Page 26 of The Haunting Plot

“I need to finish installing dimmer switches for the lights.”

Did I agree to let him help with the house in my painkiller-induced haze? Did my friends put him up to this? “Thank you for helping with the curtains, I appreciate it, but I’m good.”

“No, you’re not.”

“Excuse me?” I follow him toward the guest bedroom.

“Just need to get some tools.”

“Did you leave that here so you’d have an excuse to come back?”

“Brains and beauty. You’re the total package.” He winks at me over his shoulder, and I roll my eyes as I stand in the doorway.

Do I check out his ass when he bends over to retrieve his toolbox? Maybe. Okay, yes, but in my defense, it’s a great ass.

Once he has what he needs, he approaches me, propping an arm on the doorframe above me as he leans in, close enough that his subtle woodsy scent overwhelms me but far enough that I can’t touch him. Which is fine since I don’t want to touch him.

Do I want to touch him?

“Need to get by you, gorgeous.”

“Knock it off.”

“What?”

“I haven’t showered, I’m in a house robe, there are probably crumbs still on my chest, and a bird could nest in my hair.”

He tilts his head. “Is that so?” He leans in closer. Impossibly close. If I turn my head toward him, I’m certain my lips would graze his cheek. I’m struck with the urge to arch my neck toward him. It’s confusing. My characters behave like this—I don’t.

When Sawyer inhales deeply, something tingles in my core. I shift slightly. Holy shit, I’m wet. I can feel my panties dampening. I squeeze my thighs together like that could hide the evidence. Am I turned on?

“Fuck, wildfire, you smell edible.”

I stare at him, mouth agape. My head is spinning, and I don’t know what to focus on, the infuriating pet name or the way his words and proximity are turning me on.

He steps back, motioning for me to step aside by crooking two fingers to the side. What would it feel like if he moved his fingers inside me like that? What is happening to me?

“You’re blushing. I didn’t know that was something you were capable of.”

“I’m not blushing.” Fuck, he’s right. My cheeks are hot. I fidget with the belt of my robe, and his eyes drop to my chest.

“You’re blushing there too.” He points to my cleavage, which has made another appearance. When I look down, he taps my nose. “Didn’t think you’d fall for that.” He chuckles softly as he brushes past me and lumbers down the hall. I stand there in shock for a moment as the effect of his touch penetrates my nervous system.

“Where are you going?” Why am I chasing this man?

He continues down the hall, speaking over his shoulder. “I’m gonna take care of the lighting downstairs.”

I hustle down the steps behind him, struggling to keep up since I’m still flustered by the way his innocuous touch affected me. I’m so focused on my feet as I descend, I don’t realize he’s stopped until I run into his back.

“If you wanted a ride, you could’ve asked,” he says, squatting as he looks at me over his shoulder. Does he think I’m about to climb on for a piggyback?

“I don’t want to ride you.”

“Could’ve fooled me.” He stands, his eyes flicking to my crotch.

Can he see how wet my panties are? I grab at the fabric of my robe, holding it closed. Why am I entertaining this man?

“Did you pick out new flooring? Is that what those boxes are?”