Page 60 of Lucky Shot
“Well, I’m nicer than you.”
Oops. Did I say that out loud? My face flames warmer as I give him a shy, slightly apologetic smile.
Almost in slow motion, his lips pull up on either side. “No doubt about that.”
His grin makes my pulse race more than the compliment had. We keep staring and smiling at each other and my body lights up everywhere. The front door closes upstairs, effectively snapping us out of our stare off.
He looks away first and then we fall back into picking up and putting away the cards and chips. Once everything is in place, we look at each other again.
I’m surprised by my reluctance to leave. Maybe if I stick around, he’ll accidentally compliment me again. This is what my life has come to, hoping this grumpy man will compliment me in the most unaffected way possible. Big sigh.
“I’m going to head back to my side of the property.” I hitch a thumb over my shoulder. “Where no one can ogle me.”
He huffs another one of those small laughs. I can’t get enough of that noise from him.
“Thanks for the poker lessons.”
“You’re a quick learner.”
Another compliment. I’m practically floating.
I take a step backward, still watching him, then remember I’m still wearing his hat. I take it off and slowly walk toward him. “If only I were writing a book about poker instead of hockey.”
His brows pinch together like maybe he wishes that too. Hockey has not come quite as easy to me. “Yeah.”
“Okay then.” Seriously, I need to get out of here. The room doesn’t have enough oxygen for the both of us. I lift up on my toes and place the hat on his head, then turn it to the side. Even like this he’s hot.
He adjusts the hat, watching me as I step back to the stairs. “Don’t forget your cleaning supplies.”
“Right.” I grab the spray and rag, then we continue to face each other, lingering. If I didn’t know better, I’d think this grumpy man wants me to stay as much as I do. What a strange development.
A warm, fuzzy feeling bubbles under my skin. “I’ll bring it back tomorrow. Promise.”
His chin lifts in acknowledgment but doesn’t offer me any quippy remark to give me a reason to keep bantering with him. Pity.
I finally turn to leave. I don’t look back, but I swear I can feel his gaze on me as I go.
15
RUBY
On Sunday morning I wake up with the sun. In only a week my body has attuned to the early morning shift in my schedule. I wander out of my cabin with a cup of hot tea (I still need to get a coffee pot) and smile at the view. A girl could get used to this.
The water laps quietly and the bids chirp. It’s so nature-y. I take a short video and send it to Olivia. Her response is immediate.
Olivia
It sounds like you’re living in a forest. Is there a flock of birds directly over your head? Have you taken up bird watching? Do they eat out of your palm? Did you buy one of those feeders that takes video? Should I send help?
A small laugh leaves my lips because a week ago I would have been as horrified as she sounds, but now, it’s kind of nice.
Me
No, but it is stunning here.
Olivia
Here too.
