"You're important to me."But it had nothing to do with Tom.It was because of the feelings I'd had since I rescued her from the fire.I felt this protectiveness toward her.A tenderness I'd never felt for anyone before, not even my family.
Her eyes flashed with an emotion, maybe surprise, before she quickly schooled her features.She closed her eyes and leaned back in the chair."I think I'll spend every night out here until I move back home."
Her eyelashes were long against her cheeks, her blond hair shimmering in the remaining light.Her skin was tan, and her legs were long in cutoff shorts.She'd crossed her arms over her breasts, effectively pushed up in her white tank.She was dressed casually for a night at home, but I'd never seen her look sexier.
She started kicking one leg, and I was momentarily distracted by the smoothness of her thighs pressed together.
"Are you watching me?"
I startled."Of course not."
She laughed."I could feel your gaze on me when my eyes were closed."
"That's ridiculous."How could she know?
She smiled softly."You know, if you want to invite someone over, or go out on a date, you don't have to worry about me.I'll make myself scarce."
Is that what she wanted?"I have no desire to date right now.You're here, and I'm focused on the bakery.The business was more important than any personal life.This time is short, and we're going to put all our energy into making it a success."
Her brow furrowed."But your brothers are all dating."
"I'm not ready to settle down."This thing with her wasn't about that either.I was attracted to her, and I wanted her.That was different than wanting forever with someone.I doubted I'd ever want someone like that.I liked living alone, but now that she was here, I was starting to think I preferred company.But maybe it was just her."What about you?You dating anyone?"
I would have assumed if she was seeing someone, he would have been at the hospital.But maybe he was a jerk.The thought of her dating someone made my stomach tighten.
She laughed."I don't have time for a social life.I have early wake-up calls, and I go to bed at the same time as a toddler.No guy wants to deal with that."
"The right guy won't see it that way."She wasn't something to be dealt with.She was someone to be desired.I was so mixed up.
"I guess I'm not ready for a relationship right now either.You're right about the business being time consuming.Not everyone gets it.Why work so hard when you're barely turning a profit?But I know how good it can be.Businesses can be a way for financial independence, not only for me but any family I might have.That's very attractive to me."
"You want to build generational wealth?"I asked, impressed by her desires.
She nodded."I want the money for myself, but I want to create something that outlasts me.That supports not only me, but my family and everyone who comes after.I want a legacy."
I got tingles listening to her."You're impressive, you know that?"
She shook her head."I wouldn't tell my parents any of that.They don't get it.They understand steady paychecks and guaranteed health insurance.Not investing in something without a guaranteed return."
"I don't remember Tom being so black-and-white."
She gave me a look."Tom who's in the military and thrives on rules and regulations?"
I chuckled."You might be right about that."
The breeze was cool now that the sun was setting, and the sound of the water fountain was lulling me into a state of complacency.But I was supposed to be seducing her, not putting her to sleep."Do you want to relax and watch a movie?"
She pouted."I don't want to go inside."
I grinned."Then you're in luck.I have a screen out here, but I've never had an opportunity to use it."
Her eyes widened."Wow.Maverick thought of everything."
"He insisted that one day I'd thank him for everything he put out here.I didn't believe him until now."She clearly enjoyed everything he'd built.
She stood."I'll help you clean up."
She seemed eager to get to the movie watching, and I was pleased I'd thought of it.We'd have to cuddle under a blanket together.It was the perfect date-like activity that I could pass off as an innocent roommate thing to do.
