Page 83 of New Growth
I hated how much I liked the sound of that.
I wiped down one of the portable shampoo bowls while El stacked chairs, but I could feel his eyes still on me. He took his time watching me, never looking away when I caught him. Instead, he’d smile. Not awkwardly or apologetically. But like he wanted me to realize he was looking.
I glanced up just in time to catch his gaze locked onto my neck. Tired of being under his watch, I poked him in the chest, dragging my finger up until he followed with his chin lifting and attention redirected.
“Eyes up here. I don’t even want to think about all the nasty thoughts swimming through your mind right now.”
“I’m behaving, I promise.” He chuckled, stepping closer. “I was just thinking about last night.”
I rolled my eyes. “Of course you were.”
“It’s nothing bad. You looked so peaceful, lying on my chest like that.” He tilted his head slightly.
My gaze dropped. I hated how my stomach dipped at his words.
“So what?” I said, voice even. “I was tired, and you felt comfortable.”
“Is that the only reason?”
“Yes.” I said flatly.
I barely had a second to react before he tipped my chin up—just as I had done to him. But unlike me, he didn’t let go. His thumb brushed lightly against my jaw, and his fingers warmed my skin.
“Eyes. Up. Here.”
I swallowed. He was too close, but I didn’t pull away. In a panic, I scanned the room to see if anyone saw us as he held my jaw. If any of my staff saw us like this, I wouldn’t hear the end of it.
He smirked at my dismay. “I can come over again if you want. I want you to get a good night’s sleep.”
“Hm.” I narrowed my eyes and repeated his words. “Is that the only reason?”
“No.” His thumb rubbed against my skin slightly, almost like he didn’t realize he was doing it. “I can’t deny that I sleep better with you, too.”
I felt warmth creep up my neck and his brows pulled together almostimmediately.
“That came out so wrong.”
I let out a short laugh. “Yeah, it did.”
I could hear Esther’s voice in my head, teasing.I did like him.Not as intensely as she implied, but there was something there. Something that was building and needed to be toppled over. Quickly. Maybe a deterrent in his feelings was what was needed because the more he pursued, the more I would fall.
“But. I can’t tonight,” I said, pulling his hand from my jaw. “I have plans with Esther.”
His expression barely shifted, but I caught the slight raise of his brow. “What kind of plans?”
“We’re going on a double date.”
His jaw ticked, just barely. “Double date?”
“Yeah.” I studied his face carefully, searching for a reaction, but if he had one, he buried it deep.
“You can’t go.” He said it with such finality that I blinked rapidly to catch myself.
“Huh?”
“You. Cannot. Go.”
I folded my arms. “And why not?”
