Page 10 of Smarty Plants
“You know, I might be nervous about tomorrow. Pretty sure it would help me sleep if I had my gorgeous girl in my arms all night.”
My breath catches.
“I’m sorry, angel.” His thumb brushes along my cheekbone. “I didn’t mean to imply anything more than snuggling. I just thought it would be nice for us to?—”
Instantly my lust barges to the front, elbowing my mind out of the way. “It’s a great idea. I’ll just have to go home for three minutes to pack a bag.”
He grins, leaning down to kiss me. “Heck, I’m a generous man. Make it five.”
I’ve never laughed so easily with a guy. Certainly never planned to sleep with one, especially since we’ve only known each other for a few days.
But everything feels so right. I’m going to keep on listening to this feeling in my gut.
The feeling that tells me we belong together. That this is real, and not just a byproduct of my libido springing to life for the first time.
6
BEN
Until I met Iris, taking over my family business properly had been my only priority.
Now my entire mindset has changed. I’ve been thinking about interesting places to take her on dates. I find myself wondering what parts of the kitchen I’ll have to rearrange so that she can easily reach things. Last night I even re-washed some extra blankets to throw one over the back of the couch, so we can snuggle while watching a movie.
Things are moving ridiculously fast, but I don’t know how to slow down, and honestly, I don’t want to. It’s clear that Iris doesn’t want to, either.
I help her out of the truck, then take her bag as she stands in front of my house with her head cocked, analyzing it.
I’ve already learned that she takes a moment to think about things that are important to her. I suppose this means my home is important, since it’s an extension of who I am. I like that.
“I’ve put in a lot of hours on this house. I’ve always been able to. I wasn’t such a workaholic until Dad retired so suddenly, and everything was kinda…thrown at me.”
Iris turns, catching my arm with her hand. “Look. I’m just going to say it: your dad taking off without spending at least a week handing over everything properly was a lousy thing to do. I’m sorry you were put in that situation. You probably have a bunch of workmen who depend on the company, too.”
“Four teams of three guys, plus ten extras that I can call as needed.” I chuckle. “Except three of those are gals, not guys.”
It looks like Iris is forcing herself to refrain from scowling. “All of those jobs, and now your father might turn everything over to someone who has already tanked two companies?”
I lead her inside. “Dad has a soft spot for his younger brother. He always wants to believe the best of him. Aren’t you the same way with your sisters?”
She shrugs, kicking off her shoes as we enter the foyer. “Well, fair. If I gave everyone in the world two chances, I guess I’d give my sisters three. Still, if I was faced with hard evidence, that would win out over feelings.”
I set down her bag, then take the food into the kitchen. “I’ll take care of dinner while you prowl around the house.”
Her lovely lips fall open. “Really?”
“Yes. You probably want to know all about me. Knock yourself out.”
I’m pretty sure that was the right thing to say, as Iris immediately dives into my bookshelves. Apparently my collection of carpentry reference books, spy novels, and baseball history meet with her approval, since she nods, smiles, and moves on.
Just as I’m setting down two plates of Caesar salad and lemon pepper chicken spiral pasta from the deli, Iris comes down the hall with a delighted grin. “I really like that dark green tie. I left it out on your dresser – it’d be perfect for tomorrow.”
I sit close beside her, taking her hand. “Yes, ma’am. Now – does my lifestyle meet with your approval?”
“Everything I found was completely normal. And the fact that you knew I had to check you out properly…” Her smile is radiant. “Thank you for understanding that my brain and my gut need to see eye to eye on some things.”
Lifting her hand, I kiss the top of her knuckles. “You’ve never dated anyone before, angel. You should feel comfortable asking me anything. I’m an open book to you.” My eyebrow raises. “Just like I already know that you’re a bookworm.”
“You assume that just because I’m a bookkeeper?”
