arms, fixing his gaze on hers. What’s happening between us? he wanted to ask. I’m not sure what’s real right now.
“Burke?” she urged, her hazel eyes turning worried.
Fire flashed hot in his chest as he considered pulling her close. And suddenly, he was extending a hand to her. Forget the questions. Let actions speak for themselves.
Justine looked at his hand, then placed her delicate fingers in his cupped palm.
The heat skittered down to a spot low in his belly. Slowly then, eyes set on her, he pulled her toward him.
Gauging.
Probing.
Wanting their connection to be something outside of convincing the onlookers of her town. He wanted a private exchange, one that said she might just feel the same. One that said she might just accept his offer to meet his family.
She came as he beckoned, one step, and then two.
Burke’s pulse spiked hot and fast as his breath hitched. He felt hints of a grin tugging at his lips. Triumph, affirmation, progress.
But suddenly she stopped.
He glanced down as she moved her hand to his chest, keeping the few short inches between them.
“We better…” she stammered with the shake of her head. “It’s late, Burke. Let’s just—”
Disappointment tore through him like a heated blade.
“You’re right,” he said, releasing her hand. He shot her a wink. “We’ll save it for tomorrow.” Burke pulled away from the counter, willing the heat to leave his face.
He was quick to walk around her and reach for his keys. They were resting in a small bowl beneath the kitchen light switch, with a handful of change and a tube of ChapStick. Her own keys rested there too. He liked seeing them there together. Imagining things like sitting at the kitchen table, hovered over a laptop and morning coffee as she stumbled in, squinting against the light, and poured herself a mug so she could join him.
“Wait, you’re leaving now?”
“I can’t keep you up the whole night. You’re about to be crowned princess tomorrow. You’ll want your rest.” That’s right, Burke. Spare her the awkwardness and get out. He reached for the knob, pried open the door, and shot her a grin over his shoulder. “Night, Justine.”
“Well…I just…” Her shoulders fell flat as she sighed, heavy and deep, as if she’d resigned somehow. “Goodnight.” Her voice sounded sad, he knew that much. What he didn’t know is why it sounded that way. Was she horrified that she’d led him on? Worried over the idea that he might actually have real feelings for her?
He started up the BMW with the press of his key fob before getting to the car. Once he had the car door open, Burke settled in behind the wheel. The humiliation, sadly, settled in with him too.
Why had he been so certain that Justine felt the same way? He’d thought their chemistry was undeniable. And the fact was, Burke admitted wryly while headed down the long driveway, he’d never been turned down before.
An irritated huff pushed through Burke’s lips as he pulled onto the main street. With one hand draped over the wheel, he lifted the other to rub at his temples.
Think of something else, Burke. Business. Yes, that was a good distraction. In fact, he’d planned to check in on a few deals before hitting the sack, but it’d be best to let that wait until tomorrow night or Sunday. No worries, that’s what business partners were for. Burke could trust Greg to run things as if he were an extension of himself.
He did hope, however, that no one had bitten on the Piney Falls property just yet. Burke had toyed with the idea of having Greg put the property on hold, but, as things were, the chances of it selling were so slim Burke couldn’t get himself to follow through.
And just how was he supposed to ask Justine to come to the Benton’s cabin now? After such a…a fail?
He thought back on the kisses they’d shared on the blanket. Those moments would hold him captive the entire night through. No, he decided, it was more likely he’d be tormented with replays of the way she’d rejected him in the kitchen.
Whichever it was, the fact remained, whether focused on the rise or the fall, the pleasure or the pain, Burke’s mind would stay fixed on the beautiful blonde with natural curl, a smile that mimicked a super power, and eyes that captured his without fail.
And though he might try to avoid it, Burke would think of what it might be like to, one day,