Page 131 of Banter & Blushes

The way he said it made her feel small, like she’d overstepped and maybe it would’ve been better if she hadn’t pushed so hard.

“Sure.” She crossed her arms over her chest and blinked, surprised by his next words.

“You don’t really think I’m going to back out, do you?”

“I don’t know. It isn’t like this is a paid gig or anything.”

“I don’t need the money. I went inside to turn down the other offer.”

“Oh.” It was the only word she could muster.

“I turned it down because I don’t want to bail on this. Or you.” The way he said it made her heart skip. Heat began to flood her cheeks.

She cleared her throat and tried again but couldn’t get a complete thought. “Oh.” Setting the highlighter on top of the binder, she rubbed her forehead.

“I get it, Hollis. You’re scared to fail or disappoint people, but I’m not running off.” His voice was lower. She had to strain to hear it. It calmed her pulse and quieted her doubts. “I’ll be here until this is done, all right? This is the most fun I’ve had since…” He hesitated, then grinned. “Well, since the last time I had fun.”

“Something you find endlessly entertaining?”

“Sure. Let’s call it that.”

“It’s something, at least,” she said, feeling her resolve melting with his upturned smile.

“What’s this thing, anyway?” He waved a finger between them.

“Thing?” She didn’t catch on right away.

“This ‘thing,’” he joked lightly. “Between us.”

She flinched at the question. Maybe because it was said so casually. Maybe because it didn’t seem casual at all. “This? This is called work, Beckett.”

“Right. Forgot for a second.” He scratched Quint behind the ears. “If you ever need help with the concept, let me know.”

Was he teasing? Serious? Leading her in some unexpected new direction? She couldn’t tell.There was the problem.

“Let’s just figure out the next step, okay?”

“If it’s what you want.” He perched on the edge of the chair. The dog rolled over, showing his belly.

She studied him, aware of how much was riding on the revitalizing Bluebell Bay campaign. “You’re really in this to help Bluebell Bay?”

He gave a sudden, bright laugh. “You’ve got a suspicious streak, mayor.”

“I’ve got a lot of streaks,” she said, feeling her mouth twist into a smile despite herself.

“Even I can’t keep up with you.” He picked up another pen Quint had abandoned nearby and tossed it towards her. Caroline caught it in midair.

“Can we finish this before we both come to our senses?”

“Never pegged you as an optimist, Hollis.”

“Only because you never let me finish before interrupting me.” She tossed the pen back to him. “I was about to say how much I appreciate…” She trailed off, steadied herself. “How much I appreciate the help.”

Beck’s features relaxed as he leaned in closer, his gaze intent on her, as though he were trying to uncover her most hidden secrets. Caroline shifted under the scrutiny.

He was suddenly close enough for Caroline to see the flicker of uncertainty and attraction in his eyes. She could feel the heat from his skin as her breath caught in the back of her throat. Without breaking her gaze, he lifted the binder from her lap and set it on the small table.

“I’ve been wanting to do this for months. May I kiss you?”

---