Page 34 of Knots About You
But Owen looked past it all.
‘Do you want to stay over?’ I blurted.
He leaned against the counter and shook his head. ‘I’ll stay until you’re alright, but I need to get back. Meowrse will be furious with me for his dinner being so late.’
‘I could make you feel good?’ I offered in a rush, attempting to sound saucy but coming across a little needy. ‘I like giving, too.’
He shook his head gently. ‘I got everything I needed.’
‘Oh my God,’ I raised my brows. ‘Did you…you know…in your jeans?’
He laughed. A full belly laugh. Head back, eyes creasing in a way that made my thighs clench.
‘No. But thank you for your concern.’
‘You don’t want to finish?’
‘I can wait. I enjoyed watching you immensely.’
We finished the toast and the pie in a companionable hush. Me with thoughts whirring in my brain. Why didn’t he want to sleep with me?
‘When will I see you again?’ I asked, trying to make it sound casual and failing.
‘Isla’s hoping you’ll come by Monday to help us make more videos and talk through a plan for the autumn fair.’ The corner of his mouth kicked. ‘Apparently, we require content.’
‘Only Isla?’ I nudged his knee with mine.
He sobered just a touch. ‘No. Not only Isla.’
Owen threaded his fingers into my hair and tipped my face up to his. ‘Don’t mistake my restraint for disinterest, Claire.’
‘Okay.’
‘Now go to bed,’ he said softly. ‘To sleep. I’ll lock up and put the keys through the letterbox. Text me if you need anything.’
‘Yes, sir,’ I grinned. I’d meant it in that cocky, bratty way, but it unlocked something behind his eyes that flashed with desire.
Unfortunately, he still didn’t pin me to the counter and ravish me, but sent me on up to bed with a bottle of water.
Leaving me more confused than after the not-kiss.
fourteen
OWEN
Meowrse staredat the coil of rope in my open bag with disdain. My eyes had snagged on it multiple times, too. Claire had rendered my brain mush since the previous night. I’d boiled the kettle three times and still hadn’t successfully made a cup of tea yet.
The distillery sat calm as the sun rose. Birds twittered outside, and the trees that surrounded the house shone golden in the early morning light. Couldn’t focus because I was busy replaying the sound Claire made when she came. It would be seared into me forever.
I hadn’t planned on taking the rope. I hadn’t planned on half the things I did the previous night. I certainly hadn’t planned on kissing Claire like a starving man and then saying no to more. Falling for her wasn’t in the plan. I’d told myself that I could indulge in being her dirty little fling, but already I dreaded the day she would leave Otterleigh Bay.
Meowrse hopped on the table as soon as I sat down, and butted my wrist. I scooped him onto my lap with a gentle admonishment. Not that he cared for my rules one bit.
My phone buzzed.
Isla. No rest for the wicked.
ISLA: You up?
