‘I meant food later,’ he says, laughing. ‘Or the other. I’m up for both.’ Then he curls his hand around the top of the door because he’s just that kind of tall. The sight of his muscles bunching and his tattoos shifting has my mouth dry.
‘Maybe. I don’t know. If I can, but only dinner, though.’
‘Sure.’ He answers with a slight shrug and a deep inhale. ‘That was...’ His eyes flick over me, heating each place they touch.
Earthshattering? Mind blowing? Vagina breaking?All those things and probably more. I’d expected this to be awkward; parting is such sweet sorrow and all. Not tears, exactly. Maybe a little regret with a spoonful of shame? What I hadn’t expected was the desire to do it all over again, right here against the door or the wall.
I should say something—agree or reply—but I can’t seem to find the words, my mind replaying snapshots of this thing.Of us. Of sex. Again.
‘Aye,’ he adds, his slow growing smile confirmation that he’s thinking the same thing. ‘It was definitely...’ His gaze flickers from mine, settling on my mouth. ‘Something else.’
My return smile is bashful, my vision now on Ivy’s bright blue boots.
‘I’d better go,’ I murmur, my gaze rising once more. ‘Time, tide and walks of shame wait for no woman, I suppose.’
‘Shame? I’ll be out there later, passing people and dishing out high-fives.’ And then he does something I’ve never seen done in real life, a sort of inhalation-teeth-kissing thing, as though I’m something tasty he’d gladly demolish, given half a chance. His eyes do one last sweep of appreciation over my body before physically rousing.
‘Did you say you rode over?’
‘I cycle, yeah.’
‘Let me grab my keys and I’ll drop you home.’
‘No,’ I say immediately, stopping his progress. ‘Really, it’s fine. It’s not even cold.’ My words are a brightly delivered lie, unsupported as I pull my jacket closed. ‘Besides, the ride over is the only exercise I get.’
He tilts his head to the side as though in study... of me. And then I realise what I’ve said.
‘A ride for exercise.’ Holy knicker melting tone. ‘Maybe I’ll have to work you over harder next time.’
Next time. I’d had no plans to see him afterlasttime, viewing his reappearance in my life as fate’s strange gift. And now this one-time offer has doubled by some strange coincidence. Would it be safe to do him—I mean,seehim—again?
I tell myself it’s the cold weather that’s stinging my cheeks and chest, reminding myself that this is dangerous territory.
‘Rory,’ I say sort of halting, because the man has determination written all over him.And isn’t he cold standing at the door in an open shirt?‘I—I hadn’t counted on a second time.’
‘A fortunate happenstance.’ As though reading my thoughts he trails his hand from sternum to waist, sliding it into his jeans pocket.No fair.‘Serendipitous, really.’
I swallow, then rub the back of my hand across my mouth in a less than ladylike manner before I speak. ‘I’ve got to go.’
‘And happenstance programmed my number into your phone.’ Sliding his hand from his pocket he pulls out my iPhone, placing it into mine.
Determined. Definitely.
I make to step from the doorway and into the cool morning air when he grabs a handful of my jacket, pulling my back against his chest.
‘You’ll think about it,’ he says, his warm lips grazing my cheek, so I nod, knowing no good can come from opening my mouth right now. ‘In the meantime, don’t have too much fun without me, aye?’
I stumble from the small step dazzled by the feel of his warm chest, his brazenness or the weight in his words.Who can tell?
My feet crunch against the gravel and I don’t hear the door close, which probably means he’s still watching my ass. I try not to give him the satisfaction of my giggle, especially as it comes from a little left of terrified.
As I pedal across the causeway, I decide the fact that we haven’t exchanged stories beyond the basics, and that I’ve been more than vague about my reasons for being in the village, should give me a little peace. He might know to find me at the house or the salon, but not that I live above it. I’m happy to keep it that way.
Rousing myself, I give a brief shake of my head. No doubt he’ll be on his way soon enough.
