“You’re easy to read, Charlie.”
She groaned.
“You don’t put on airs. You’re genuine. Those are good things, rare qualities.”
“Well, I’m happy for you. But you’re an enigma, so where does that leave me?”
His eyes sparkled. “Guess I’ll have to do more talking.”
“More talking would be great.” As long as he didn’t wait too long on the kissing. Because his lips looked especially tasty in the morning light. And she was eager to see if last night had been a fluke. Because wow. Just the memory of it warmed her all over.
Gunner’s gaze roved over her face, then he grinned knowingly. “I won’t embarrass you by asking what you’re thinking just now.”
“Well, thanks for that, but I wouldn’t have told you anyway. A girl’s gotta have a few secrets.”
“What kind of secrets?”
“The kind you don’t tell anyone.”
“I’m a very good secret-keeper.”
“You’re the one I’m keeping them from.”
He chuckled again as he approached, his stride slow and fluid, eye contact steady and piercing. He stopped an arm’s length away. His eyes had a sleepy look about them, and his hair stuck up on top as if he hadn’t taken time to comb it afterhis shower. He gazed at her like she was his favorite dessert and he was just about to ditch his diet. “Now that I’m here, I’m just realizing it’ll be torture to be this close and not be able to touch you. When will you be talking to Kyle?”
Well, ahem. She could solve that problem. “Kyle already came and went. I broke things off.”
“Why didn’t you say so?” He stepped forward, placed his hands at her waist, and leaned closer, his eyes fluttering shut.
She pressed a hand against his chest, stopping him.
“Aw, you’re killing me, Charlie.”
“I seem to recall something about a talk...”
His eyes smoldered. “Now? Right now?”
She barely kept herself from leaning in and collecting that kiss. Her lips itched with want. But the recent pain of her last relationship made her hold her ground. “I think I need to tell you about Vince.”
“Sure this can’t wait?”
“I’m sure.”
He sighed. “You mentioned him at the Robinsons’ picnic. Breakup, speeding ticket, emotional breakdown. What kind of name is Vince anyway?”
From the nearby paddock, Midnight nickered. Charlotte had never even heard the horse nicker before. “Well, how about that. Someone wants your attention.”
“Not the one I was going for.” He flashed a grin, then gave her waist a squeeze and let go. “But you’re right. Much as I hate to admit it, we do have some things to talk through. And I’m on the clock. I should probably remember you’re my boss.”
This was complicated on more than one level. All the more reason to verbalize their concerns before things got out of hand.Who was she kidding? They had already gotten out of hand. “Can you hang around after work tonight?”
“I can manage that.”
“I could make us a picnic and we could head up to Wildflower Falls.”
He smiled sweetly. “I’ll be looking forward to it all day.”
***
