Page 19 of Tempting Me

“They quit on you.”

I nod.

“Why?”

I shrug.

“Shay.”

I hate that after all these years, he can still tell when I’m keeping something from him.

“He was taking his time and I need it done. I needed him to work faster. It shouldn’t take this long.”

“That’s what you get for hiring out of state.”

“Don’t start this.”

“No, I will start it. I want to know why you hired them over me, because it sure as hell isn’t because of my work. You know damn well that I’m great at what I do, and you wouldn't be here right now telling me about this if you weren’t planning to hire me. So why now? My guess is desperation, but I’ll let you tell me the truth.”

“Can’t you just be happy that I didn’t hire someone else again?”

“Not a chance. Tell me why.”

“Because.”

“Because why?”

“Because I don't trust you! And my family would be furious with me if I put the fate of this place into your hands.”

I toss my own hands up as if to say,are you happy now?

Luca jerks his head back, his heated stare locked on me. His jaw clenches as he takes a deep breath, but those eyes, even as they darken, never leave mine.

Why is it that whenever Luca looks at me, I feel like he’s seeing more than just what’s on the surface? It’s like he’s trying to see deeper. Like he’s trying to know my every thought.

As I wait with bated breath for him to say something in response to my outburst, a breeze sweeps over us, sending goosebumps over my arms and legs. I shiver, and my nipples harden. And clearly, Luca knows it, too, because he looks down.

It’s only for a split moment before he stands and starts to walk off.

I’d be mad that he was so bluntly checking out my breasts just now, but I really do need his help, and if I let himleave, I won’t have the chance to ask him again. Let alone the nerve.

“Where are you going?” I ask, standing to follow.

“Home.”

“Why?”

“Because this was stupid. I don’t know why I even entertained this idea tonight.”

“No. Wait. Please, Luca, I need your help.”

He spins quickly and takes two long strides until he’s right in my face.

“You just said that you didn't trust me and your family would be furious. Those two things are a recipe for disaster. Everyone would see me at The Marina and know I’m working with you. I think you forget how small this town is and how everyone knows more than they should about the people who live here. Your family might be across the world right now, but someone would tell them.”

“I know. I know. But you wanted me to tell you why I didn’t hire you first, and I did. Now you're mad because I told you the truth. That’s not fair.”

He huffs out a breath.