Page 59 of Tempting Me

“I think you’re lying to me.”

“I …”

I could cry out in this situation, and it’s not in the way you’d think. Well, unless you’re thinking that I want him to close the gap and kiss me. That I want him to grab me, wrap my legs around his hips, and take my seat with me in his lap as he weaves his hands through my hair and I kiss him back.

I want that.

More than I’ve wanted anything from anyone before.

“Shay.”

“Yeah?” It comes out in a breathy whisper.

My gaze flicks to his, but he’s staring at my lips.

Oh god, does he want to kiss me back?

Suddenly, he pushes back and shakes his head.

“I need to get back to work.”

I let out a breath and cup my forehead, and he walks away.

Holy shit.

“Right. Work.”

He pauses then glances over his shoulder to stare at me again.

“Why did—” he starts, then stops. Again, he shakes his head.

“Ask me.”

“What?”

I take a deep breath. I want to know what he was going to say, which is laughable because I normally don't, but it’s clear something has shifted between us.

I’d be a fool not to acknowledge it now.

“Ask me what you were going to ask me.”

His brow lifts and he thinks it over.

“Why did you lie about having a date in Wind Valley?”

“Because you make me nervous.” The truth slips from my lips before I have time to overthink it.

Well, if things hadn't changed before, they sure as heck have now.

He nods, returning to stand in front of me.

His gaze sears into mine, and I know it’s obvious that my breathing has picked up.

“The feeling is mutual,” he admits and then backs up, hiking his thumb over his shoulder. “Want to lend me a hand with these arches?”

I nod, standing as if pulled by a string attached to Luca.

For the next hour, I help Luca put the arches up and try not to think too much about it when his hand touches mine or when he stands behind me, his chest to my back as he shows me exactly where I should place my hands to hold something while he gets the drill.

---