“As a builder, I’ve always wanted to build affordable housing for lower income families without the builders and contractors having to sacrifice their incomes.”
“You mean like apartment buildings?” Debbie leaning forward in her seat, a new light sparking in her eyes.
“Apartments and small homes. I’ve worked on a few habitat for humanity homes, and I know what you mean by how amazing it feels to help someone you’ve come to know personally.”
“Isn’t it the best feeling?” She grabbed his hand. “Tell me more. How many apartments would you build and where? How big could you build the homes and still keep them affordable?”
Austin hadn’t felt cold until her warm hand settled over his, then he wanted to pull her onto his lap and soak up her heat. He laced his fingers with hers, but he wasn’t content to leave them there, so he dragged his finger through hers, caressing her knuckles and up to her wrists before reversing the motion.
Debbie sucked in a sharp breath and her gaze met his. Hers reflected the light of the dancing flames in a flirtatious way that he found all too provocative.
He was playing with fire, but he didn’t care. Smiling at the pun, he kept exploring her delicate hand.
She held it steady, returning his caresses when his movements allowed her to.
Forcing a calmness he didn’t feel, he talked about what it would take to build the kind of housing he had in mind. Enjoying the physical connection with her, he let himself ramble on about blueprints, permits, and contractors.
Debbie listened, but the inviting light in her eyes soon turned glassy, and he realized he’d over done it.
“I’m sorry.” He slowly withdrew his hand from hers.
“About what?” Disappointment filled her face.
“For boring you.”
“You weren’t boring. Distracting? Absolutely. Boring? Not in the least.”
He grinned at her, but it quickly faded with her next words.
“I’ve had an amazing time tonight, but it’s getting late. I think I should go home before I—“
“Before you what?” He prodded. He didn’t want her to leave, even though letting her go was the smart thing to do. Otherwise he might pick up where they left off with that mind-blowing kiss last Saturday.
SHe gave a tight smile.“Before I do something impulsive.”
He stood at the same time she did, bringing them face to face with mere inches between them. He grabbed her hands before she could move away. He wouldn’t mind her being impulsive and ignoring any personal boundaries tonight.
They locked gazes.
“Did I pass the test?” she asked breathlessly.
“What test?”
She gave a slight shrug. “The way you watched me all night made me wonder if you expected me to pitch a fit about eating chili dogs around a campfire.”
“I watched you all night because I can’t seem to keep my eyes off you.” He tugged her forward until her body barely brushed his. “And yes, a small part of me wanted to know if you’d be horribly uncomfortable here.”
“I’m not, so did I pass?”
“That depends.” He dragged his fingers up her arm, feeling goosebumps form in their wake.
“On what?” her words came out low and breathy.
“If we can share a goodnight kiss as friends without screwing this relationship up. Fake engagement aside, of course.” He dipped his head a fraction, giving her a chance to pull away.
She lifted her chin a little, bringing her lips within inches of his. “We can if we define our relationship as friends with benefits.”
“I like benefits.” He closed the gap between his mouth and hers in a gentle kiss.
