Damn that smile.
Why can’t I be attracted to nice bankers or accountants? Someone safe that doesn’t walk around with sex dripping off of them and girls dropping their panties as soon as he walks through the door.
My eyes briefly glance at his left hand. He’s not wearing a wedding ring, but that doesn’t mean a damn thing. I’ve learned the hard way that guys who look like him let you see and believe what they want you to.
It doesn’t matter anyway because my tire’s almost done, and I plan on getting as far away from him as possible before I do something stupid and repeat old patterns.
“Well, that has to be a lie. I’m everyone’s type,” he grins widely, causing me to roll my eyes yet again. He lowers the jeep and removes the jack before standing up.
“Exactly my point. I have no interest in joining your fan club.” I check my watch and see it’s five.
Shit.
I forgot to let Miss Beth know I would be running late. “I need to make that call,” I say, walking toward the front seat where my cell phone is.
I yank open the door and lean over, rummaging in my purse for my phone. I hear the back door shut as he finishes putting the flat tire in, and suddenly, the air gets thick as a shadow blocks the sun from behind. Heat pricks my skin, and even though I can’t see him right now, I feel every bit of gaze on my body and can almost pinpoint it like a map as I feel his eyes wander over me.
I take a deep breath, trying to calm my heartbeat that’sracing like I’m running for my life…and maybe I am. Finally finding my phone in the bottom of my purse, I pull it free and brace myself as I stand up and turn around.
He’s watching me with such intensity that it takes me a moment to find my voice.
“All done?”
“All done.” He gives me a slight smile before gazing down the road, deep in thought, before focusing on me again. “My brother, Ryder, owns a car restoration shop here in town called Ryder’s Restores. They don’t usually do basic tire changes, but tell him his better-looking brother sent you, and he’ll hook you up with a good tire.” He grins and winks at me...and damn if my heart doesn’t skip a beat.
He has a brother. Great. Now there are two of them in this town.
“I’ve driven by there and know the place. I’ll try to stop by soon,” I say, even though I’m already planning on staying far away from anything remotely tied to him.
“Good,” he nods.
“I need to get going,” I say quickly, wanting to get out of this close proximity before I do something stupid like press myself against him so I can have a taste of what his body feels like against mine. I shake my head to clear the intrusive thought away. “Let me at least pay you for your time before I go.”
I turn to reach for my wallet, and he steps closer, stopping my movements. His arm comes up on the door frame, blocking me in, and suddenly, I find myself consumed by his presence. He smells of sandalwood and leather, and all I want to do is bottle it up and savor it forever.
“I’m not taking your money,” he shakes his head slowly. “What’s your name?” He asks softly, his eyes lowering to my lips and back up to meet mine.
“Olivia,” I whisper.
“Olivia,” he repeats, slowly testing it on his lips. Just hearing my name coming from him has me wishing for things I have no business wanting. “Well, Olivia, it’s been a pleasure meeting you. I guess this is goodbye…unless there is something else I can help you with?”
The playfulness in his eyes has me smiling before I can stop myself.
“So she does smile,” he grins, and my smile goes wider at the sight. “And, of course, you have to have dimples because why not torture me more,” he groans, causing me to laugh.
“I’m not about to feel sorry for you in the slightest. I’m sure you have no problem finding women to warm your bed.”
“Maybe I only like girls named Olivia with hazel eyes and a cute nose piercing with dimples so sexy that all I want to do is see how they would feel against my lips.”
“God, you’re good,” I laugh softly. “This may surprise you because I’m sure most girls would be on their knees right now for you, but I’m not interested. Like I said before, you’re not my type.” I sit down in the jeep and grab the door handle as I wait for him to move so I can shut it.
He looks surprised as he takes a step back so I can close the door. His lips twitch at the corners as he rubs a hand over his light scruff.
“So this is it? You’re not even going to give me your number?”
I start the jeep and peer up at him through the open window as I put my sunglasses on.
“I’ll think about it. If fate decides to bring us together again, maybe you’ll have better luck next time, lover boy.” I grin and pull onto the road, leaving him standing there. Glancing in the rearview mirror, I see him shake his head. His handsome face is etched with bewilderment as he watches me drive away.
