Page 59 of No One But You

I was totally embarrassed, but my stomach fluttered and a tingle shot all the way through my body to my groin. I held his gaze. Even though I resembled a crazy lady, his eyes were totally into me, and I melted.

“So are you ready for a fun summer filled with . . . well, whatever you want, I guess. What do teachers do all summer, anyway?” His arms wrapped around my waist.

I shrugged, my hands on his chest. “Usually, I do odd jobs around town, volunteer at the civic center, do an art and craft class for kids, help around here, take care of my animals, kayak down the river or tube and drink.” I brushed my hand in a circular pattern on his chest. “This year, though, I’m thinking I’ll find some new hobbies to keep me occupied.”

“Really?” His eyes were smoldering, and I became lost in his gaze.

“Hey, Cinderella, we need to get your hair washed out,” Summer interrupted. “You can continue this little . . . whatever . . . later on. Oh, and Blake’s here, anyway.”

“What time are you planning on being finished with all this?” Kai gestured.

“She needs to be finished by six, as I have another customer, but if you don’t set her free, she’ll be here longer than that,” Summer yelled from the other room.

I chuckled. “I guess I should go. The last time I pissed her off, my hair became a bit shorter and a really interesting shade of blue.” I stood on my tiptoes and kissed him. I planned on a quick simple kiss, but my lips had a different idea and a quick peck turned into a deep, hot, tongue-dancing kiss that made me want to leave with him right then, tin foil hair and all.

“Your hair is going to be fried. Get a move on!” Summer yelled.

“She has some amazing customer service skills,” Kai whispered with a smile.

“No shit. Now you know why she got Miss Congeniality for our class superlative.”

“I hope you’re kidding.”

My eyes went to the ceiling. “Of course.” I batted at his arm. “I’ll see all of you later.” I glanced down at his crotch, wiggled my brow, and sauntered off, putting a little more wiggle in my ass.

Chapter 22

Kai

“Word around town is that you and Kora are a thing.” Blake crossed his beefy arms across his chest. “I guess it’s not just gossip.”

“Excuse me?” I inwardly shook my head. Blake knew his stuff and had been a great help, but could use some cleaning up. He was quite a hefty man. At least six feet four and, I would guess, two hundred twenty-five pounds. With a bald head and a full beard, he screamed plumber. But from what I could tell, he was a good guy. He was in his forties, married, and had a couple kids in middle school.

My eyes rolled—maybe Kora was wearing off on me. There’d be worse things that could happen. “Why don’t you go check out the plumbing and whatever else you need to do. Get done so we can get out of here.”

It didn’t take long, and Blake completed his work.

Thank God. I wanted to find Kora. I should probably not make such a big thing about whatever we are, but I couldn’t help it. I was drawn to her like bees to honey. Knowing she was in the same building kept me from being able to focus on anything else.

“Well, here comes Mr. Stud now,” Summer said as she filed Kora’s nails.

“Keep them long, Summer. I enjoy the feel of those nails as they scratch down my back.”

Summer stopped her filing and shot daggers at me. “T.M.I.,” she said and let out a heavy sigh, then got back to work.

Kora laughed

Damn, she was gorgeous. I combed my fingers through her hair. The lights of the salon made her hair dance with color. A couple shades of blonde and different shades of red and copper highlighted her dark auburn hair. It was beautiful, like her. “Your hair looks amazing. And it’s so soft.” I kissed her cheek. “Seriously Summer, you do some great work.”

“Thanks. Just what I needed. Your appreciation.”

I shook my head and smirked. “You’re such a joy. I hope your bedside manner is a bit different with your other customers.”

“You need to go away. We’ve got to focus here, and you’re bothering us.”

“Summer, seriously? I think you need to get laid.” Kora’s statement caught me off guard, and I laughed heartily. Summer’s expression was priceless. If looks could kill—thankfully, they don’t.

“Okay. I’ll leave you two alone.” I kissed Kora’s cheek. “Take care—of her, Summer.”

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