Page 34 of His North Star
“I can think of another time when it would be helpful,” he said suggestively, a flirty smile on his full lips.
Of course he did. I shifted in my seat to face him. Sweat and chlorine stung my nose. I tried to swallow against my dry throat before whispering, “Will it scare you off if I ask you not to kiss me yet? I’m not saying never,” I rambled, “just not on our first date. I did that with my ex and, well, things didn’t turn out so great with him. I’m trying to do better this go around.”
“You’ve been trying to push me away from the beginning. And I’m still here.” He swept his hands down his body. “But does it make you uncomfortable if I admit I’ve wanted to for quite a while?” He glanced down at my lips, then back to my eyes.
I grinned as warmth eased into my heart. He could tell me as many times as he cared to. “Not at all. It’s quite flattering.”
“But not flattering enough to want an actual kiss?”
“It’s not you. I just. . . don’t want to repeat mistakes.” To get us off that topic, I blurted, “What’s your favorite color?”
He splashed water in my face.
“Ah!” I yelped. “What was that for?”
“For the lame question.” He moved back across the hot tub.
“It wasn’t that bad.”
He shot me a look that said,yeah, it was.
He had me there. But I panicked, and it was the first question that popped into my head. I
dipped my fingers into the water to splash him back. Instead of sprinkling water in his direction, a monsoon rained upon him. He spluttered, wiping the river away from his face.
My insides clenched. “Oh, I’m sorry,” I apologized, making my way over to him.
He held a hand out, stopping me. “I’m going to get some eye drops in before it’s too late. I’ll be right back.”
Wow, could I ruin our afternoon any faster? That had to be a record. Heat flooded me as he got out of the hot tub. I hung my head. What was I thinking?
I climbed out, wrapping a towel around me, securing it under my armpits. After sliding the glass door open, I made my way to the main floor half bath. I toweled off before slipping into the clothes I’d brought with me.
James was waiting for me in the hallway when I opened the bathroom door. His naked torso displayed his chiseled chest and abs. My pulse flashed as if lightning had struck me.Holy guacamole, it hit me again how attractive he was.
I unwillingly tore my gaze away from his body and up to his face. “Is your eye okay?” I asked softly.
“Yeah.” He pointed to my attire with a downturned face. “Are you done?”
I nodded. “I’m going to head home so I can shower.” And remind myself why I shouldn’t even try with guys.I’m a failure. “I’ll text you later.”
“Don’t go.”
“I think I should.”
“Why?”
Had he already forgotten the embarrassing moment we just had? I released a heavy sigh.
“You were bound to find out sooner or later that there’s something wrong with me. I’m awful at relationships.”
“What are you talking about?”
I pointed to the hot tub. “What happened out there—it’s what I do. Unintentionally ruin things. We’re better off staying friends.” Looked like Ty was stuck with me after all.
His brow furrowed. “That was an accident. And don’t I get any say in this?”
“Trust me. I’m doing you a favor.”
