My mouth watered. Bake what? Brownies. I fucking loved brownies. Cake. God, could she make caramel rolls? Abe’s wife had nurtured through sweets and I had gained twenty pounds after I’d moved in, even with working on the job site all day.
Tilly squatted to tuck them back in and the image seared itself into my brain. A fantasy of her in that position over me. I’d devour her.
I caught myself and grabbed the nearest bottle of water. Gulping, I smothered the lustful thoughts of my high school nightmare.
Crazy J. Crazy J. Crazy J.
Except, the longer I was around her, the less crazy she seemed. I knew nearly nothing about her beyond those three years she’d tormented me with her crush.
Wait…she hadn’t answered my question. “You saved for a while then, huh?”
She stood and brushed her hair back. I wanted to run my fingers through it. “A few years, yeah. Once I got settled into a teaching job after school, then I was able to start putting it away.”
“Why ten thousand two hundred and twenty-eight dollars…and fifty-five cents?”
Her gaze darted to him. “I like to be unique.”
My bullshit meter went off. Super. She was supposed to show up, act like a zany sitcom reject, and drive me insane. But instead, she was leaving me a trail of breadcrumbs, and despite my no-carb discipline, I couldn’t help but snatch each one up in an effort to get closer. Tilly was intriguing.
Chapter 4
Tilly
My panic rippled like the waves on the gorgeous lake peeking through the trees. Flynn had a suspicious look in his eye like he knew I’d lied. I never fibbed. I just never got close enough to anyone to have to explain my reasons for some of the things I did. Or answer those dreaded questions about growing up. I got that not many people experienced the nightmare I had, but it didn’t mean I wanted to share it.
My gaze rebounded all over the kitchen. I felt guilty as hell, all because I couldn’t tell him why I’d donated the amount I had. One day, I knew I’d meet someone and grow to trust them enough with my story, but not Flynn. I didn’t want to be the battered child around him. The blond, built, walking fantasy was my escape. What daydreams would I have to get lost in if I lost the one of Flynn?
“Want to give me the grand tour?” I asked brightly.
His light brows popped up. Subtlety wasn’t my strength. I scurried out of the kitchen, hoping he would follow.
“Where should I put my bags?” Retrieving mine from by the front door, I spun around and hit a wall of man chest.
“Tu—Tilly.”
I tipped my head back. He was so much taller than I remembered. He’d had a growth spurt after I’d dropped out. “What?” I squeaked.
He gazed down at me, concern in his emerald irises. I wanted to cry with frustration. How many years had I wished to make Flynn feel more than flustered? But I didn’t want his worry. Like I didn’t want his pity. I couldn’t win, and he was starting to make me feel like Tulip Johnson. That was a place I couldn’t go back to. A shudder ran through me.
“Did I say something wrong?”
Damn, he’d noticed. “No. I…” Lying hadn’t gotten me anywhere, so I’d spare him a kernel of truth. “I don’t like talking about myself.”
Those lust-inducing lips of his curled into a smile. “Then it’ll be a long week if you have to listen to me prattle on about work.”
We stood less than a foot apart, but neither one moved. “What is it you do? Mara said you were in construction.”
Pride highlighted his features and it looked good on him. Before, much to my chagrin, I’d thought he’d looked arrogant. “Corporate construction. I own my own business.”
“Wow.” Some people had it all. Logically, I knew he’d worked for it, but…I’d worked pretty damn hard, too, and this cabin blew away any place I’d ever lived. But he probably hadn’t had loser parents to overcome.
“I built Arcadia.”
“That place is gorgeous,” I breathed.
Little lines crinkled at the corners of his eyes and my belly clenched. One tiny imperfection that made him suddenly human and attainable.
He was still so close, the heat of his body surrounded me in a cocoon I never wanted to leave. In high school, I’d chatted with him, always on his heels. He always had to be somewhere in those days. It was nice that he had slowed down now, even for just a moment.
“It’s one of my favorites.” His voice had dropped low, husky.
“I’m sure it helped that your client was your best friend.”
“My best friend’s wife. The place is hers. She made him keep his hands off.”
“What else have you built?” I swayed closer, the distance between us shrinking to bare inches.
His gaze dipped to my cleavage and I should’ve died a little that he’d caught me in a swimsuit I’d never usually wear. But Mara had given me a deal and I had walked out with three swimsuits for the price of one.
His gaze licked up my neck and I shivered. Another move that didn’t escape his notice. He caressed my cheek with the backs of his fingers.
“Cold?”
“No,” I whispered.
He dropped his gaze to my lips and his head bent.
Ohgodohgodohgod. My eyelids drifted shut and my lips parted.
He hovered over my mouth but didn’t touch me. I opened my eyes as he straightened.
He cleared his throat and spun around. “Your room. I forgot, sorry.”
So it was like that. I snagged his elbow and stalked in front of him. I was so not missing this opportunity.
Grabbing his face in both hands, I rose to my toes and smashed my mouth on his.
He stumbled back in surprise until his back hit the front door, but then he snaked his arms around me. His lips went from tense with
