“Yep.”
“Well, be careful. I’ll see ya when you get home Wednesday,” I say. My twin is a full-time firefighter and works forty-eight-hour shifts. It can be long, grueling work, sleeping when you can in a bunk with a bunch of other firefighters, but he loves it. It’s been his calling ever since he enlisted in the Air Force.
I throw Lizzie a wave as Oaklee runs behind the bar and gives her a hug, and then we head out together. Since we ate a late lunch at the diner down the block, my truck is parked right out front. I help her climb inside the cab and a minute later, we’re headed back to her house.
So I can mow her yard.
Shirtless.
And collect my winning kiss.
I’m the first person to use her new electric mower, and I admit, it’s a nice little machine. It covered the ground in her backyard easily, the battery still having life left in it by the time I’m done.
When I stop the machine, I can’t help but glance up to her small back porch. She’s sitting in one of her kitchen chairs, since she doesn’t have anything back here yet, and smiling, sipping her lemonade. She’s definitely enjoying the show.
I put the mower back in the garage, removing the battery so it can charge, and head back out to where she’s seated. As I approach, she hands me a second glass of lemonade. “Nicely done, Mr. Miller.”
I chug half the contents of the glass, not because I’m thirsty, but simply for the fact she’s eyeing me like a piece of steak, and she’s starving. “I’m glad you like it.”
She grins over the rim of her glass. “The view is definitely…appreciated.”
I chuckle a gravelly sound and shake my head. “I’m happy to be of ogling service. Anytime you need some eye candy, just give me a call.”
“Will do.”
Glancing at my watch, I realize it’s pushing six and I need to head out. The last thing I want to do is overstay my welcome, even if I was invited. I’m trying to take this whole thing at her pace, and that means not rushing or pushing the boundaries. She may have consented to some kisses, but we haven’t talked about anything more. Right now, I need to just leave her with a little tease and the thought of more.
“I should head back home. I have a few things I need to do to prep for work tomorrow. You know, another long day of women objectifying me.”
She shakes her head. “So, you operate your big machine without a shirt on too?”
I step forward, hold her gaze, and lower my voice. “Honey, I do my best work with my big machine without my shirt on.” By the time I wink, she’s already starting to blush.
Taking a single step back, I prepare to head out to my truck.
“Wait, where are you going?” she hollers before I can retreat down the steps.
“Home.”
“But…what about the rest of your winnings?”
I smile, my hands shoved in the pockets of my jeans. “Only if it’s still on the table. I don’t want to push.”
She sets down her glass of lemonade and approaches, holding my gaze with every step she takes. “It’s still on the table.”
Then, she goes up on her tiptoes, places her hands on my chest, and presses her lips to mine. It’s a chaste kiss, but one of the best I’ve ever had. I’m fully prepared to let it be just that when her left hand moves up to my jaw and slides along the roughness on my cheek. Her mouth opens and her tongue slips out, dancing against my lips. I open immediately, letting her taste wash over me.
She slows her movements and pulls back. Her eyes twinkle as she gazes up at me, a faint smile on her freshly kissed lips. “Thank you, Cade.”
“I’d come mow every single day if I needed to. I’d even do it with scissors.”
She chuckles and shakes her head. “That won’t be necessary.”
“Have a good day at work tomorrow,” I tell her.
“You too. Be safe.”
“Always.” And with that, I turn and walk down her steps and follow the sidewalk to the driveway. There’s a smug smile on my face the entire way.
