“It was amazing! I got the grant.”
“Congratulations, Lola.”
Jenna adds her congratulations. “And sorry about the mess here. I’m still trying to clean up.”
“It’s okay,” Lola smiles at her. “You don’t have to do it alone. Dylan and I will help.”
Lola looks at me, expecting my reassurance to help, but I don’t say a word.
Instead, I look at Jenna.
She looks away.
Chapter 4
A REAL FIX
Jenna
“This place needs more than just a bit of tidying up,” Dylan says, assessing the ceiling. “The ceiling needs to be fixed soon.”
As he assesses the ceilings, I can't help but stare at his broad shoulders and muscular build, exuding an effortless masculinity that is both captivating and infuriating me for noticing.
I shift from one leg to the other, feeling uncomfortable in the way my thoughts betray me when it comes to him.
I cut him off, my expression firm. “It’s fine. It’ll be sold soon.”
“You're still staying here in the meantime.”
“For now. I won’t be here for long.”
Dylan turns to me, hiding his expression behind a blank stare. He shoves his hand into his pockets.
“I see.” Is there disappointment in his voice? Or wishful thinking on my part.
My body is hyper-aware of his presence, my nipples sensitive as they brush against my shirt.
I hate that he can still make me feel this way. I really thought all those years apart would have dissolved it, but I realize now that it has only made my desire for him more intense.
The way he kisses me, touches me... No one has ever made me feel like I’m coming apart like him. It’s maddening.
I stare at him, taking in features that have become even more striking with age. He’s ruggedly attractive with a strong, chiseled jaw currently set in a determined look.
A stray strand of dark hair falls rebelliously across his forehead, making me itch to brush it back. His green eyes, framed by long thick, dark lashes, are intense and penetrating, making me feel hypnotized.
Lola steps in, fanning herself with a hand. “It’s hot in here.”
Dylan’s face curls into a lopsided grin, his words laden with implication. “It sure is. Don’t you think so Jenna?”
An unwitting image of him pressing me against the wall flashes in front of me, and I instinctively press my thighs together to stop the throbbing between them.
I clear my throat, looking away from him.
“Come sit, Lola.” I gently lead her to a sofa.
Dylan chuckles behind me. “Anyway, I can call a carpenter to fix this. And I can come by this weekend to help with the yard. As good neighbors would... and as old friends.”
“I appreciate the offer, but I’d prefer to hire professionals.”