“I hope you’re right,” I whisper.
Knocking startles me upright.
I’m not expecting anyone.
Creeping toward the door, I peek through the peephole?—
My heart flutters.
Droplets splotch the worn white t-shirt stretched over Seba’s muscular shoulders, damp chestnut hair sneaking out from under a faded backwards hat. He wipes his wrist across his forehead and knocks again.
“I’m gonna have to call you back,” I tell Lilly, then disconnect before she can ask questions.
The earthy scent of rain layered over fresh citrus smacks me in the face as soon as I open the door.
A sheepish smile. “Hey, sweetheart. You busy?”
“Do I look busy?”
Warm brown eyes sweep me from the top of my space buns to my black toenail polish, then back to my nipples poking through the thin ribbed tank.
“Eyes up here, big guy.”
I can’t tell if he’s blushing or sunburnt.
“Bra’s exist.”
“Umbrellas exist.”
He laughs. Helium fills my head. Leaning in the doorframe, I flick my tongue ring and give him a once-over, too. “Take those boots off before you track dirt everywhere.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
I smirk. “He’s got manners, huh?”
“I use ‘em on occasion.” He grins, closing the door behind him and heeling out of his work boots on the woven welcome mat. My single suddenly seems claustrophobic with him in it. And… It’s a disaster area. Half-drunk mugs of tea litter the counters. A pile of clothes prevents the laundry closet door from closing. My last three candles compete to see who can burn out first, which reminds me, I haven’t changed the air filter in ages…
“You kept them.”
I blink Seba back into focus.
“Kept what?”
“The flowers.” Either I’m imagining things, or his chin wobbles. He nods. “They reminded me of you.”
Twisting, I follow his gaze to the dried orange blossoms scattered around the living room. The newest one— still green– happily perches beside the window in my bedroom.
He clears his throat. “Anyway, I thought I’d stop by while Cade’s at therapy.”
“Did you now?”
“Unless you don’t want me to give you the inside scoop,” he drawls.
I arch a brow. “Be so for real."
He chuckles. It’s hot wax poured down my spine. He’s incomprehensible. An anomaly beneath the surface. Surprising and sexy and sincere. So fucking sincere, which is the last thing I’d expect to find attractive.
I sink into my preferred corner of the couch?—
