Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 54852 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 274(@200wpm)___ 219(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54852 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 274(@200wpm)___ 219(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
“Good.” My stomach wobbled as I followed him out of the workshop.
Getting involved with Finn wasn’t smart and probably wasn’t fair to either of us, but it sure was delicious, that prospect of kissing him again, and no way was I turning down something that tempting.
Chapter Nine
Finn
I knew exactly what I was doing, showing up close to closing time at Vino and Veritas. Oh, I said I was there to deliver the shelf unit I’d finished in spare moments here and there the last week, but shelf delivery didn’t explain why I’d rushed chores and used my usual dinner time for a long shower. Dropping something off for Harrison didn’t require fresh clothes and a shave, but here I was, all spit-shined and polished, and more than a little frustrated that I still couldn’t get that kiss out of my head.
“There you are.” Harrison sounded pleased as he greeted me at the store’s loading dock. “I saw your text but wasn’t sure if you’d actually manage to get away.”
His words were warm, echoed by sympathetic eyes, but I still tensed. I was more than used to people not wanting to compete with the farm for my attention. However, Harrison had no trace of irritation as he helped me carry the small set of shelves inside.
“I was just locking up, but let’s get this in.” Harrison was back to looking boardroom-ready in a white dress shirt, gray suit pants, and fancy loafers. I missed his attempt at casual from the other evening, but he was going to be damn fun to rumple up like this too. “I can’t wait to see how it’s going to look.”
Me too. I smiled. “Lead the way.” I could have easily carried the shelves all on my own, but I was content to humor him. He took one side of the unit and I took the other as we headed into the main part of the store. After setting it down in a spot near the registers, he stepped back to study my creation.
“You like how it turned out?” I asked.
I liked how he didn’t answer right away, instead running his hands along the top shelf, admiring the side braces, and even peering under the brackets.
“Oh, yes. It looks rustic and one-of-a-kind but also sturdy and professional. It’s perfect.”
Perfect was high praise and probably better reserved for things like the kiss we’d shared before Rachel had interrupted us. That had been perfect—how strong and solid he’d felt in my arms, the needy little sounds he’d made, the softness of his mouth… Stop. I made myself turn off yet another mental replay of the last time, so that I could be more present for this time.
And there was going to be a this time. I’d known it as I’d worked to finish the shelves. Heck, even before that. As soon as Harrison had asked for a raincheck, all breathless, I’d been a goner. I’d expected him to be put out at the interruption, not embarrassed, and his willingness to wait for me to have a free evening went a long way to softening my resolve not to get involved.
It had been so damn long since I’d had a kiss like that. Denying myself seemed pointless—Harrison was here now, single and willing. Surely, I could manage a little summer fling without getting all twisted up like I had with Astin? Or so I told myself as I stood there staring at Harrison’s perfect mouth while he continued to admire the shelves.
“Do I owe you for anything? Materials? Your time?” Harrison sounded delightfully unsure of himself.
“No charge for friends.” I stepped closer, glancing around the empty store. No employees or his mother.
“And we’re friends?” Harrison’s voice had turned husky, and the way his eyes flashed told me he’d taken note of my nearness. Good.
“Working on it.” I trailed my fingers down the fine, crisp cotton of his sleeve. There were probably luxury sheets with a lower thread count, but I was more concerned with the leanly muscled arm under the fabric. And the way Harrison all but trembled at the contact, leaning toward me, but not taking advantage of my clear invitation. The hesitation and anticipation was far sexier than had he decided to back me into the counter.
“And how would a friend show gratitude for this marvelous creation?” Breathless, Harrison never took his eyes off my face. “Can I buy you a late dinner?”
“Maybe. After.” Another step closer. Another tug on his arm, and then we were face-to-face, inches apart.
“After what?” Gripping my upper arms, Harrison pulled me even closer. The empty store crackled with anticipation. All the books could tumble off their shelves, and I still wouldn’t change my next action.
“This.” I slanted my mouth over his.
I’d intended a slow kiss like our first one, a prolonged tease to have Harrison all gasping and needy. But he kissed me back with a hunger that had me being the one to gasp and had me being the one desperate for more, more, more. Our tongues tangled, bodies already knowing what the other liked.