Page 3 of Claiming His Property

“What?” I reply, snapping out of it. “Hi. I’m Skylar. I’m–just call me Sky.”

“Okay, Sky.” He grins. “My name’s Cade. I’d shake your hand, but it’s all sweaty and filthy from working.”

Sweaty and filthy…

Something inside me lights up, and a heat swells over me. I start to salivate. This man is delectable.

That funny little tingle grows. It’s like a warm little tickle deep inside my sex.

“That’s fine,” I reply, extending mine as I melt like butter.

Impressed, he takes it. It’s rough and reminds me of my dad’s–callused and strong. God, should I even be associating the two of them right now? “I’m used to it. My daddy works construction for a living.”

“Must be a hell of a man.” The funny sensation spreads from between my legs, growing out through my body.

“He sure is.” I nod. “You must be too if you do this for a living.” I motion to his shovel and other tools strewn about the grass.

Cade’s eyes sparkle like the stars at my compliment.

“Are you trying to seduce me, Sky?”

My cheeks are burning. Yeah, I’m blushing now.

“Wh-what?” I stammer.

He smirks. “It’s just not often girls compliment guys. Especially ones as sexy as you.”

Oh my God. Did he just call me sexy?

“So there must be some motivation behind it. That or you’re a con artist.”

This takes me by such surprise that I nearly choke as a laugh forces its way up out of my throat.

“No! Never! Beatrice is my aunt. We come here for brunch on Sundays ever since her husband passed. I’ve never seen you before though.”

Cade nods. “We’re new. Guess that means I’ll be seeing more of you, so that’s nice–”

“Skylar!” Beatrice’s voice shatters the moment like a glass breaking during dinner.

I whip around to see her fake-smiling at me from the door. “Can you come here? I think you left something of yours.”

Left something? What could I have left?

“Be right there!”

I turn back to Cade, who gives me a commiserating smile.

“Next Sunday then?” he asks.

“Absolutely,” I whisper.

“I look forward to the seduction,” he adds as I’m turning away.

This comment nearly knocks me on my feet as I’m taking the steps to where Beatrice is waiting on me.

I feel like I’ve been hit by a meteor of masculinity.

Cade.

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