“Um, not excessively.” He raises his brow.
I playfully roll my eyes. “I mean, would you like to have a drink before you go?”He doesn’t answer right away, and I suddenly wonder if I crossed a line by asking. Up until now, this has been a business relationship. Would having a drink take it to the next level?
One can hope…
“Sure, I’ll take a beer if you’ve got one.”
I take a step closer, causing Valen’s eyes to widen. Yeah, I’m feeling brave. Why shouldn’t I? You only live once—or YOLO, as they say. “I’ve got a six-pack in the garage fridge.”
“I love that you have a garage fridge.”
“Duh,” I say, “it’s the only reason I have a garage.” This makes him smile, but I don’t linger. With sweaty palms, I grab two beers from the fridge and tell myself that I can handle this type of flirting, that he’s no different from any other guy I’ve ever had the hots for.
But I know that’s a lie. He’s the most gorgeous man I’ve ever laid eyes on. I can’t stop imagining what those big, rough hands of his would feel like as they explore every inch of my body. My panties pool with wetness at the mere thought of it. I’m so pent up and ready for him that I think I’d come the second he touched me if given a chance.
“Get a grip, An,” I tell myself, then head back into the kitchen. Valen turns to face me, and all I want to do is drop these beers and press my lips against his. I don’t care if he’s been working all day and is a little dirty from the job.
Our hands brush when I hand him his beer, and I wonder if he feels it too? The electricity coursing between us is palpable. I’m not good at showing men that I’m interested, but for Valen, I’m going to make an effort to try.
CHAPTERSIX
VALEN
Anastasia’s tanktop should be outlawed, showing off her delicious curves like that. It’s taking all of my self-control to keep my hands off of her. I’ve never been like this around any woman, so much so that it’s almost alarming. I may burst if I don’t touch her soon.
“Want to move to the couch?” She asks.
“I would, but I’m all dirty.” I gesture to my work shirt, covered in dust.
“I don’t mind.”
A little laugh escapes my mouth. “You will when you have to clean it afterward. How about we sit at the dining room table?”
“Deal,” she says and leads the way to the tiny dining room just off the mess we’re calling the kitchen. She sits across from me, practically falling out of that sexy little tank. I can’t tear my eyes away from her billowing cleavage, but right now, I don’t care. I’m thinking maybe she wore it on purpose? Either way, she doesn’t seem to notice. If she does notice, she certainly doesn’t seem to mind.
“So, I’ve told a few people about you at the shop.”
“Yeah? All good, I hope.”
“Anyone who’s mentioned that they’re thinking of doing renovations, I mention your name.”
“That’s awfully sweet of you.”
“Well, I’d hate to see you chased out of town for lack of work.”
“Are you saying you want me to stay?” I lower my chin and meet her sparkling, dark blue eyes.
She flashes me a bashful smile. “Maybe. I mean, I have a whole house that needs a little work here and there. Why would I want my newly found contractor to leave?”
“You’re confident in my work without any proof yet.”
“Well, you said you knew I was sweet.” She licks her ruby lips. “I know that you’re good at what you do.I have a feeling.” She mimics my voice, and I can’t help but laugh.
“You’re something else, Sweet Anastasia.” She shrugs her shoulders in response.
“Is it weird being at your mom’s house, you know, now that she’s gone?”
The question takes me aback. “Um, I guess so, yeah.” I take a long swig of my beer. “I haven’t had the energy to bag up all of her stuff, so the closets are still full of her stuff.”