I’m about to turn the doorknob when Wes leans past me, his body skimming mine as he covers my hand with his. “Allow me.”
My pulse skyrockets as his earthy scent envelopes me. It hypnotizes me, inducing me into a dreamlike stupor. I have no idea how long we stand there, him behind me, his hand covering mine, neither one of us making a move to turn the knob. It’s an innocent touch, but this moment is one of the most erotic experiences I’ve had in recent history. His skin on mine is enthralling, addictive…electrifying.
“I should go,” I finally manage to squeak out.
“Yes.” His voice comes out a mix between a plea and a growl. “You should.”
“Then we need to open the door.”
“Yes. We do.”
It’s silent for a beat before a low chuckle vibrates from his chest, filling the high-ceilinged foyer.
“What the hell are you doing to me?”
I push out a breath, grateful for the break in tension. “The same thing you’re doing to me. Which is all the more reason I need to leave.”
“I suppose it is.” On a long exhale, my hand still under his, he twists the knob.
My heart deflates slightly when he opens the door and the summer night air makes its way into the foyer, wiping clean whatever just transpired between us. It doesn’t seem real. Like we were in a dream and now have been cruelly forced back to earth.
No longer sensing his presence right behind me, I slowly turn around. “Well…” I smile awkwardly, pushing a few curls out of my face, a nervous habit of mine. “Thanks again.”
I spin from him, hurrying down the front steps and toward my economical SUV, clicking my key fob. I’m about to open the door when I hear Wes’ voice.
“Londyn,” he whisper-shouts.
I whirl around, inhaling sharply when I see him advancing toward me, his greedy eyes raking over me. My pulse skyrockets, my core tightening as desire floods my veins. Chest heaving, I back up against my SUV, my body aching for Wes to reach out and yank me against him, despite my brain reminding me it’s a bad idea.
But instead of closing the remaining distance between us and crushing his lips to mine in a mind-numbing kiss, he stops a foot away. He scrapes his fingers through his hair, pulling his lips between his teeth, seemingly torn. Then he lifts his gaze to mine.
“Are you busy tomorrow?”
I give him a sideways look. “I thought you were working on the house.”
“I am. I… I was thinking maybe you’d want to come help.”
“With the drywall?” I arch a brow.
“You don’t have to,” he adds quickly. “It’s not part of your job. I just… I really enjoyed spending time with you tonight. And I’d like more of that.”
A few minutes ago, I probably would have agreed, too cast under his spell to think clearly. But now I can. And I don’t know if spending more time with him is wise. After one night, I find my resolve breaking. What will happen after spending even more time together?
“Wes, I—”
“It’s okay,” he interrupts before I can voice my concerns. “Don’t worry about it. I have more than enough guys who can help.” He turns, heading back toward the house.
Worrying my lower lip, I watch him retreat. Of course, Hazel’s voice chooses this moment to sound in my subconscious, reminding me to start taking risks again. To stop letting him control me. To leave myself open to what could be instead of dictating what will never be because it doesn’t comport with my firmly established rules.
Sometimes I really hate that she’s such a persuasive voice of reason.
“What time?” I call out as he’s about to disappear inside.
He stops abruptly, glancing over his shoulder. “Excuse me?”
“Tomorrow. What time should I be there?”
His eyes light up with the excitement of a kid seeing Disneyland for the first time. “Eight o’clock?”
I nod. “I’ll be there.”
“I look forward to it.”
I fight back my urge to tell him I am, as well.
“Sweet dreams, Londyn,” he says smoothly, then closes the door.
Once I slide into my car, I rest my forehead on the steering wheel, heaving out a long sigh. One thing is certain.
This is either a really good idea or a really bad idea.
Either way, I’ll find out tomorrow.
Chapter Ten
Londyn
As I pull up to Gampy and Meemaw’s house a few minutes before eight on Saturday morning, it feels like a different place than the last time I was