Page 15 of Secret Billionaire

“Bad ending to my last love story.”

“Do any of them ever end well?”

“This one was particularly ugly.”

“My last wasn’t any picnic either, trust me on that.” He took a long pull from his water bottle, suddenly pensive. Faye studied his sculpted jawline, which looked as if he’d missed his morning shave. She liked the light sexy stubble. She already regretted opening her big mouth. She could kick herself for bringing up the ex. He was her past. This bar was her new life.

She reached out and touched his arm, “Hey, you got all quiet. I’m sorry that I brought up the past. I really like you Jesse, I do. I won’t deny that there’s wild chemistry between us. I’m just not sure the timing is right.”

“Because you’re my boss and all.” His eye’s glittered. “I promise that I won’t accuse you of harassment.”

She pushed him against his chest, “Well aren’t you just funny as all get out? You know what I mean…why complicate things? We’re doing just fine as we are. I think we make a great team.”

“I agree, but things are already complicated. I’ll have to call you out if you say otherwise. I want you and I think you feel the same.”

“That may all be true… but I still don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“Again, why not? We’re both adults. I’m not wrong that this attraction goes both ways, you just admitted it.”

She smiled, “No, you’re not wrong.”

“Is there someone else in the picture?”

“No,” she answered softly.

He sat up and leaned in close, kissing her cheek. “I promise to take it slow but I’m going to warn you, I don’t give up easily.” He brushed a lock of hair behind her ear then trailed his fingers across her cheek. Their gazes locked, only a few inches between them. His breath against her face smelled clean and slightly minty. She couldn’t help it…without conscious thought she pressed her lips softly against his.

He drew in a sharp breath, then whispered, “Faye.” He ran the pad of his thumb over her bottom lip, staring intently into her eyes.

Blushing she said, “I’m sorry, I’m giving mixed messages.”

“I like this message much better.”

From a distance they heard someone yell, “Get a room.”

Faye started giggling. “Do you think they’re talking to us?”

He jumped up easily and grinning held out his hand, “I’d bet on it. As much as I’d like to take his advice, I’d better get back to work. This deck isn’t going to build itself.”

He helped her up and rather than release her, he pulled her against his chest. She slipped her arms around his neck. She could never grow tired of looking at him. His eyes were warm pools of liquid gold, like whiskey, and the streaked highlights in his hair matched as if they’d been brush stroked by an artist. His soft curls lifted in the breeze, he flashed that sexy smile and she knew she was a goner.

Jesse met Faye’s eyes and was utterly enchanted. Damn it! She had cast a spell for sure. Her bedroom eyes were almost his undoing, bright blue fringed with those long dark lashes, looking up at him like he was an ice cream cone she wanted to lick. His throat tightened.

“I could get lost in your eyes,” he murmured. He was an inch away from picking her up and carrying her inside to finish what she’d started. Lush moist lips tempted him to dip back down for another taste.

He had to… just one. Leaning down he brushed his lips against hers. So soft. He smiled at her sharp intake of breath. As he rubbed his hands up and down her bare arms, her warm soft skin made him want to kiss every inch of her. She parted her lips and her tongue darted out, brushing against his mouth. Sosweet. He drew it in, sucking gently. She kissed him back.

His hands drifted down from her waist and he held her tight against his hardness. Her fingers scorched the skin of his chest. He reluctantly ended the kiss. Resting his forehead against hers, he caught his breath before burying his nose in her hair. Her floral scent almost drove him over the edge.

She stepped away and he shoved his hands in his pockets to keep himself from pulling her back into his arms.

She avoided meeting his eyes. “We should get back on course. Now, where were we? Didn’t you mention something about needing my help with measurements?” she asked, still slightly breathless.

He gave her a lopsided grin and played along, “Why yes, Ms. LeBlanc that’s exactly what I said.” He reached out and brushed her hair back. “Let’s go inside first and I’ll show you a couple of drawings I came up with and see if it’s what you had in mind for the arbor. First thing in the morning, I’m going to get to that barricade and block off the entry from the dock. I should have done that right away. Some of my tools were messed with during the night. We don’t need anyone else trespassing around the construction site.”

“I’ll buy a couple of signs from the hardware store to keep people out.” Faye added. She turned and led the way inside.

“Good idea,” he said. Jesse enjoyed the view as he followed Faye inside. Reaching behind the bar he pulled out his backpack and withdrew a cardboard roll containing his drawings. Spreading them out onto the counter, they bent over them together. He was aware of her bare arm brushing against his and had to force himself to concentrate. He pointed out where he thought the mini-bar should go.

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