Page 7 of Hidden Hearts

As I suspected, Avery’s full potential wasn’t being used at Design Time, making my plan seem more tangible.

“How do you know I haven’t lived here for years already?” I tease, flattered by the prospect of her asking about me. During my first conversation with Mike, I mentioned how I only moved to town a few months ago. Did he share that with Avery?

When she doesn’t confirm my suspicion, I shrug. “For business. Suitor’s Crossing has a thriving economy while maintaining its small-town appeal. A good fit for what I’m looking for.”

“Not gonna lie, I’m surprised you were looking for a small town to settle in. Doesn’t seem your type…” A black Nissan comes into view after we turn down a wide alley. It’s dark here. The closest light is by the street, not behind the building where her car is parked, and a sense of unease rises in my gut. She must have left it here after work instead of driving the short distance to Daffodil’s.

“What’s my type?”

“Oh, you know… the stereotypical glass skyscraper at the heart of a bustling city.” Her hand waves forward. “This is me. Thanks for stalking me to my car,” she quips.

White lights flash with the push of a button as she attempts to slam the door in my face after slipping inside. Instinctively, I stop it with a hand wrapped around the edge.

For some reason, our breaths are heavy, filling the otherwise silent alley. It sounds like we raced to her car rather than walking at a sedate pace.

“What are you doing?” Her voice trembles, but it’s not fear I detect. No, it's an obstinate attitude. A grin threatens to break free, and it’s an odd sensation. I’m not a masochist. I don’t find charm in a woman hating me.

Except for when it comes to Avery, apparently.

Numerous temptations pop into my head as I stare at her features lit by the small overhead car light. Testing the softness of her cheek. Tasting the plump lower lip she’s currently biting.

But none of those are appropriate.

Not yet anyway.

"Next time, park closer to the light. It's safer," I mutter, releasing my hold on the door before backing off.

I’ll bring up the idea of her decorating the office another time—when she’s in a better mood. A harsh bark of laughter erupts into the night, probably making me look like a lunatic as Avery drives away.

Fat chance of that happening.

Avery’s mood nosedives every time I’m around.

A fact that fucking stings.

CHAPTER FIVE

AVERY

After my unexpected interaction with Dominic, I’m dreading work as I park in the same spot as yesterday. I’m not sure if he and Mike have a meeting today, but my fingers are crossed that they don't.

Because Dominic Stone confuses the hell out of me.

It took forever to fall asleep last night because all I could do was wonder why he seemed so intent on talking to me. And how good he’d looked in his casual henley, rolled up to reveal a surprising array of tattoos, and jeans. The scent of his cologne tickling my nose. His heat warming my skin even from a distance.

You’re ignoring all those pesky feelings, remember?

His overbearing manner should concern me, not send my heartbeat into overdrive.

Shutting the car door, I realized a second too late that everything I need is still inside the passenger seat.

My phone. Keys. Wallet.

Crap, not again. This is the second time in the past month I've locked myself out of my car. Because I get so stuck in my head thinking about the past or future that the present is completely forgotten.

Last time, the sheriff's department sent a deputy out to unlock my car while I was at a friend's house in Everton. Hoping this county does the same thing, I dial the non-emergency phone number from Design Time’s landline after punching my timecard.

“Suitor’s Crossing PD. How may I help you?”

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