“Oh my God,” she mumbled.
Evidently, she was loud enough for him to hear her for he looked in her direction.The sexy grin he flashed her almost distracted her from the fact that he didn’t have on a shirt.That was what he’d been hiding under his clothes all this time?
Yes, she’d figured that he was in good shape because, during the handful of kisses that they’d shared, she’d always ended up clutching his firm shoulders are chest.But the sight before her was beyond her wildest dreams.Duke had a six-pack that tapered off into a sexy vee that begged to be touched.
The only blemish was a scar that seemed to start at the base of his throat and trailed down to the top of his abs.She frowned at the sight of it.Something like that could only be the result of a serious injury or surgery.
“Bailey?”
“What?Oh, sorry.I...was...uh...yeah.I’m here,” she stated weakly.
“I see.Sorry that I’m running a little behind schedule.One of the ranch hands has an old back injury that flared up today.But I’m done.I just need to get rid of this then we can head to my place for dinner.”
“Your place?”she parroted.
He nodded.“I took over one of the bunkhouses that was in decent shape.It still needs some work but it works for me.”
He continued toward the empty corner of the barn and sat down the bucket.“By the way, you look beautiful.New blouse?”
She smiled.“How do you always do that?”
“What?”he asked as he pulled on a blue button-down shirt.
“Know what to say to put me at ease,” she replied.
He frowned.“Are you nervous?”
“With you?Always,” she admitted.
“Why?”he asked as he motioned for her to go ahead of him.
“We’ve talked about this,” she reminded him.“This is new to me.Technically you’re the first man I can honestly say I’ve dated.I haven’t been able to keep a man’s attention long enough for it to be more than something casual.”
“You’ve been meeting idiots.Something I’m selfishly happy about,” he replied as they exited the barn.“You park by the main house?”
She nodded.
“Okay.I’ll lead the way to my place.”
He opened the door for her and then waited for her to get it.“It’s not far.See you in a bit.”
Duke closed the door, then walked a short distance to his uncle’s truck before climbing into the cab.True to his word they arrived at a quaint home that was perfect for a bachelor based on the outside.
But she was shocked when they stepped over the threshold.It was masculine and cozy but clean.It smelled like Duke, sandalwood, and leather.
“Make yourself at home.I need to take a shower, then I’ll get the food on.Fortunately, I seasoned the steaks this morning.Would you like something to drink?”
“I’m fine,” she murmured, still looking around.
“Okay.I’ll be right back.”
“Take your time,” she stated as she walked over to the photos lining the wall.
They were all candid photos of Duke.Most appeared to be with his family and a handful of friends.It made her realize just how he’d given up to move to Centerville to help his aunt.
“Hey.”
She jumped at the sound of Duke's voice before turning with a smile.“Hi.That was quick.”
