A sliver of a doubt crept in, like a determined weed growingthrough a crack in the sidewalk. Was her new client one of those guys?Damn. She thought the career change had deloused her of men like that.
Drew tapped a finger on the steering wheel. “Annnd, his screen name is ‘Big Hummer.’ I guess that couldbe his dealer handle too.”
She rolled her eyes. “So he either wags the ‘Little Hummer’in porn flicks or he sells drugs?”
He grinned. “Yeah, that about sums it up.”
“Well, you’ll just have to meet him for yourself. I doubt helooks anything like those porn stars you’re talking about.”
“How would I know? I’m not into porn, but if I were, I sureas hell would not be zeroing in on a dude.”
She looked out the window to hide her flaming face. Surelyit was as red as a chili pepper.
When the temperature in her cheeks cooled a degree or two,she cleared her throat. “There’s no way someone with a dog as sweet as Fordcould be either of those things.”
“Keep telling yourself that, Nat.”
God, how she wanted to wipe that smug lookfrom his face—as much as she wanted to wipe Tyler’s finer attributes from hermind. Pretty dog-sitter and I like women stubbornly dancedin her brain. No doubt women liked him too—a lot. But jeez, she couldn’t gothere.
Nope, it was a moot point.
.~* * * ~.
Ford was clean, dry, and fluffy bythe time Tyler arrived. Natalie was also clean and dry, wearing a fluffysweater and still riding the day’s high.
“Sorry I’m late,” he huffed at her door.
“No worries. C’mon in. Can I get you anything?”
“Water would be great. Then I’ll get to work on your door.”He dropped a tool tote and a Home Depot bag by her couch.
“Nothing stronger than water?” It was nearly six after all.She shot him a smile over her shoulder.
Ford bounded in, and Tyler reached for him. “Hey, buddy.How’s it going? Wow! Look at you. Did Natalie Amb—didyou get a bath? You even smell like dog bubble bath.”
Natalie Amb? What the hell isthat? Tyler’s text popped into the jetsam bobbing around in her brain. NatalieAmber Eyes. An unexpected thrill zipped through her. Stop it! “Hereally needed it after playing in the river.”
Tyler jutted his jaw so Ford could lick his chin, then rosewith panther grace. He looked taller than she remembered. Six-four? Six-five?He was sporting a bruise along his jawline and a cut above his right eyebrow. Whatthe hell?
She gave his face a good once-over. How had she not noticedhow handsome he was before? He possessed a certain rugged appeal and intensity thatslung a few chills through her.
Gold starbursts surrounded his pupils, bleeding into deepgreen. His lashes were long and thick, making the combination quite striking,especially when layered on chiseled cheekbones and a strong jaw. A little scardecorated the top lip of his full mouth, somehow enhancing his good looks. Andif it had detracted, his hard body would have more than made up for it.
Wonder what it’s like to kiss a guy with a scarred lip?
He crossed his arms over his chest, making it look broader.“So do you have your own fishing vest too?” He seemed to suppress a snicker,which yanked her from her wayward thoughts.
Chauvinist. “Yep, and a rod, a reel, and boxes offlies I tied with my dad. I prefer fly-fishing, but I’ve been known to land a sailfishor two, eighty-pound tunas, dorado, and roosterfish. Ieven handle live bait without squealing like a girl.” She faked a gasp, thenperched a fist on her hip. “Oh, and I shoot guns too, better than most men Iknow.”
His eyes went saucer-round, and he raised his hands insurrender. “Whoa there, sassiness. I didn’t realize I was dealing with aseriously badass outdoorswoman. Don’t shoot me, please.” His hands dove intohis front pockets, and his lips quirked, making his scar twitch.
He was pretty damn cute, and she suppressed a laugh in spiteof herself. “Sassiness? Sorry about the ’tude. It’sjust that when people act astounded that I fish—”
“I’m not astounded,” he protested. “I’m jealous. I mean, you’ve landed a sailfish. How cool is that? I’ve tried,but I’ve never reeled one in. And I’ve known women who’ll hang out on boats,but fish? Nah.”
Oh shit! Were they women on a hedonismcruise? She bit back the urge to ask.
Tyler flashed her a wicked grin. “I think it’s great youfish. So ease up and quit busting my chops, smartass.”
She clamped her mouth shut to keep a laugh from burstingout.
“So fishing. Shooting,” he said. “You like guy stuff, huh?”
She gave him an eye-roll. “Yeah, well, no pointin letting guys have all the fun.”
He flashed her that devastating smile again. “So now youknow I’ve got all the manners of a misogynistic dumbass,” he continued. “Pleasebe gentle when you whoop my ass at fishing.”
Momentarily stunned by his comment, Natalie put her mouthback to work. “So do you fish? I wouldn’t want to school a beginner andleave him floundering.”
“Did you just say that?” he snorted. “And mean to?”
She inched her nose up a bit. “I certainly did.”
“Where do you get your jokes? The back of a cereal box?”
“My dad taught me everything I know, and believe me, I’vegot a million of ’em.”
“Good to know. I am now on high ‘bad joke’ alert.” He winkedat her. Actually winked. Goosebumps erupted on her arms, making her hairs standon end as though charged with electricity.
“You’re deflecting,” she laughed. “Do you fish or not?”
He puffed and assumed an insulted look. “Of course I fish.I’m from Minnesota.”
“Which means diddly.” Oh,stellar comeback, Nat!
He dropped his hands at his sides and leaned against a wall,all casual-like. As if he belonged there. “Well, Christ. If you’re going toabuse me, I will take something stronger to drink. But be forewarned, Icannot guarantee the quality of my work.”
“Beer? Sangria? Crown Royal?”
With his palm flat against his chest, he tapped out arhythm. Thump, thump, thump. “Interesting assortment. Beer’s fine.”
“IPA? Pilsner? Stout?”
“Seriously?” he laughed. “I’ll go with the IPA.”
She headed for the fridge, sensing him right behind her.“Well, good thing that was your choice because IPA is all I have.” She pluckedout
