Page 34 of Savage in the Sweets
Her eyes narrow toward me, and I realize that I’m sending mixed signals. But do I turn up the heat or put it on ice?
It’s laughable that I think I have any control over it.
I take a step closer to her, closing the distance between us by a foot. “Because I’ve spent a lot of time wondering why you are.”
She swallows, her eyes traveling the length of my body again, lingering on the v-shaped muscles of my lower abs.
“You’re a beautiful woman, competent enough to run your own business, and if last night gave any indication, you’re fun. Sooo…what’s the deal?”
“Wilson’s Grove is small,” she finally says in an exhausted voice. “When I moved back here to help with the shop, when my parents were still around, I figured I’d find the perfect small-town guy interested in raising a family. That didn’t happen.”
Dammit—I was hoping she’d mention some undesirable quality that would lessen my appeal for her, but what she said did the exact opposite.
“I’m sorry your parents passed,” I reply back. “I was never close to mine, so I can hardly say I understand, but if it means anything, they’d probably be quite proud of you.”
She gives me a smile unlike any she’s cast me before. Soft. Genuine. Without snark and wit.
“Thanks. I’m actually really lucky I had the time that I did with them. They were amazing parents, and I wish I could find a partner and have what they had with each other. So much love…”
“You seem like an easy woman to love.” The words slip out, but I don’t regret them. She’s attractive, funny, and smart. Any man saying otherwise would be lying.
“That’s rich, coming from you.”
“So, you mentioned that it’s been a while.” I waggle my brow. “Is that self-imposed?”
“It’s been almost a year,” she snaps in a comical tone. “It’s not that I can’t find a guy to have sex with. It’s just that I’m not into casual.”
This would be a great moment for honesty and clarity. The last thing I want between me and this savage queen is miscommunication.
“Well, all I am is casual.”
“That’s not surprising.”
“I guess that means we’re done with whatever this was.” I gesture back and forth between us.
She takes a step forward, leaving us standing a mere three feet away from each other. “No, I don’t think we are.”
My cock comes to life with a jolt, and my heart damn near stops.
“How do you suppose we navigate our interactions?” I ask, letting her come to her own conclusions and hoping like hell that me being shirtless a few feet away from her has some effect.
“We’d need to establish boundaries,” she blurts out. “What’s acceptable. A way to manage our expectations.”
“You set the physical boundaries.” I waggle my brow playfully. “I’m pretty sure there’s nothing you could ask me to do that I would say no to.”
“Then I guess we’d have to decide if this would be a one-time thing or something more frequent.”
My gaze travels up and down her body. Despite being buried under her boring work clothes, I know she’s hiding something absolutely delightful underneath.
“As often as you’d like. Every day, if you’re game.”
“Really? Because your son was pretty sure that you never get laid.”
I snicker. “I am discreet. Not that I’ve ever hooked up with someone daily, but for you, I’m willing to jump through a few hoops.”
“You know, I came here to end this…”
“And while I was running, I decided to do the same.”
