Page 32 of Playing with Fire

I stood and crowded her space. The urge to kiss her, to push her up against the car and devour her mouth, was so fucking overwhelming it was torture. Strawberries invaded my senses as I breathed her in. All of it pulled me in deeper. Her jade-colored eyes were wide as she stared back at me. I took another step and braced my hands on either side of her on the car

“Izzy.” Her name was barely a whisper on my lips.

“Yes?” Her breath came faster.

Good. I liked that. I wanted so badly to watch her react to my touch, but I kept my hands planted against the car.

“I'm not mad.” I zeroed in on her mouth. “However, I'm struggling to focus on changing your tire.”

“Oh?”

I tracked the movement of her tongue as it ran along her bottom lip. “Do you know why?”

She shook her head. I didn't believe that. She had to know by now how badly she affected me. But if she needed to hear it, I could at least give her that.

“Because you look so fucking sexy tonight it's killing me.” I let my gaze roam down her body, taking my time drinking her in. “Your tits look like they're going to pop out at any minute, and this tiny-ass skirt is giving me so many dirty thoughts.”

I groaned before bringing my eyes back to her face. Her mouth hung open. Did that really surprise her? Or was she surprised I admitted it.

“And now I'm thinking about all the men who watched you tonight, who came over and offered to buy you a drink. So am I mad you called me? Fuck no. Because at least that means you didn't go home with any of them.”

Was I being possessive over a woman I was sure I wasn't allowed to have? Yes. At that moment did I give a fuck? Nope.

I stared at her lips, that damn gloss glistening, wanting to claim her mouth. Feel her writhe from my touch. But there was a long list of reasons why I couldn't.

I pushed off the car. “Now, would you mind waiting in the car while I change your tire?”

She frowned and crossed her arms over her chest again. Why did I find her pouting over the fact that I didn't kiss her so adorable? I was trying my best to maneuver through this minefield I'd created.

I reached out and ran my hands down her upper arms. “Please?”

She shivered from my touch and I fucking loved it. Loved that it was obvious I affected her just as much as she did me.

She nodded. “Fine.”

I stepped back and she climbed into the car while I got to work changing her tire. This time I had no issues getting the task completed. I put the tools and flat tire in the trunk, closed it, and when I tapped on her window, she opened her car door.

“All good. See you in the morning.” I turned and headed to my truck. If she got out and I stayed there any longer, I wouldn’t be able to keep my hands to myself this time.

“Wait.”

I turned back toward her. She stood outside her car now, arms folded, with a glare trained on me.

“Izzy. Go home, sweetheart.” I made my feet stay planted safely five feet away from her. “Before I make a decision neither of us can come back from.”

I climbed into my truck and breathed a sigh of relief when she got into her car and drove away. Tomorrow would be rough, that was for sure. But if I was honest, explained the reasons why nothing could happen between us, she would understand.

Wouldn't she?

Chapter Seventeen

LOGAN

My kids were neverearly risers, but of course the one morning I needed them to sleep as long as possible, they were up with the sun. I wanted five minutes to talk to Izzy before I dragged them out of bed. But when Izzy walked into the kitchen, I got the feeling it didn't matter. She wasn't outright angry toward me, but she avoided meeting my gaze.

Nikki and Alice were already on their stools on the other side of the island eating bowls of cereal. I half expected them to give me a hard time about not making pancakes. Maybe I'd do that next time I had a morning off with them.

Once the girls finished, they ran into the great room and turned a show on. I glanced at my watch. I only had ten more minutes before I had to leave.

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