one another a little better and none of that would be necessary.” His steely gaze pierced her soul. Though his tone was lighter than it had been since they’d met, the serious nature with which he conversed was obvious.
Penny attempted to swallow again. Her tongue felt swollen and heavy. He was flirting with her, or at least it seemed like it. But this conversation was a bit different. Where before, he seemed to avoid speaking about such topics, now, he was openly offering information. Her arms crossed in front of her. “I don’t think that would be wise.”
“Why not?”
“Do you always ask so many questions? Just stay on your side of the fence, and none of us will get hurt.”
One brow lifted and a smile tugged at his lips. “You think if we get to know one another, someone will get hurt? What are you insinuating, Miss Taylor? Are you developing feelings for me?”
Her face burst into flames and she looked away. “Of course not. What I meant was—if you come to my property for no reason, my father and brother will have no qualms about kicking you out of here—literally.”
Ty brought a hand to his face and rubbed his clean-shaven jaw with the crook of his finger. “Tell me what you really want, Miss Taylor.”
Her mouth dropped open, then she scowled. “I don’t mince words, Ty. I’m giving you a recommendation based on what I know about my family.”
He took a step toward her, a devilish smile appearing on his face. “I think you’re lying.”
Penny lifted her chin. “I’m not a liar.”
Shaking his head, he let out a husky chuckle. “No, I don’t believe you are. But I do think you’re lying about one thing.” He took another step closer, causing her to raise her chin higher to meet his gaze.
“I’m not.”
“You’re a girl from a small town who grew up on a farm and hasn’t experienced anything real her entire life. I am a stranger, and dangerous too. I see the way you study me. I can practically taste the curiosity spilling from you. You don’t want me to leave you alone.”
Her eyes widened and she released a huff that came out more like a strangled breath.
“If you really wanted me to leave you alone, you wouldn’t have followed me from your place. You wouldn’t have come around the barn to tell me to leave you alone. And you wouldn’t be looking at me like you wished I’d just pull you into my arms already and have my way with you.” He lifted her chin with the crook of his finger, his voice lowering. “Is that what you really want, Miss Taylor?”
Her traitorous body leaned into him without permission. Her lips parted and she closed her eyes. No one had ever been that straightforward with her before. He’d read things in her she didn’t know existed. He was right. She wanted to take a chance on something new and exciting. She wanted to break the rules. Penny blinked a few times, dragging herself out of the haze she was trapped in.
“No.”
One corner of his mouth lifted. “You keep saying that all you want, Miss Taylor. It doesn’t make it true.”
“Oh? And what do you know of truth?” Penny pulled her face out of his grasp and placed her hands on her hips. “I know next to nothing about you, and yet you stand there continuing to make inappropriate comments.”
“You want the truth?” Ty folded his arms again, his muscles flexing. “I think love is a fairy tale men and women weave. Nothing lasts forever. A relationship? No, I wouldn’t dream of dragging you into my dark reality. But that doesn’t mean I’d deny you some toe-curling kisses before I leave.”
She shook her head. “Absolutely not. I’m not interested in a fling.”
“But you are interested.”
“Stop putting words in my mouth.” She dragged a hand down her face. “What I meant was—never mind. It’s not like you’re going to be here long anyway.” She turned on her heel to leave.
“Actually, I’m gonna stick around for a bit.”
She froze, her heart leaping into her throat. Slowly, she turned to stare at him. “You’re staying?”
He retrieved the rag from his back pocket and tossed it over his shoulder. “Bolton gave me a job. So it looks like you and I will be getting closer after all.” He moved toward her and she jumped out of the way. Ty snickered. “Take it easy, Miss Taylor.” Stepping around her, he moved out of sight.
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