Page 36 of A Little More

Because, if he had ever doubted that the attraction between them was real, she’d just erased it.

He unlocked the truck from the remote as he approached behind her. Instead of opening the door herself, she waited, mumbled a soft, “thank you,” when he opened the door for her, and let him hold her elbow to help as she climbed up.

Her low volume muttering made knowing if she was mad at him or at Charlie difficult. A moment after the truck pulled away from the curb, she turned to face him. “You didn’t need to buy my lunch.”

“Please get used to it, Lexi. If you’re with me, I’m paying for your expenses.”

“I’m not with you.” She sighed, slumping back and rubbing the bridge of her nose. “I don’t know what to do. A few hours ago, I was certain that everything between us needed to stay professional and distant. I’d hoped the time spent apart would have made that clear.”

She seriously thought that a few days apart, knowing he’d see her again, would make any difference to him? No. Not until they shook hands and said goodbye for the last time. He rolled to a stop outside her office building, hating that they’d been so close, and their time was up.

“I was worried while we were apart.” He trailed a finger along the edge of her jaw, pleased she didn’t pull away. Her eyes closed, and she took a deep breath. “But now, I’ve decided you’ll need to reassign this project to someone else. If you’re sending me those sexy-as-hell looks and until you tell me ‘no,’ I’m going to keep pursuing you.”

He hoped to Heaven she didn’t say “no” to his suggestion. He didn’t want her job to suffer, but a couple of dates no one would ever hear of couldn’t possibly risk anything. Her boss could never find out. But not getting to touch her, kiss her, was about to drive him insane.

Her voice barely audible, she said, “I don’t know what looks you’re talking about.”

“I’m sure you don’t, but the next time you send me one, I’ll be sure to act on it and let you know.”

She gathered her purse, looking everywhere except toward him. “Easy solution. I’ll make sure there’s not a next time. Thanks for lunch and the ride.” She opened the door, still not quite meeting his eyes as she slid out. “See you next week.”

Next time he had her back home, he’d win her over once and for all, showing her how incredible it could be to let loose for a few weeks and enjoy each other’s company. Because for once since graduating college, he would do one thing for himself. He’d chase and catch Lexi Caden.

9

“Don’t get comfortable, honey.” Ms. Peggy met Lexi in the living room a few moments after yelling for her to come in when she knocked on the old screen door. “I was headed out to see him, but I’ll let you run my errand instead. Heaven knows he might eat what you bring him instead of his mother.”

“What are you talking about?” Lexi rolled her suitcase to the corner. She’d spoken to Nash yesterday, completely avoiding the topic of what had happened between them at lunch and focusing only on the building timeline. Ms. Peggy shoved a container of soup with a pack of saltine crackers on top into Lexi’s hands. “What’s this?”

“Soup for Nash. He’s been holed up in his house for the past two days with a fever. He says it’s nothin’, but when that boy doesn’t go to work for two days, he’s hurtin’ something bad.” Ms. Peggy hustled around the living room, grabbing a light blue chenille throw from the sofa. “Take this, too. I know it’s hot as fire outside, but I don’t know if he even has sheets in that house. He’s never let me come in and investigate.”

Lexi picked up the container to examine the contents through the glass. “What kind of soup?”

“Chicken noodle.”

“I would like to learn how to make soup. I love a good soup and salad.” Lexi pulled her keys from her purse and took the blanket from Ms. Peggy.

Ms. Peggy patted her on the shoulder. “I’ll show you how to open a can and add water when you get back. Now, run along, dear.” She shoved her, with a lot of love, right out the door.

Lexi turned around to ask to use the restroom before leaving again, but Ms. Peggy shooed her with her hands. “Go on now.” She rattled off the directions and disappeared from the doorway.

That wasn’t exactly the welcome back she’d hoped for. Trudging down the stairs and back to her car, she sniffed at the soup.

Hungry and had to use the restroom. Hopefully, Nash had something in his fridge for her to swipe while he ate his homemade-from-a-can soup.

If she called him ahead of time, he probably would tell her to stay away. Men, in her experience, didn’t like to be bothered when they were sick.

The six-minute drive brought her face-to-face with her dream.

Not a dream man.

Her dream house.

Her dream house needed a major facelift, but all the right pieces were there. She stepped away from her car, the soup clutched in her hands. The house stood two stories tall, the last color painted on the splintered siding a faded buttercream yellow. The wraparound porch looked to be missing part of its railing.

The top window, under the broken latticework, was boarded over.

Poor, beautiful house.

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