Chapter Eight
Over the next weekand a half, Aria stayed out of Reece’s way as he acquainted himself with the workings of the mill. Their last interaction being the morning he rode with her to the mill. Later that same afternoon, Billy brought the correct keys, and Reece moved into Buck’s cottage.
Despite her doggedness to stay away from him, she found his friendliness with the other girls in the office annoying. She didn’t care if he slept with every available woman. Not like there were many. The town consisted of a small community—approximately two thousand people in total. The majority comprised of older married couples. If the man wanted to commit playboy sin here, then good luck, he’d find his quarry less than favorable or over within a short space of time.
Now, she stood at the copier and glanced across the room. Reece chatted up the young twenty-something who was the yard’s receptionist and shipping clerk. Aria’s insides clenched in irritation. She wanted nothing to do with the man, yet images of their lovemaking surfaced the minute she closed her eyes. So vivid, it left her craving his touch.
Against her will, her gaze drifted over the toned perfection of his body. Well aware of every sinew muscle hidden beneath his snug fit denim and a white almost transparent T-shirt pulled tight across his ripped chest. Her gaze moved up and lingered on his delectable pink lips as it drew apart in a sexy slow smile at something the receptionist said. Flinching, Aria resisted the urged to smile back.God, what am I doing?She swallowed and forced her gaze away.
Reece made her doubt her restraint. The acknowledgment didn’t sit well with her. Her controlled independence remained non-negotiable and rather than have a man question this; she chose to stay single.
“Hi”
Aria looked up.Think of the devil.Reece leaned casually against a cupboard. “What do you want?” the staid words slipped out in a rush.
“One of those pretty smiles for starters?” A mischief grin spread across his face.
The guy held an air of devilish sexiness; women would call erotically sinful. He stepped closer, and Aria suffered a sudden bout of claustrophobia. His scent surrounded her in its greedy fingers and left her body in a tug-o-war state.
“Don’t you have something better to do than hang around here, flirting with every available skirt?”Oh, God, what the hell.
“Jealous, babe?”
Her sharp intake of breath caused the corners of his mouth to twitch. “You wish.” She turned away but found her path hindered by Reece’s undeniably muscular body. “Move.”
Ignoring her request, he backed her up until the tiny gap between their bodies closed. Aria swallowed.Step away.Her feet snubbed the silent command. He reached up and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. The touch, although light, sent a chill down her spine. Every cell in her ignited, traitorously aware of the man. The atmosphere became palpable, the sexual tension unmistakable, undeniable. With the cupboard at her back and Reece in front, she had nowhere to retreat.
“Admit it, babe. You want me just as much as I want you.” He cocked a brow.
The insanity of his taunt took her for a six. Dumbstruck, words defeated her. God, if the man weren’t so freaking sexy, his cocky attitude would’ve been a disgusting turn-off. Unfortunately, the arrogance added to the appeal. Aria could’ve sworn her body mumbled: ‘say yes.’ She winced inwardly.
“You’re a playboy. I’m sure there’s plenty of women around town who want you. Help yourself.” She offered a cheeky arch of her brow.
He said nothing. His gaze flicked from her eyes to linger on her lips. Reece licked his lips like he’d seen something he wanted to eat. God alone knew what thoughts ran rampant in his head. Then he glanced up. His gaze bore into her. Her insides churned from pure unadulterated heat as it scorched her pussy. Those deep blue pools darkened with unconcealed desire, an intensity she struggled to fathom.Lord, help me.One look and the man soaked her panties. What next? She silently cursed. This was one fight she’d do well to avoid.
“And I want you.”
Before she could sufficiently react, he leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers—current damn near close to an electrical storm shot up her body. Aria resisted the urge to sway into him and let his mouth cover hers fully.Shit, what am I thinking?Not a kiss, more an open challenge. If Aria read it right, it dared her to prove him wrong.
Annoyed with her body’s response, she glared at him. “Don’t do that again.”
To her surprise, he chuckled. “Or what? Scared I may wet those sexy panties and prove you want me?”
Aria gaped open-mouthed. Reece knew nothing about her, yet he was able to read her thoughts with such ease. The urge to stomp her feet in childish abandonment suddenly struck. “Whatever,” she muttered.
He took what she determined as an impatient breath and scowled. Seriousness she doubted Reece was capable of rendering. “Dammit, woman, we work together. I’m tryin’ to be friendly. Or, should I tell everyone who’s askin’ why you’re aloof toward me? The truth about how we met?”
Aria’s head snapped up. “You wouldn’t.”
With a smug grin, he rubbed his jaw as though contemplating the idea. “Edith says we’d make gorgeous babies together. I agree. Maybe I’d start by telling her?” He referred to the accountant. In her early fifties, the petite woman with a friendly disposition was extremely observant in all things business and at times, personal too.
“Grow up, Reece.” Annoyed she was the talk of the office, Aria sidestepped him. His throaty laugh followed her out of the office. She cringed in frustration. This situation could only get worse. On her way to her desk, she looked up as Paul, the resident plumber, mechanic, and electrician strolled into the office. Shoving aside thoughts of Reece, Aria waved Paul down with a quick smile. “Hi,” she greeted when he approached.
