you’re dynamic, sexy, desirable, and smart as hell. I also think you’re hiding because someone hurt you and you’re afraid to put yourself out in the dating pool again.”
He was so on the mark it was scary. “Thank you for the compliments. And maybe.”
“So . . . baby steps. I’m not asking for anything other than some fun. And I promise not to break your heart.”
She inhaled deeply, then released it. Rafe was right. She had been hiding ever since her divorce. What would be wrong with a no-strings fling? As long as her heart could come through it intact, then no harm, right?
“Fine. We’ ll . . . go out and have some fun.”
He laughed. “You make fun sound about as pleasant as taking out the trash.”
“I’m sorry. I’m just not used to this yet. It’s been a while, you know? I really want to go out with you, Rafe.”
He grinned. “Great. I promise to show you a good time.”
She was counting on it. Because she was definitely ready for one.
CHAPTER 10
AFTER WORKING TWO DAYS OF TWELVE-HOUR SHIFTS, Carmen was looking forward to a day off. She had a house to clean, and laundry was piling up, plus she had grocery shopping to do.
But instead of diving into this morning’s to-do list, she sat in the kitchen inhaling a cup of coffee and thinking about her date last night with Rafe.
After dinner, he’d driven her home and walked her to the front door. She’d expected him to invite himself in. Instead, he’d thanked her for coming to dinner with him and waited for her to let herself in. She said good night. He said good night, then turned and walked to his truck.
Just said goodbye and left.
She’d been stunned, and if she was honest with herself, a little disappointed.
He hadn’t even kissed her.
For some reason, she’d built that kiss up in her mind the entire drive home from the restaurant. How he’d do it, what it would feel like. Would he lean over and just gently put his lips on hers, or would he pull her into his arms and give her the kind of kiss she’d remember forever? And what kind of kiss would she want from him?
A passionate one, of course. It had been a while, and she was long overdue for some passionate kissing. She wanted him to lay one on her, the kind of kiss that would leave her breathless and aching all over.
By the time they’d pulled into her driveway, she’d worked up some serious imaginary momentum for that kiss, only to be disappointed when absolutely nothing had happened.
She sighed and took another sip of coffee.
What had she expected, though? She’d pushed hard against the whole idea of going out with him. She’d more than made clear she wanted to take things slow. So when he had, she couldn’t complain.
Except she’d really wanted him to kiss her.
You can’t have it both ways, Carmen.
At least now she’d have time to go buy some new underwear. She jotted that down on her to-do list.
The doorbell rang. She frowned and looked at her phone. It was eight freaking thirty in the morning. Who the hell was at the door? She got up, went to the door and pulled it open, surprised to find Rafe standing there. She wasn’t surprised at the kick in her heart rate. Seeing him always seemed to do that to her.
“Hi,” she said.
“Hi, yourself. You mentioned you had the day off today.”
“I do.”
“Got any plans?”
“Oh, tons.”
“Yeah? Like what?”
“Come on in.”
He did, and she closed the door, inhaling the smell of soap as he walked by. She tried hard not to lean into him, instead leading him into the kitchen. “Would you like a cup of coffee?”
“Love one.”
She poured him a cup of coffee and handed it to him. Then they went to the table and sat.
“So, what do you have going on today?” he asked.
“Very exciting things. Laundry. Housecleaning. Errands to run.”
He held the cup in his hands, motioning to her notebook. “Is that your errand list?”
“Sort of.”
“Let’s take a look.” He reached for the notebook before she had a chance to grab it.
“Groceries. Light bulbs. New kitchen faucet.” He looked up at her with a gleam in his eyes. “New underwear.”
“It’s for my grandfather.”
He slanted a knowing look at her. “Bet not.”
“Okay. For me.”
“Awesome. I’ll go with you.”
“You will not.”
“But I like shopping for faucets.”
She cocked her head to the side, knowing that wasn’t at all what he was interested in.
“And underwear.”
She