Page 14 of Treat Her Right

“It wasn’t exactly dawn—”

“Close enough.”

“—and my eating habits aren’t your concern.”

Why did he have to have the most frustrating woman in creation move in behind him? Why did he have to find her so appealing that even his teeth were aroused? He was tired, achy, sexually frustrated, and now he had to deal with this.

Knowing Dani would only show so much patience before she decided to come help him out, he admitted, “I want you. That’s why I was rude.”

Those golden eyes opened so wide, she looked comical. He heard her swallow. Her mouth opened, but nothing came out.

Zack looked toward the trees where she planned to hang her hammock. “Between Dani and work, I don’t get a lot of chances to date and it’s been a long time—too damn long—since I’ve been with a woman. I didn’t get enough sleep last night or I’d probably show better restraint today, but I’m running on four hours tops, and all my understanding and restraint is saved up for my daughter.”

She said, “Oh.”

“I don’t want you to worry that I’m going to come on to you—”

“I’m not worried,” she rushed to assure him.

“—because I have no intention of doing that.”

She said, “Oh,” again. This time with regret, if his tired ears didn’t deceive him.

“Yeah, oh.” He shook his head. “Come and eat with us, then I’ll help you get that box to the backyard and from there we can be sociable, but not overly friendly. Okay?”

“Not overly friendly,” she repeated, “because you don’t want to want me?”

“That’s right.” Talking about it wasn’t helping. He felt like an ass, more so with every word that left his mouth. “It wouldn’t be a good idea what with us being neighbors and everything.”

“I see.”

She looked perplexed. Zack sighed again and looked around to see his daughter watching intently, arms crossed and foot tapping. He turned back to Wynn. “You understand, surely. Being neighbors is one thing. But it could get awkward if we took it any further than that.”

She nodded. “Awkward.”

His eyes narrowed at her patronizing tone. “That’s right. Relationships have a way of complicating things, especially if they don’t work out, and since I’m not looking to get involved—”

“It couldn’t work out?” She smiled. “Well, you got me there.”

What in the world did she have to smile about?Hewasn’t amused. In fact, he was getting close to annoyed. “We’d still be living next door to each other.”

“I’m sure not planning on moving!”

“And then we’d both—”

“Feel awkward.” She gave a sage nod. “I see your point.”

Zack ground his teeth. “Will you join us for pizza or not?”

She licked her lips and tilted her head. “Can I clarify something first?”

“Make it quick. Dani will be on us any minute now.”

“I’m standing here all sweaty and hot and my hair looks worse than usual and yet…you say I’m turning you on?”

Zack wanted to throttle her. Not wanting to hurt her feelings, he’d tried being honest with her, and now she felt free to provoke him.

She did look hot and sweaty—like she’d just been making love most vigorously. He stiffened his resolve. “Let’s not belabor the point, okay?”

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