Page 42 of My Favorite Hero

He laughed, suddenly stepping in front of me, crowding me against the counter. He ducked his head. “Do your worst, Pixie.”

“Stop it,” I protested, laughing. I slapped his chest. “I’m small, but I’m strong.”

“So you keep telling me.”

Silence fell between us, the smiles falling from our faces. He gazed down at me, his eyes intense. I could feel the heat of his body—warm, strong. He smelled like fresh-cut grass in the summer. It was a clean, masculine scent that suited him. Unbidden, my breathing picked up and I sensed the rush of color in my cheeks. I still had my hand on his chest, his heartbeat a steady thump-thump-thump under my palm.

He cocked his head and began to bend lower. I rolled up on my toes, already anticipating the feel of his mouth on mine. Desperate to close the distance between us and taste him. Feel his arms around me. His breath drifted across my face, and I fisted the soft material of his shirt, wanting him as close as possible. Desire bloomed in my stomach, making my entire body feel alive. Needy. One that could only be satisfied by Jesse.

Except Barney raced down the steps, Miller hot on his heels, breaking the spell that surrounded us. Jesse leaped back as if he’d been burned and grabbed for Miller’s collar.

“Thanks, ah, for dinner. It was great. Really great. I need to take Miller for a walk, so I should go.”

I nodded dumbly.

“I’ll hang the wind chimes tomorrow.”

“Yep.”

He paused, his gaze flicking to my mouth. Then he leaned down and pressed his lips to my forehead. “Good night, Casey.”

And he left, Miller protesting the whole way.

I had to sit down, my legs too shaky to hold me up. I rested my head on my hand, and I swore I could still feel his mouth on my brow.

What the hell had just happened?

I shook my head. I wasn’t sure if I was glad the animals interrupted us or not. Jesse as a landlord was already a lot to handle—as anything else, that was unknown territory.

After I finished the dishes, I walked into the living room, sitting down in the chair. I stared at the wall in the entryway, not really seeing anything. I groaned as I realized how strongly I could smell Jesse’s aftershave on the fabric of the chair where he’d slept earlier. It was a stark reminder of what had almost occurred. And the fact that I was still unsure how I felt about it.

I rotated my neck, feeling edgy and tense. I looked around the room, needing to do something, but I didn’t feel like coding. I had no boxes left to unpack since I traveled light. I stared at the huge armoire in the entryway, its placement still bothering me. I had tried a few times to move it, but Jesse was right. It was solid, heavy, and not movable. I laughed to myself, wondering if I should bring my jack inside from my trunk and try it. Inspiration struck, and I went to the computer, bringing up Amazon and searching. A few moments later, I found what I was looking for—small furniture jacks that could lift up to a thousand pounds. I watched the video and ordered two sets, as well as a pair of appliance sliders. If I could lift the sides, then use the sliders, I should be able to move the armoire. It was worth a try since it bothered me every time I went past the big piece of furniture.

And since they were in stock, I’d have them tomorrow.

I shut off the computer and decided to read. I’d get lost in a story about a cold duke with wandering hands or a marquess gifted with beautiful eyes and a reputation for being a rake.

Immediately, my thoughts went to Jesse and his hazel gaze. Usually serious, often frowning, his eyes were stunning. When he smiled or became aroused, they were sinfully sexy. The mix of blue and green with flecks of brown was mesmerizing.

I shook my head, clearing my thoughts.

Enough about Jesse.

Enough.

Chapter Ten

JESSE

Ipunched my pillow, trying to find a comfortable spot. Glancing at the clock, I grimaced. It was well past two, and I should be fast asleep by now.

But no matter what I did, all I could think about was her.

Casey.

The evening we spent together. The way she laughed. Teased. Moved around her kitchen, making everything perfect.

Her pot roast was incredible—something I expected, having tasted it once, but it seemed all the better for eating with her.