Page 18 of Depraved Truths

Currently, I’m in the middle of a full remodel of my primary bathroom shower. The old toilet, tub, cabinetry, and tile have all been ripped out. I’m just waiting for the new supplies to complete it.

About thirty minutes later, I pull into the home improvement store in Billings. It’s early, but the parking lot is already full. Parking my truck, I grab my wallet and phone, and head for the flooring section, hoping to find the perfect subway tile. I grab the durac, grout, and other supplies I need.

As I check my list and shift the items behind me, I realize there’s one more thing I still need. As I round the corner, a warm body unexpectedly collides with mine. I catch her by the shoulders to keep her from falling.

Startled grey eyes meet mine. “I’m so sorry,” Tessa stumbles, her cheeks turning a bright pink. She’s stunning, damn near a fucking dream come true. I can’t help but grin as I look down, taking in the view of her beauty from head to toe.

She’s wearing a green tank top, tiny denim shorts, and brown Gucci flip-flops, showing off her pretty pink toenails. Yeah, I know Gucci when I see it. My mom’s obsessed with shoes and probably has at least a thousand pairs.

“Well, hey there, Little Killer. Where’s the fire?” I drawl.

“Sorry about that,” she smiles sheepishly, her eyes shining with a natural brightness I haven’t noticed before. “I wasn’t watching where I was going.”

Holding a handful of paint color samples, she looks a little embarrassed. “I’m trying to pick a color but can’t decide. It’s just a small home improvement project I’m working on. What brings you here? I figured you’d have people who shop for you.”

She knows what I do for a living. Interesting. She must’ve asked around about me.

“I like getting my hands dirty,” I say, winking at her. “I’m picking up supplies for a project at my place, a remodel of my primary bathroom.”

“Those tile colors are beautiful,” she remarks, glancing behind me at the palette of items.

“You should see it when I’ve finished working my magic. These hands are good at many things,” I tease, watching her blush even deeper. Winning this girl over is going to be so much fun.

“So, about the other night—” she starts, then breaks off nervously. “I was a little tipsy and on edge. I can’t believe I pulled a knife on you. Sorry about that by the way. You startled me. And for what happened after... that’s not normal for me. I got caught up in the moment.” She says, her tongue sweeping out to moisten her lower lip. My gaze fixes on them like a moth drawn to a flame.

“Hey, no harm, no foul.” An easy smile spreads across my face. “Though I hated the way you ran off on me,” I add, my voice dropping to a low murmur.

She bites her lip nervously. “It’s just... I’m still new to town, and my career’s just taking off. My public image matters to thecommunity and I don’t want to give anyone the wrong impression of me.”

“I understand and have a solution to fix the problem,” I say smoothly. “How about a proper date, just the two of us?”

“A date?” she sputters before adding, “No, I don’t think so. I’ve already told you, I’m focusing on my career. I’m not interested in a relationship right now.”

“Who said anything about a relationship? I’m just offering to treat you to a nice meal. It doesn’t even have to be a ‘date,’” I reply smoothly, making air quotes with my fingers.

Her smile is slow, almost reluctant, and I can feel her resistance weakening with each passing moment. I’m curious to learn more about her—her personality, her likes and dislikes, what makes her tick. She’s not just a pretty face. I’m intensely drawn to her.

Glancing around, I notice no one paying attention to us so I lean in close, my breath warm on her skin, and whisper, “Come on? It’s just lunch. Two people having a meal together.”

As I speak, I tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear, and she shivers, her whole body trembling slightly. The heat in her eyes is unmistakable, and I know she feels it too, and I can’t let her get away.

Indecision is written all over her face as she seems to wrestle with the thoughts running through her head.

“I don’t bite... unless you want me to,” I add playfully with a wink.

She rolls her eyes and continues to scrutinize my face. Is she scared of something? Afraid to let down her guard? I need to know what she’s thinking but I don’t want to scare her off.

“Okay, one meal.” She steps back and, after a deep breath, replies, “But we’ll go Dutch.”

No way in hell that’s happening, but I nod in agreement.

“There’s no time like the present. Want to grab some lunch? Rosie’s makes the best Italian food in town.”

Her stomach grumbles, and her eyes widen in embarrassment.

“I guess I could eat,” she admits, begrudgingly. “I’ve got a couple more errands to run first, though.”

“Meet me there at noon?” I flash what I hope is my sexiest grin.

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