I pretend not to notice.
If I look at her too long, if I make it a thing, she might retreat. So I roll the tortilla tight, tuck it seam-side down into the baking dish, and let her hum.
“Something smells delicious.”
At the sound of the deep, husky voice, a jolt of electricity shoots through me. I attempt to school my expression when I see Hayden turn the corner, but it’s a losing battle. Especially when I’m greeted by his devastating smile.
Normally when he comes home from work, he looks burdened. Like the day beat every last ounce of life out of him.
Not today.
Today, he looks lighter.
“Hope you don’t mind,” I say, wiping my hands on a towel. “I was in the mood for Mexican. Presley’s helping me make enchiladas.”
He steps closer, close enough that I catch the clean scent of soap and the office — something sterile layered over something uniquely him.
“Sounds delicious.”
His fingers wrap around my upper arm, giving it a gentle squeeze. His thumb brushes once, almost absently, before he pulls away.
The contact is brief.
But not brief enough.
Presley definitely notices.
Of course she does.
She notices everything.
And when she returns her attention to me after Hayden presses a soft kiss to her head, she gives me a playful waggle of her brow.
What?I sign.
She replies,Nothing.
She continues spooning the mixture onto the tortillas, which I roll up tight before adding to the tray.
Then she nudges me to get my attention.
It’s okay if you like him.
I glance at Hayden as he picks up Jemmy and peppers him with kisses. And my ovaries combust just watching him.
Presley tugs on my arm, forcing my eyes back to her. It’sreallyhard to focus when Hayden is in the same room.
It’s not like that, I sign back quickly.
I typically speak my responses to her, but I’d rather keep this conversation between us… For now, anyway.
Presley narrows her eyes.So you don’t do crush business?
I choke back a laugh, recalling Hayden’s niece, Maggie, using the term.
We definitely do crush business, but I’m not about to tell her that.
He’s my boss, I sign in reply.
