Page 24 of I see you Beauty

So, I distracted myself with housework. Now that my new garden shed has finally arrived at the end of the week, it’s a welcome change.

Sitting under my pavilion, I watch the workers tear down the old shed, dispose of the rotten boards, and gradually build the new one. I keep bringing them cold, homemade lemonade to help them stay refreshed in the heat. But unexpectedly, I hear loud hammering on the other side of the fence as I chat with the workers. The mere thought that Ezra is only a stone’s throw away from me triggers something in me. I can’t describe or place it. The emotions hit me like a tidal wave—uncontrollable and unstoppable.

I cautiously look over my shoulder to the fence, then into his house. Then I see him. Ezra, kneeling on his roof, continuing to replace his shingles. He must have gotten new material again because he has done nothing around the house for days. Or are you out of women and need to occupy yourself differently today? This nasty thought pops into my head, and I grimace in disgust.

I watch him momentarily as he fixes the shingles with powerful, bare-chested strokes. His skin shines with sweat, showing off his pronounced muscles. The sight hypnotizes me, and I can’t take my eyes off him.

At some point, he pauses, rests both hands on his thighs, and looks up at the sky with narrowed eyes, probably to take a deep breath. Unexpectedly, he turns his head, and our eyes meet. I flinch briefly because he’s caught me in the act. But then, when I regain my composure, I give him the cold shoulder and return my attention to the workers.

I don’t see or hear anything more from Ezra for the rest of the afternoon, which is fine. It doesn’t matter what he’s up to or who’s in his bed. I’m done with you; I repeat the words in my head as if they were my mantra so I won’t forget. Jesus, what are you doing to me?

I don’t want to think about Ezra, yet I do it repeatedly. I even miss him. This has to stop!

When the workers are finally finished and have packed up all their tools and materials, I inspect my new garden shed. I completely ignore the bitter aftertaste of the encounter Ezra and I had at the garden center in that exact model and try to enjoy the shed. Because it fits perfectly in my garden and that’s the most important thing.

The workers offered to help me place my gardening tools in the new shed, but I thankfully declined, gave them a considerable tip, and sent them on their way. I’m very particular and don’t let anyone mess with my system.

I inspect the shed from all sides to ensure everything is in order, and I’m satisfied.

“I’m glad you listened to me. It looks great.” His voice comes from behind me, and I turn to him.

Ezra is leaning against the shed’s doorframe with his arms crossed in front of his chest. He looks around the inside before his eyes meet mine. He’s probably had a shower after working on the rooftop and, luckily for me, is now fully clothed.

I swallow and take a small step back, the scent of his aftershave creeping into my nose and shaking my confidence. But I can’t make it that easy for him. I don’t want to give him any hint of his power over me. Especially not after the images of the last few days flood back into my mind. Within seconds, my blood is boiling with rage, and now that I see him standing in front of me, it’s hard to keep myself together.

The scene from yesterday morning. It eats deep into my soul like acid and makes my body burn thinking about it. As Ezra escorted his latest adventure outside, he kissed her passionately as if he didn’t want to let her go. She walked away with a big smile, and our eyes met when he turned back toward the house. He waved at me with a charming smile, as an ordinary neighbor would have. Like I meant nothing to him. That’s when I decided to just cut him out of my life if I didn’t want to spew lava like a volcano.

“Why such a bad mood, Beauty?”

Ezra pushes himself off the doorframe and steps thoroughly into the shed. It’s not necessarily small, but I’m alone with him right now, which makes it much smaller. It’s like the walls are closing in on us, and we’re forced to move closer and closer together so we don’t get squashed.

“I’m not in a bad mood. I’m not interested in your company. And since you seem to socialize enough, Mister King, I don’t see the point in continuing this conversation,” I counter plainly, lifting my chin slightly to emphasize my words.

The corner of his mouth twitches as if he’s amused by my behavior, which only makes me boil even more inside. God! This man!

A contemptuous snort leaves my mouth, and my eyebrow moves up dismissively as he steps a little closer to me. He seems to be trying to take me in even more. His damned smile grows wider and wider on his soft lips. Argh!

“I love your claws, little lioness,” he whispers, leaning toward me.

He is so close to me and completely envelops me in his scent. His lips brush delicately over my cheek, and I hold my breath.

“Just the thought of them trailing over my naked back, feeling them scratch my skin… the marks you would leave on my back… Do you know how hard that thought makes me, Beauty?” His voice is like a growl, which, unfortunately, goes right through me.

Hissing, I let out the collected air in my lungs because his words, closeness, and racing thoughts almost make me go crazy. Pull yourself together, Cora, I admonish myself and regain my pride.

I raise my chin confidently and withdraw from his touch. Our eyes meet again, and I try to ignore the enticing storm raging in his amber eyes.

“Fortunately, you’re always in the best company, Mr. King.”

“Indeed,” he replies with a grin. “I couldn’t be in better company right now,” he adds, leaning further toward me again.

But his words only make me roll my eyes and snort angrily. He could hardly have chosen a more cliché line. But it’s good for me because it brings me back to my anger, which instantly eats its way back through my veins.

“Don’t let your lovers hear that, Mr. King,” I scold him sternly.

The corner of his mouth twitches again as if he’s making fun of me. Something inside me snaps, and I can’t stop raising my hand. Before I reach his face, Ezra catches my hand in midair and pulls me close—so damn close—with a tug.

My breath is frantic and whips against his lips, which are only a few inches away.

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