Page 8 of Silver Foxed

Yes, that’s what I will do. I’ll ask her questions about her life instead of stalking her like a creep online. I’ll get to know her better, make small talk, and then I’ll leave in the morning. No harm done.

I’ll let my attraction be only that. An attraction.

Chapter five

Alex

I’m pouring two glasses of red wine as a freshly showered Elijah walks into the kitchen. He’s barefoot now in dark-wash jeans, wearing a similar-colored denim button-up with the sleeves folded below his elbow and the top few buttons left open. My eyes go straight to the smattering of dark chest hair peeking out, and I have to stop my mouth from falling open.

Holy mother of God.

Elijah smiles as he approaches me, completely unaware that he’s set my panties on fire. Scratch that. He’s melted them.

“It smells wonderful in here,” he says, looking over my shoulder at the food I have simmering on the stove.

“Thanks,” I say, sliding a glass of wine toward him. “I hope you like Chianti. It’s from 2016.”

He lets out a low whistle. “You sure you want to share this with me?”

“Isn’t there some rule that you have to share expensive wine with someone?”

“Not at all.”

I smile coyly. “Fine, but at the end of the day, who really wants to drink alone, right?”

Elijah’s serious blue eyes stare into me as if I’ve said something that struck him deeply. “Right,” he says after a moment. I’m wondering if he drinks alone often. By his reaction to my words, it would seem that he does, and that makes me sad. Because while Sean and I parted ways over six months ago now, I am not alone. I have my best friend, Allie, our group of girlfriends, and my family.

Now I want to know who Elijah has or doesn’t have. I don’t see a wedding ring on his finger, and I can only guess he doesn’t have a girlfriend because he came here alone like me.

I hold up my wine glass, deciding this man needs to have a little fun. Even if he only stays one night, I can give him a night of company. Even if it’s platonic. Because let’s be honest, if he is interested in me like I think he is, I doubt it will go any further than harmless flirting. Which is sad—I bet Elijah is wonderful in bed. He gives off that big dick energy without even trying. And he seems like a sweet guy.

“Cheers,” I say as Elijah holds up his glass. “To an evening of not drinking alone—and good company.”

The light tone in my voice has the corners of his mouth tugging up. He repeats my words back to me before he clinks his glass against mine. We bring our drinks to our lips, and our eyes stay connected while we sip the savory liquid. His gaze is strong and steadfast as he swallows, and I feel like the moment happening between us right now is erotic.

I swallow my wine and then avert my gaze, knowing that if he keeps staring at me like that, I can’t be held liable for my actions. Setting my wine glass down on the island, I feel his eyes follow me as I go to check the dinner. I grab a potholder and lift the lid on the cast-iron skillet, the hot steam wafting up. Elijah is right; it does smell amazing. Happiness fills me as I admire the rich and rustic dish I’ve created. The chicken is falling off the bone, which means it’s ready.

“Do you need help with anything?” Elijah’s velvety timbre asks, making the hairs on the back of my neck rise. I pick up the wooden spoon and turn around to face him.

“Nope, it’s ready.”

Elijah’s eyes track from my face to the wooden spoon I’m holding. When his attention settles on me once more, he’s blushing again. I know he’s thinking about earlier.

A playful smirk forms on my lips. I shouldn’t like that my dad’s friend is clearly thinking about me naked, but I can’t help it. I do. It feels nice to be desired, even if nothing comes of it.

“You know, a wooden spoon could’ve been a great weapon,” I tease.

A burst of laughter shoots forth from Elijah, and something inside me changes at the sound. It’s wonderful. I want to hear him laugh again.

“What would you do with it?” he asks.

I hold the spoon in my one hand then tap my chin. “Hmm. I suppose hitting you with it wouldn’t do much. But I think if I had chucked it at your head hard enough, I could have potentially poked an eye out. Or at least stunned you enough to get a head start.” He laughs again, and the tingling warmth I feel in my belly spreads throughout my entire body.

“Maybe next time, reach for something sharper.”

“Are you suggesting you’d rather I’d come at you with a knife?”

His blue eyes turn serious. “I want you to be safe.”

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