Page 26 of No One But You

I nodded. I doubted things could get any better. “If someone asked you, what color would you say your eyes are?”

His brow raised.

“They’re just so different. So clear. I can’t tell if they’re a light gray or a crystal light blue.”

“My mother called them blue.”

I didn’t miss the past tense he used when talking about his mom, or the hushed tone his voice took on. My gaze lingered on his for a beat before moving down to his scar. His mouth ticked up, and I reached out and finally brushed my fingers against his dimple lightly. “Why do men always get the sexy dimples?”

Shit. Did I really just say that out loud? I needed to work on my diarrhea of the mouth. It was like I had to watch what I said all week, so when it was the weekend, and alcohol hit my system, if it was a thought, it became words.

His dimple became deeper. “You think it’s sexy, huh?”

Again, I felt heat grow up my neck, but this time the temperature in my cheeks also rose.

“You’re even more adorable when you blush,” Kai said, his voice deeper than usual as he brushed his knuckles against my cheek.

A shock raced through me at his touch. Maybe it was the alcohol, but suddenly I really had the desire to kiss him. His lips were just inches away, and I could feel his warm breath.

“Our turn, Kai.” Bryson patted his back.

The spell was broken. Kai’s eyes held mine for a beat more. “We’ll continue this later.” He winked and followed Bryson to the cornhole boards, and I followed Darlene to the table. I don’t know how my legs made it.

“I think you need a refill to cool off.” Darlene filled our empty glasses.

I sat hard on the bench next to Summer. My heart was racing, and Kai’s scent was everywhere.

“No shit,” Summer agreed. “I could feel the heat between those two from here and was glad we’re at a pub owned by a fireman. If they were going to combust, at least there are enough professionals around to put out the flames.”

I ignored them and took a large swig of my drink. It tasted good. I needed that.

I downed the rest as I watched the game across the yard. Kai’s body was in perfect form when he threw the bag. I don’t know what Bryson said to him, but he laughed, and his eyes met mine. He winked. I blushed.

Even from across the yard, the pull between us was impossible to ignore. “I need a refill.”

Darlene’s eyes went up. “Kai’s good looking.”

“I second that,” Summer agreed. “Those eyes are mesmerizing.”

Their gazes were focused on me. Play it cool. “Really? I haven’t noticed?”

“Oh, bull shit,” Summer retorted. “You haven’t taken your eyes off him since I’ve been here. And that dance you shared.” She fanned herself. “Just admit you’re attracted to him.”

“I’m not,” I said, staring off at nothing.

“Really? So, you wouldn’t mind then if I make a move? I do see him more since he spends a lot of time at the salon . . . hammering . . . sawing . . . painting.” Summer made a grunting noise.

I whipped my head in her direction.

Her eyes narrowed.

Mine copied hers. There was no way I was going to let her get in the way of whatever was going on with me and Kai—even though there was nothing going on between Kai and me.

“Down, girl,” Summer remarked with a laugh.

Darlene echoed her. “No words needed. We know you, and you’ve got it bad.”

Not true. I kept my thoughts to myself. Just because I wanted to know all about what his other talents were didn’t mean I had it that bad.

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