Page 129 of Banter & Blushes

“Do you think this is a lost cause?”

“Depends on how flexible you plan to be.”

“You’re mocking me, aren’t you?”

“Just a little.” He uncurled himself and swung his legs over the side, sitting up. His knee made a surprise attack on her hammock, sending her spinning like a human top. The unexpected motion caused her to lose her grip on the ropes, and the next thing she knew, the world was doing cartwheels. She landed with a startled squeak right in Beck’s lap.

“In a bit of a rush, are we?” he murmured, holding her a little too close, and a little too long.

She closed her eyes for a minute and inhaled. The sandalwood and sea were so different from her own perfumes and tailored world. It was unexpectedly nice. His arms tightened around her for a moment and for the first time she felt the resistance crumble beneath the humor, and she let herself sink in.

The world disappeared. A bright, fleeting moment of feeling safe and being seen for just being Caroline filled her. When she pulled back, he chuckled, one hand pushing a loose strand of hair from her face.

“More comfortable, now?”

“Comfort is not the word I’d use.”

“No? Looks cozy to me.”

Caroline placed her hand on his chest, attempting to disregard the sensation of his muscles under her touch. He flexed, causing her to startle with a small shriek, nearly slipping off his lap before regaining her balance. Beck’s laughter filled the small porch.

Caroline tightened her grip on his shoulders. “You’re flirting with disaster.”

“Maybe you’re not as immune to disaster as you think.”

He knew he was getting to her. She was getting to him, too.

She pushed off his lap and stood quickly, smoothing her cardigan and her composure. “Hammocks are a menace, Beckett.”

“Not as dangerous as golf carts.”

“Or men who don’t wear shoes.”

She raised an eyebrow, daring him to disagree. His grin was infuriating and contagious.

“You going to declare a ban?”

“I am the mayor.”

His eyes sparkled gold. “I’d like to see you try.”

Before she could answer, his phone buzzed on the porch table. Beck grabbed it, glancing at the screen. “Hang on,” he said to her, his expression clouding as he answered. “Hello?”

Caroline watched him, her curiosity piqued as his body tensed listening to the caller.

“No, you’re not interrupting.” He shot Caroline a look then turned away. “I’m just working.”

A voice hummed on the other end, and Beck ran a hand through his hair, standing to pace the porch. “I’m just not sure I have time right now.”

Caroline waited, arms crossed, her head cocked in anticipation.

“Thanks, I’ll think about it and get back to you.” He ended the call, giving her a sheepish look. “So.”

She tugged the sweater snug around her, the air sharp and cold against her skin. “Was that your other gig?”

Beck looked at her, and she thought she saw a flash of anger flit across his face. “Somebody wants it to be.”

“Well?” She resisted the urge to pick up the pen Quint had been chewing on and start twirling it. “Are you taking it?”

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