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Or was I a fool?

Wishing for another elusive dream that was impossible?

My mind spiraled back to the other morning. The confession he made after. I can’t fucking have you.

So, I tiptoed right out into unsafe waters since that was where I wanted to float.

My knees knocked at the foreboding, beautiful sight of the man standing in the middle of my store as I tried to play it coy and sexy.

Shaking at the clench of his chiseled jaw, at the sweltering heat of his gaze with each sharp, decadent pass.

“Tempt you? Never.”

A shockwave of intensity blasted the air, and he released a strangled sound. “I think you know exactly what you do to me, Elena. Think you love to tempt and tease me.”

“I mean, I do know you love apples and steak, and I wouldn’t want to keep a man from what he needs.”

Another strangled sound, this one growly. “Get your bag.”

Goodness. So bossy.

“Yes, sir.” I gave him a mocking salute.

He grunted what I could only construe as a warning, and I basically skittered down the hall and to the breakroom while I held back a giddy laugh.

I went directly for my cubby, pulled out my bag, and slung it over my shoulder.

I snagged my water bottle from the counter and stuffed it into my bag, then beelined my butt back out into the main part of the shop.

Trevan stood facing out at the windows. All brusque and standing guard. A dark outline against the cozy prettiness of the shop.

I didn’t know how it was possible he could look so perfect within it, but he did.

“Ready!” I peeped like I hadn’t just gotten stuck by the thirst trap.

I flicked off the light in the hall, then moved through the store, rearranging a couple of mugs on a shelf as I went.

“Won’t tell you not to stress or worry, Elena, but I will tell you it’s perfect.”

I peeked over at him where he waited by the door.

“Thank you. You know I couldn’t have done this without you, either.”

He stalled, contemplating his response, a big, tattooed hand clenching and unclenching at his side as he finally murmured, “It’s been my pleasure.”

God, the ways I’d love to show this man real pleasure.

The air thickened, a dense wash as we stared across at each other before he turned. “Let’s get you out of here so you can get some rest. It’s gonna be one big day for my Little Apple tomorrow.”

Tenderness hitched his plush lips in a soft grin.

I sucked down the intensity I’d been breathing and schooled myself back into the lightness I was expected to wear. Not exactly feigned because I felt so at ease with him, but I’d be a liar if I denied feeling all those other things, too.

I slipped out the door, and Trevan closed and locked it behind us.

My boots thudded across the wooden planks, Trevan’s even heavier when he turned and started to move.

I bound down the steps and headed for the driver’s side of my truck.