Page 23 of Rescued Hearts

“You’re much better at this,” he said, watching her thread the bead onto the wire.

She paused, turning her face toward him. He was close. Very close.

Her attention flicked down to his hard lips, recalling how they quirked in amusement but wondering how he looked when he smiled.

“You sure you really needed help with that?”

There it was. That quirk of his lips. “Maybe I just wanted to get your attention.”

Her stomach clenched at his words. She knew she should pull away, put distance between them. But she was far too aware of how warm his arm was brushing against hers and the way his fingers flexed around the wire in her hand.

He was close enough that if she leaned in just a fraction more…

She straightened, breaking the moment. “Well”—her voice was breathless—“your sister will love them.”

He gave her a small smile as if they shared something private but she didn’t know it yet.

“I hope she does. But if not, at least I impressed my instructor.”

She shook her head, fighting the warmth creeping up her neck and threatening to light up her cheeks.

Trouble. Gray was trouble.

And for the first time, she wasn’t sure that she minded.

* * * * *

The last of the crafters straggled from the back of the store to the checkout, the bracelets they’d made around their wrists and books on the subject of jewelry design in hand.

Gray leaned on one of the wooden bookshelves, arms crossed over his chest, trying to look casual when he felt anything but. Watching Honor pack up her supplies, he straightened and sauntered to the back to help her.

He told himself he was being polite. But truthfully, he liked being around her. That was the problem.

There was also the unforgettable issue of her possibly spotting her ex in town.

To Gray, that meant one of two things. Either the guy was here to win her back…or he was here to cause her trouble.

Behind him came some low chatter between the shop owner and her customers, along with a few electronic beeps as books were paid for.

His attention was locked on Honor, though.

She worked quickly, stashing away beads in the appropriate containers and then stacking the wooden bowls. Her fingersmoved with precision just like when she helped the people taking her class.

He closed his fist, holding in the light, electric sensation where her fingers brushed against his. As she tucked a thick wave of hair behind her ear, he clenched his fist tighter, battling the urge inside him to perform the action for her.

This wasn’t at all his normal modus operandi. He didn’t go after women. Sometimes, he took what they offered when his needs got the better of him. But lingering at a bookstore after taking a jewelry-making class just to be around a woman a little longer? Not usual.

Curiosity flickered n her eyes when she glanced at him. “You’re still here.” Her tone was light, flirty.

He gave her a crooked smile. “Figured I’d help you carry your things to your vehicle. I assume you’re parked at the post office.”

She dipped her head. The flush climbing her cheeks might be a result of his attention—or what happened at the post office. “Chivalry isn’t dead, huh?”

“Not as long as I’m around.”

She exhaled a quiet laugh and handed him a stack of bowls. “I’m not going to say no to free labor.”

Twitching her head for him to follow, she led the way to the spot where her rolling case of supplies sat. He helped by carrying items back and forth while she packed them away.

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