“No need to be sorry. It was my pleasure. There are way worse things than being the pretend boyfriend of a beautiful woman to save her from an asshole.”
“So you’re one of those.” She rolls her eyes, but her lips press tightly together as pink falls over her apple cheeks.
My brow arches at her odd comment. “One of what?”
“A charmer, who thinks sweet talk will get him what he wants.”
“Not something I’ve ever been accused of, actually. You’ll find I only speak the truth.”
She stops beside a silver SUV, not looking at all convinced. “Well, whatever the case may be, thanks for the assist.”
“You know, we should probably exchange numbers since we’re going to be partners and are supposed to be dating and all. Plus, we have to get the items for the silent auction.”
Her mouth goes round, and it has me imagining my cock sliding between those plump lips while she opens like that for me. I shift my stance to accommodate my growing erection at the thought.
“Oh. I didn’t really think you’d go through with it all.”
“I’m happy to do it. Was already planning on competing and helping with the show, and I’ll need a partner for the Jack and Jill portion. Besides, what about your ex?” I nod my head toward the asshole watching us with narrowed eyes from across the parking lot.
She glances his direction, rolling her eyes. “God, I wish he’d get a fucking clue,” she growls.
“I can help him find one.”
Her brows furrow. “How?”
“Like this.” I grin before placing my hands on those round hips, then pulling her to me and capturing her lips with mine. She tenses in my hold, but it lasts only seconds before she’s melting into me with a whimper. I slide my tongue across theseam of her lips, and like a good girl, she opens for me. Thrusting inside the wet heat of her mouth, I glide mine against hers.
Her hands fist in the flannel of my shirt at my chest as we make out in the parking lot, mimicking the intimacy of what we’ll be doing without an audience. Because there is not a single fucking doubt in my mind that this woman will be mine.
Chapter Five
Sage
What the fresh hell have I gotten myself into? Two days later and my lips are still tingling from the kiss Archer laid on me. Now I’m on my way to meet him so we can solicit donations from businesses around town for the silent auction. My stomach somersaults just thinking about being close to the insanely good-looking giant again.
It’s completely absurd, is what it is. Haven’t I learned my lesson by now? The men in my life have made it their mission to teach me over and over again that I’ll never be good enough. From never being able to please my father to my brothers treating me like an obligation to Gary cheating on me. Why would Archer be any different?
Letting myself get carried away with this whole charade is asking for nothing but hurt. I need to have more respect for myself. I do not need nor do I want a man. They are certainly more trouble than they’re worth. We’ll keep up pretenses to keep Gary off my case and then go our separate ways once the show is over.
Resolve set, I park near Darcie’s on Main Street where Archer is meeting me. Climbing out of my SUV, I sling my burgundy backpack over my shoulder and pull my ponytail tight.
Darcie smiles when I step through the front door. “Sage, how are you doing on this gorgeous spring day?”
“I’m great, thank you. And yourself?”
“Can’t complain with weather like this. Your usual?” she asks as she heads to the refrigerator to grab a bottle of Diet Coke—something that’s not on the menu, but she keeps it in stock just for me.
I nod. “Yes please. I’m also here to ask for a donation for the silent auction that’ll be held at the lumberjack show.”
“Starting without me?”
Shivers race down my arms at Archer’s deep rumble from behind me. He’s standing so close I can feel the heat of his body through our clothes.
“Well now, who’s this tall drink of water?” Darcie’s gaze sweeps over the man who holds his hand out to her.
“Archer Fenton, Sage’s new man, at your service, ma’am.”
The red-headed older woman actually blushes like a schoolgirl as she shakes his hand. “Well, I’ll just keep that in mind. I’m sure I can find something for you to service. Didn’t know Sage was seeing someone new. Gotta say you’re quite the upgrade. Can I get you anything to drink, maybe a treat from the case?”
