Page 20 of Tempting Me

“And—” I swallow the lump in my throat, then force the next piece out. He’s going to hate it. “You’d only be working at night so no one could see you.”

“Ha!” He erupts into a wicked laugh. “Now I know why you wanted to meet me at this time. So you wouldn't be seen with me. Unreal.”

He turns for his truck again.

“Luca, I’m begging you. Please help me finish The Marina. Please. That place is myhome.”

Like before, he stops. This time though, he doesn't turnaround. He rests his hands on his hips and drops his chin to his chest.

I take one more step, but I don’t speak.

Slowly, he looks over his shoulder.

“Please,” I beg one more time before he can turn me down again.

“I …”

“I’ll do anything you want. Name your price. Do you want me to get you more work in town? I’d find a way to slip your name into conversation.”

“I don't need your help with work.”

“I’ll clean your house.”

He closes his eyes and shakes his head.

“I’ll … I’ll … what do you like?” I ask with a small laugh. “I’m serious, Luca.”

“I don’t think this is a good idea, Shay. I’m sorry.”

“Wait, I … I’ll set you up with someone.”

I don’t know where that came from or why I thought it was a good idea to say out loud, but it’s out before I can stop it.

“I don’t need your help getting a date,” he snaps.

Fair enough.

“Okay. I just figured with your brothers falling in love and whatnot, you'd be ready to do that, too, and if there is someone you are interested in, I could help maybe.”

Oh. My. God. Shay. Stop. Talking.

Set the only man you ever had feelings for up on a date? Come on. Those feelings might be different now, but I’m not an idiot. Then again, this was my idea, so maybe I am.

“But you're right.” I wave a hand to signal that we can both forget it. “You don’t?—”

“Grace,” he says quickly.

Grace?

“What about her?”

“You can help me with Grace. Given our family histories, she’s never given me the time of day, but she seems …”

“Not your type,” I blurt out because clearly I love to sabotage myself.

“You don’t know my type.”

“I know hers.”

---