It’s what works best.
Especially when he runs his hand through his hair to tuckback that single brown curl falling over his face. Or when his walk holds such a commanding purpose that I can’t pull my eyes away if I tried.
Or the way his simple stupid navy blue Asher Construction T-shirt is tucked into the front of his light wash jeans, revealing his tan belt and showing off how lean and toned his abs are.
You can't actually see them, but my god, are they toned.
Owning a marina means I’ve seen my share of the town in very little clothing, but Luca—yeah, he’s memorable.
In more ways than I’d like to admit.
“What the hell is this, Shay?” He folds his arms in front of his chest and widens his stance.
I mimic him and tilt my head.
Here we go.
“This is me owning and running a business that has nothing to do with you, Luca.”
With that, I turn on my heel.
Even if I couldn't hear the crunch of gravel under his boots behind me, I'd know he was following me. My body is constantly aware of Luca when he’s nearby.
Traitor.
“You hired someone from out of town. No, no, out of state. You may as well just punch me in the face or something.”
“Is that an option?” I ask with more excitement than Luca cares for.
He ignores me, so I continue on inside The Marina. Despite business being slower than it used to be, I do still have a few customers daily.
“Why would you do this?” Luca goes on.
“Again,” I begin with a much calmer tone than his and without turning around, “none of your business.”
“This town is my business.”
Ugh. His loyalty to everyone around him is bullshit.
I know firsthand.
“Don’t act like you care about this town and the people in it.”
I round the corner to the bar inside The Marina and drop the wooden countertop door to block him from following me back here.
He lifts the counter door and steps right next to me. He clearly didn’t get the memo.
I ignore the firm hills of his chest that I feel under my palm as I push him back to the other side.
I drop the door and then look him in the eye.
“I work on this side. You stay on that one.”
“Shay, come on. This place is like?—”
“A marina to you and nothing more.”
His hands land on his hips as he glares at me.