Why did that make me so happy?
“Thank you,” I answered bashfully. This shit had to stop. I hadn’t been this shy since my first date. “I’ll show you inside.”
Together, we went inside, and I pointed out the tiny reception desk, which was in a corner of the front room. He followed me past the wooden staircase, and I led him to the open plan kitchen and dining area. I had four tables set up for guests.
“You cook in front of your guests?” he asked in surprise.
“Um, yes. I…” How did I explain this? “I like it to feel like…”
“Home?”
“Yes,” I agreed, grateful he knew where I was going with it. “It’s the home away from home guesthouse, where you can relax but not need to worry about the dishes and stuff.”
“Cool.”
“So, through here…” I led the way. “Are a downstairs toilet and a bedroom with bathroom.” Heading up the stairs, we stood on the landing as he looked up at a high window that gave the house so much light on this floor. “Five bedrooms. Four with their own bathroom, well, one’s a Jack and Jill.” My head was racing with the idea of sharing a bathroom with him, the thought of him in a towel.
“Where do you want me?” Mark asked.
My tongue stuck to the roof of my mouth as I gaped at him.
“Iris?”
“Yeah, um…” My hand flapped to the far end. “That’s my room, so um…” I hurried to the opposite end of the hall and pushed the door open. “Here?”
Mark walked past me and whistled appreciatively at the view. “That is definitely something.”
“I don’t charge extra for the view,” I joked.
“You should,” he said as he turned to look at me. His gaze travelled over me, and he met my eyes with a small smile. “You definitely should.”
I was going to jump his bones if I didn’t get out of here.
“Yeah, well, um, wash. I’ll call you when I want to eat you.”Iris. “I mean when I want you to eat.”That’s not better!With a huge inhale, I calmed myself. Forcing the words, I tried to ignore his grin. “I’ll make dinner for seven thirty. I hope that’s okay.”
“That’s fine.” Mark dropped his backpack. “Thank you.”
Turning, I walked out of the room and closed the door behind me. I was halfway down the stairs when I realised I hadn’t asked him if he was vegetarian or if he had allergies. Shit.
Circling back and opening his door, I stopped dead when I saw him bent over, his thick thighs on display, his butt clad in tight fitting boxer briefs. As he straightened, I watched as the muscles in his back rippled.
“Damn,” I whispered.
Mark turned swiftly, and my mouth dried completely when I saw his pecs and cut abs. “Iris? Can I help you?”
“Huh?” He did have a V. Dear Lord, he was fit.
“Are you drooling?” Mark asked me with amusement.
Was I drooling? What?“Shit.” I closed my eyes. “Are you a vegetarian?”
“No.” I heard him holding back his laughter.
“Allergies?” With my hand over my eyes, I started backing away, bouncing off the door and stumbling.
“I’ll eat anything you put in front of me.” His tone was low and sexy.
The butterflies inside me went crazy. Oh for fuck’s sake. With a nod, I turned and fled, his low laughter ringing in my ears.