Page 7 of Chasing Lustre
This time, her gasp is real, and my eyes fly to her face to see her gaze cloud over with lust. Blyth’s little pink tongue darts out to wet her lips, and her thighs press together hard. Electricity zipsbetween us, pulsing in the air in a way I’ve never experienced before.
Without rhyme or reason, I’m drawn forward by the desire to touch her skin, lick between her smooth breasts. Her breathing picks up as I get closer, and her pulse flutters tantalizingly in her neck. I get so close that I can breathe in her shampoo, a soft floral scent that makes me bite my tongue to keep in the moan that wants to escape.
“It’s not your eyes I want Trouble. Now open that mouth wide for me.” Although she’s clearly interested, my dirty demand brings back her sass and her lips flatten with a hiss. I hadn’t really thought she would blow me right here, but it was worth a shot. With a chuckle, I back away and snag a pair of grey sweatpants from my drawer.
“Damn. You think you’re special, don’t you?” she asks with a snort. But I’m not rising to the bait.
“Why the hell are you here, Trouble? I already told Tilly and Drew I wouldn’t be able to make it to their wedding. So, there’s no reason for this unpleasant visit.”
Although I like how she fills out a top, I’m not interested in having a woman. I’m not looking to complicate my life, so she needs to leave now before I do something stupid like kiss those rosy lips.
I figure the best way to get her out of my bedroom is to leave, so I wander down the hallway, heading for the front door. Without bothering to put on shoes or a shirt, I open it, barely feeling the chill with how heated my blood is.
As predicted, she trails after me like a lost puppy, walking right out of my sanctuary and back onto the porch.
“Well, you may have told them. But you being there really means a lot. And Tilly and Drew are always there, taking care of everyone. It’s important their day be perfect—and I’m here to make sure you come,” she blathers on, and I wonder why theycan’t just leave well enough alone. Yeah, at one time, Drew and I were tight. Hell, the man saved my life. But he’s happy with a woman who loves him. It shouldn’t matter if I’m there or not.
“Look. I’m not sure why you all can’t let this go, but I don’t fly; I hate weddings, and I’m not interested in being there. Now it’s time for you to leave. I don’t care what you do, but do it elsewhere.” With finality, I slam the door in her face.
Her eyes bulge with rage, and she stomps her foot before whirling around, jumping down the steps, and taking off toward the back.
Damnit. Not again.
My legs eat up the length of my house as I head for the backdoor. The slapping of my feet echoes in the quiet, but fortunately, I have less space to cover and reach it before she’s even rounded the corner. I fly through the mudroom to find the door swinging in the breeze. Of course, she left it open.
Leaning on the doorframe, I smirk as she runs up, panting hard. Her face is flushed from the exertion, her cheeks rosy from the fall chill. The sun is setting behind her, giving Blyth an unearthly glow. The pretty oranges and pinks light her just right. Her hair is wild, just like the woman. A force to be reckoned with—and not for the first time, I wonder if she could be mine to tame.
No. She’s only here for one thing.
“Wrong way, Trouble. Get back in your car and get off my mountain.”
“You can’t make me, Murphy,” she declares, full of fire and stubbornness. “You should just give in now. I always get my way.”
“Good luck with that, sweetheart,” I smirk and slam another door in her face with a satisfying thud, making sure the lock is engaged this time. Curious, I head to my studio window andslide it open just a fraction so I can hear her muttering as she heads back to the front.
“Infernal. Insufferable. Impossible man,” she complains, talking to herself. “Think you’re getting away from me. Not a damn chance.”
The sound of her voice becomes muted as she heads toward the front, and I shimmy the window closed and engage the lock. I wouldn’t put it past her to try breaking and entering through a window, and my art studio is strictly off-limits.
Like a stalker, I slink through my house toward the vast glass windows, intent on watching her leave. My heart feels light, and for the first time, I realize that I’m havingfun.The whole situation is hysterical, but I’ll be damned if her brand of crazy doesn’t speak to me.
It won’t change the outcome, but it could still be entertaining.
I stand behind the reflective glass, prepared to watch as her taillights disappear down my road. But low and behold, Blyth has yet another surprise in store for me. She stands at the trunk of her compact sedan and begins pulling out a multitude of objects.
What the hell? Is that a…
With expert precision, she quickly erects a small tent before scooping out a sleeping bag and other necessities. Guess she came prepared.
My gut clenches at the idea of her spending a night on the ground, but I push the feelings back. She’s a grown, pain-in-the-ass, woman who can do what she wants. Of course, I could call the cops and have her taken away for trespassing. But what fun would that be?
Oh, Trouble, you’re in for it now.
Chapter Five
Blyth
The sweet sounds of birdsong wake me from a deep slumber. Between the fresh air and the excitement of tormenting Murphy, I slept like a baby last night, but waking up is a different matter. Sleep has crusted my eyes, breathing in burns due to my dry nose, and a sharp rock is attempting to carve a hole in my back.
