Page 21 of Mister Curb Appeal
I check my watch. “I think I’ll do the same.”
My eyes flick to his back as he turns and heads for the couch, coffee in hand. I’m surprised to see a rose tattoo peeking out from above the low band of his sweats that spreads across his back. I hadn’t noticed all of his ink when he was in the shower, then again, my eyes were firmly set on below the waist. There’ssome writing around the deep crimson petals but I can’t read the words without getting awkwardly acquainted with his lower back. And that would be just weird, considering he’s walking away. The way the ink glides across his body, every stroke looks like it’s etched into his skin with perfect precision. Clearly Josh has a very talented artist, because the line work is incredible.
“Should I rustle up some breakfast or shall we eat on the run?” I call out.
In my periphery, Joshua sits on the edge of the couch, stretching to the heavens.
Do not gawk, you freaking stalker!
I know my feelings for him are growing with each passing second, and as much as I try to brush them off, they keep popping back up to annoy the crap out of me.
“There’s a cute little café close to the lake off Main Street, they used to do breakfast wraps. We could swing by and check it out before your showing?” he says, shifting his gaze to mine.
“That sounds great.” I can practically hear my stomach growl. “I’ll check on Mr. Snuggles and get changed.”
“So this celebrity? Are you really not gonna spill the beans?”
I button my lips. “I’m afraid on this occasion, the privacy of our client is top priority. But if you happen to catch a glimpse of her, then I guess that can’t be helped.”
Oh, holy guacamole. He’s giving me the most panty-melting, smoldering look. His brow knits together, his lips purse and I know he’s fighting a smile.
“Not even one little bitty clue?”
I shake my head. “I’m a professional, Mr. Lucas. I never kiss and tell.”
With that, I grab my coffee and walk towards the bedroom, just a little bit of sass in my swagger as I go.
There.Take that!
I feel his eyes on me as I leave, and for a second, I wonder if I’m wrong.Does he feel what I’m feeling?Or is this one sided?Josh has always been a tremendous flirt, maybe he’s like that with all the women he meets?
I may very well never want to leave this cabin, but I can’t stand here gawking all day.
Not only do I have very big shoes to fill for Monica, but I now have Joshua’s ex-girlfriend to contend with, too. I’m going to need all the caffeine I can muster just to get through today and hopefully Monica will love the house.
If she doesn’t? I’ve always got this hunky dunk of a man for one more night in my cabin, and I might just show Joshua Lucas how sassy I can be.
Chapter Eleven
JOSHUA
Melinda waves our way as I step out of my car, then dash around to the passenger side to help Lexi out. Melinda stops in her tracks when she sees it’s me, confusion crossing her face. Ever the professional, she recovers quickly. She’s as pretty as ever in her smart skirt suit and patent black pumps.
I grin. “Fancy seeing you here,” I say as we get closer.
“Joshua Lucas?” she stammers. “You never even told me you were in town.”
“It was an impromptu visit.” I run a hand through my hair. “How the heck are you?”
She beams, leaning in as we hug. “I’m great, how about you? You look as dashing as ever.”
“I’m good, thanks, you look great, too.” I turn to introduce Lexi officially. “This is the lovely Alexis Kennedy from Alison Archer Realty.”
Lexi bites her bottom lip. She looks a little pale, nervous even. I frown.
Still, she thrusts out her hand. “So great to finally meet you,” Lexi says.
Melinda greets her with a shake. “So nice to put a name to a face.” She smiles. “How is Ali? She was very apologetic about getting the flu, poor thing.”
