Page 8 of Ruthless Love

“Power outage,” she says through a pair of pretty pink lips. “From last night. After you went to sleep.”

“Is that so?” I cock a brow as I give her a grin. “And what time was it that I went to sleep?”

Caught, she looks away, clearing her throat as she ignores my question. “You’ll have to reset it from the app.” Her smile blooms and her gaze drifts to the blanket, my crotch, and undoubtedly my morning wood that’s decided to greet her with a good old-fashioned tent pitching.

“So, you’re here for that photo?” I ask as her eyes snap back to mine.

“What?”

“Kidding.”

She giggles her relief. “I was just admiring your knot.”

“Hmm?” I’ve never heard a cock called that. Then I follow her finger pointing just north and west of my compass, to the two corners of the thin blanket that I tied together.

“A bowline knot, right?”

Suburbia just got more interesting. “Are you a sailor?”

“Just an enthusiast,” she says with a shy shrug. “Need a locksmith? I can call one for you.”

I shake my head, ready to explain I’m good, but she adds, “I know a guy. He can do it right away. No cost.”

“It’s all right,” I say, still processing the no cost comment. “My back door’s unlocked. Wait here one second.”

That burn on my ass is undoubtedly the little baker girl’s eyes as I make my way around the side of my house, the damp grass still managing to crunch beneath my feet.

Zooming through the house, I’m at the front door in under a minute, opening it wide. Her curious eyes peek inside, but she stays where she is.

“Moving out?” she asks, a tinge of disappointment in her tone.

“Hmm?” I look back, realizing just how much I’ve managed to ignore the stacks of unopened boxes scattered throughout the place. “Oh, just ... moving some things around.”

Her smile relaxes, and she takes half a step inside. An invisible bouquet fills the air as she enters. Nothing overpowering. Just hints of flowers and vanilla that mean she’s close enough to be about two seconds from me losing control.

“Can I make you some coffee?” I ask. “As a thank-you.”

“I’d love some coffee.” Her shapely legs are a few steps inside before she says, “And by coffee, I do mean coffee. Just coffee.”

I shut the door, and she startles.

That little jump does something to me. Makes me feel, I don’t know, protective. Unnerved. Aroused. Whatever it is, this girl just got my undivided attention. Not that her pouty lips weren’t doing that the whole time.

“Just coffee,” I repeat as I head to the Keurig. “Feel free to keep the door open. I’m sure being alone in a house with a half-naked man can be ...” My cock picks the word for me. “Intimidating.”

Timid, she follows me, pushing bravado through her tone. “Oh, I’m not intimidated. I just didn’t want you thinking you owed me. For the blanket. Or anything. I’m sure a man like you isn’t used to women doing something and expecting nothing in return.”

“It’s like you were with me on my last date.” I’m still pissed at Simone but focus on the coffee. “Cream? Sugar?”

“Hazelnut, cream, and four sugar cubes.” When I pop a brow at her in surprise, she adds, “If it’s not too much trouble.”

I fix the drink with what I have. “You’re SOL on hazelnut, because in case you were wondering, you’re in the home of a guy. But cream and a few shovels of sugar are all yours.”

“Perfect.” She smiles nervously as she accepts the cup and steals a sip. “Listen, I’m not one to tell you how to do your business, but can I make a suggestion?”

“About my business?” I ask, confused. Huh, maybe she knows Coop.

Her expression turns serious, and I get the strange feeling I’m about to have a heart-to-heart with my mother.

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