Why am I even askingmyself this question?

Whatever the answer is, I have to run from him withoutletting him know that I’m doing so. While I wouldn’t mind a bit of fun, myheart beats a bit too fast around him, which is never a good sign.

I throw on yesterday’s jeans and top, run a hand through myhair, then apply some mascara and a sheer shade of red lipstick. Finally, Ihead out the door, confident that I can do this.

OceanofPDF.com

CHAPTER NINE

I can’t do this.

Breathing in and out, I let my gaze brush over the kitchen,which is a manly thing decorated in lots of dark wood and expensive stainlesssteel.

The kitchen is huge and probably the only modern part of thehouse, with its east side entirely made of glass. Outside, the woods stretchout for miles. In the distance, a lake shimmers in the bright light. Without adoubt, the place is quite the sight.

But compared to Kellan, it’s nothing.

He busies himself with pouring two mugs of steaming coffeeand shoveling several layers of what I assume is toast onto a plate next to boiledeggs, cheese, bacon, and waffles. Next, he resumes making us an omelet as well.He takes his sweet time, which gives me plenty of opportunity to stare at thedark tips of his hair brushing the collar of his shirt. From his broadshoulders to his low-hanging jeans and cowboy boots—everything screamsrural life.

And holy hotness!

If I didn’t know any better, I’d doubt he’s the same personfrom NYC who was dressed in a tailored suit and exiting the most expensive carI’ve ever seen.

So, what’s he doing here?

Buried deep in my thoughts, I don’t realize that he’s turnedaround and is now regarding me.

“If you like the view, I’ll be happy to provide a morein-depth one,” Kellan says. The frown lodged between his stunning eyescontradicts the humor in his voice. “In fact, I’m not averse to touchingeither. I give and take in equal measures.”

I can’t believe he caught me staring.

And what’s with this guy and the sexual innuendoes?

Heat spreads to my face. I turn around hastily, but I knowhe glimpsed the telltale onset of a major blush.

“There’s nothing to like,” I mumble.

“Sure. So you keep saying, but I bet your panties would tella different story.”

My breath hitches but only for a moment, until I rememberKellan’s only flirting. He cannot have any idea how much his statement is true.

I cross my legs and watch him as he places two plates andcoffee mugs on the table, then plops down in the chair to my right. As he doesso, his leg brushes mine. I become so aware of the sudden physical contact thatmy breath dies in my throat and I almost jump up, my skin seared.

“You told your friend about me,” he says.

His statement is so sudden I look up in surprise. “Whatmakes you say that?”

“It’s a fact.”

“Yes.” I take a sip of my coffee and burn my tongue in theprocess. “Obviously I did in case you were a creep or stalker or whatever.”

Damn Mandy!

Why can’t she ever keep her big mouth shut?

Kellan gestures at my plate. It’s still in front of me,untouched. “Do you like your omelet?”

Trying to play nice, I grab the fork and taste it. “I do.”