress.
Ben chuckled. “You need to bat your eyes a little more.”
Amy’s lips pinched together as though she tried to keep from smiling. But her blue eyes sparkled, giving away her mirth. She batted her eyelashes and jutted her hip out. Placing her hand on her hip, she said, “Please take my money, Ben.”
The seductive tone of her voice sent a shiver of warmth down his spine. He wasn’t sure exactly what she was trying to do, but ignoring his body’s reaction, he acknowledged how ridiculous she looked.
He threw back his head and laughed.
Amy joined him.
Was she flirting with him?
No, of course not. She’s trying to make me laugh.
