Page 85 of Clashing
“It’s not a big deal.”
“I don’t want to bother you.”
“Jesus, Scarlett. If you want us to find a normal, me helping around hereisnormal. Now, stop being stubborn and turn around.” He snatched my wrist and twisted me. “I’ve seen and touched more of you than this.”
“You’re so annoying,” I huffed, ignoring the tingles as his hand rested on my back.
“There you go. That’s normal.” He glided the zipper up. “You accusing me of being what you are.”
“Asshole.” I snapped the word, though in reality, I internally cheered becausethiswas normal. So much better than fake niceness.
“Takes one to know one,” he said. I scowled, and he almost smirked. “Which light switch?”
“In the dining room.”
He followed me and flipped the switch on and off a couple times, eventually leaving it off.
“Wow, that was amazing.” I folded my arms. “Are you an electrician?”
He glared at me and set his toolbox down. “Shut the fuck up and go turn off the breaker for this room.”
“Sobossy.”
I did as he asked, though. I needed a functioning light, especially in my makeshift studio. When I returned, he had a flashlight mounted on the fixture, already working on wires behind the switch.Huh. I should learn more about electricity.
“Take a picture, Scar.” A hint of amusement danced in his eyes. “It’ll last longer.”
“I don’t want to break the camera.”
“I can’t be that bad, or you wouldn’t keep staring.”
“I have zero interest in you. It’s what you’re doing I’m curious about.”
“Oh, so you’re watching what my hands can do?”
Bastard.I bit back the grin and he almost smiled. Yeah, this was normal. Though also a little flirty.I should cool it.A knock eradicated Ryker’s amusement and shattered the moment.Probably for the best.
I hurried away, thankful for the distance from him. Opening the door, I gasped. Collin held a bouquet of roses, his eyes wide as they took me in.
“Wow,” he breathed. “That’s some dress.” He offered the flowers. “These are for you.”
“Thank you! That’s so sweet.” I pecked him on the cheek. “I’m basically ready. Only need my shoes.”
“You’re good.” He checked me out while I filled a vase with water for the roses. “Seriously, you look amazing.”
“Thanks.” Dropping the blooms in the water, I then spun and fanned out the skirt. “I do like this dress.”
“It’s a good dress.” Ryker emerged from the living room and my stomach dropped. I forgot this was the red dress I wore on one specific night with him.Shit.
“Uh.” I fiddled with my hair. “Ryker was fixing my light switch.”
“Oh.” Collin nodded. “What’s up, man?”
“What’s up?” Ryker strode between us and faced me. “It was a loose wire.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it.”
“Anytime.” He stalked out without another word of acknowledgment.
