both. That was the level of anticipation that I felt as I slowly lifted my lids.
When I did my jaw dropped and my entire body went numb. Apparently, the fail-safe switch worked for arousal as well. I’d never seen a more ruggedly handsome man in my life.
Bear-Man had a strong jaw covered with a well-trimmed beard that my fingers were itching to run through. His brown hair was a rich shade that complemented his tan complexion, suggesting he was a man that spent his days outdoors. His hazel eyes were surrounded by long, thick lashes that ninety percent of the women I knew would pay big bucks to have. And then there were his lips. I’d never paid much attention to a man’s lips before, but his lips were, for lack of a better word, kissable. They were drawing me like a neon sign flashing Kiss Me.
I wasn’t sure how long I’d been standing in awe and wonder as I stared at the sexiest man I’d ever seen when I heard Luna giggling.
I blinked and looked down to find her chasing the dollar bills that I’d pushed under his door that were now airborne after a breeze had blown through.
“Oh my gosh!” I began to scramble like one of those contestants in a glass box on a game show trying to catch as much money as they could.
There were several seconds of chaos before the money was all secured. I managed to grab two bills, Luna had three, and Hank had effortlessly recovered the rest.
“I um…we um…just wanted to stop by and return this.” I shoved the bills in Hank’s hand.
“You don’t have to do that.” Hank tried to push it back into mine.
Seeing his too-good-looking-to-be-true face, feeling his large, work-roughened palm against mine, and smelling the rich scent of manly musk was all too much for me. He was too much for me. My fight or flight instinct kicked in and since there was no way I stood a chance against knocking out the hormone spike I was currently experiencing, I went with flight.
“Yes, we do. I’m so sorry. Luna was playing Girl Scout.” I picked her up so that we could make a quick getaway. “Sorry again for disturbing you. Twice. Have a good night.” I turned to go and was on the steps when I heard the floorboards of the porch creak behind me.
“Did you want to come in? I can get the box.”
“It’s okay!” I called out as I rushed into the field.
“Momma, my treasure box,” Luna pleaded.
“We’ll get it later.” Or never.
I’d never had a reaction to someone like the one I’d just had to Hank. And for some reason, it scared me more than walking in and finding my condo vandalized.
CHAPTER 5
Hank
The parking lot of Southern Comfort was empty as I pulled into it. I shut the engine off, took off my ball cap, and ran my fingers through my hair. This was the last place I wanted to be right now. I wasn’t a fan of being summoned, especially when I was pretty damn sure I knew what the summons in question was about.
Billy had texted me about an hour ago asking if I could stop by. I’d been tempted to say no. The only thing that stopped me was I knew if I did that he’d just show up on my doorstep. And I wanted to be alone.
That wasn’t strictly true. I wouldn’t mind the company of a certain frazzled, adorable, glasses-wearing neighbor. All morning I’d found myself walking by windows and checking to see if I could catch a glimpse of her, but unfortunately, I hadn’t.
Last night, I’d been half asleep when I’d heard a knock on the door. I hadn’t been fully awake when I opened it and Skylar fell to her knees at my feet. For a split second, I’d thought I had to be dreaming, but hearing Luna ask if her mom was okay had brought me to reality.
Still, nothing had prepared me for the jolt of awareness that had spread through me when my fingers wrapped around Skylar’s arms and helped her up. The way her hands felt on my chest as she steadied herself had sent my body into sensory overload. Then, she’d put her glasses on and seeing her eyes widen and a flush rise on her cheeks had only ratcheted up my body’s response.
I’d never really understood the teacher/librarian fantasy. But seeing Skylar with her hair pulled up wearing glasses had definitely ranked in