Page 16 of Designs on You

Why did you say no?

It took her a minute to answer.Are you texting and driving?

He grinned and answered:No. I’m standing in your driveway.

A minute later she opened the door and came outside, walking fast. She stopped inches in front of him. “I said no.”

“I got that. I respect it. But there’s this chemistry between us, and you can’t deny it.”

“I—” She paused, looking at him, and there it was again. An invisible string of heat flowing between them. One step and she’d be in his arms, his mouth on hers. It vibrated between them.

“You feel it, don’t you?” he asked.

She breathed in, then out. “You’re younger than me.”

He rolled his eyes. “Like that matters. It’s a few years at most, Natalie.”

“You walked out after I said no.”

“What was I supposed to do?”

She threw her hands up. “I don’t know. Ask me again.”

Okay, he was starting to understand. She wanted to be pursued. Maybe her ex hadn’t done that. Maybe the dude had the expectation that she’d fall all over herself to be with him. Eugene had no such illusions.

“I don’t know if you realize this, but you are beautiful. Intelligent, sexy as fuck, and, Natalie? You’re a damn catch. Any guy would be lucky to be with you. Would you please go out with me?”

She blew out a breath. “Yes.”

“Great. You let me know your schedule, and we’ll make plans that work for you.”

“Okay.”

He reached out, his fingers touching hers, and…

Zap.

His lips curved. There it was. And from the way her eyes went wide, her breathing quickening, she felt it, too.

He curled his fingers around hers, leaned in, and…

“Mommy?” Cammie stood on the sidewalk looking half asleep. “I need water.”

Natalie jerked her hand away, and he took a full step back.

“Coming, baby.” She gave him a regretful look. “I’ve gotta go.”

“No problem. We’ll talk later.”

She headed to her daughter, putting her arm around Cammie, who turned and waved goodbye to him before Natalie closed the door.

Eugene smiled as he climbed into his truck.

Yeah, that was a much better ending to the night.

CHAPTER SIX

The artwork and pillows that Natalie had ordered for Hazel and Linc’s house had finally arrived, so Natalie called Hazel to check her schedule. She was off work from the restaurant today, and Hazel asked if Natalie wanted to have lunch with her. They arranged a time, and Natalie loaded the pieces into her SUV and drove over.

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