Page 69 of Tempting the Heart

“Beautiful.” Tyler’s deep voice shook me from my thoughts. He held a soap wrapped in gold foil. “It smells really nice too.”

I smiled as his eyes caught mine, and I felt like maybe he was imagining things differently, too.

I’d never been one to believe in love at first sight. Sure. I fell head over heels for him when I was a teenager because he was so hot, and my hormones chugged through my veins, hoping to dictate the rest of my life.

After he left and I started talking to other boys, I realized how special Tyler was. He’d always made time for me, even when Brad tried to take him away. He listened. He made me feel good.

So, I didn’t necessarily believe in love at first sight, but I understood attraction at first sight, and the attraction never left.

My heart fluttered as he swept a kiss along my cheek. “This is fun, Mayflower, and I’m not usually into shopping.”

“I’m not either,” I confessed. “But this is fun.”

“My purchases tend to show up on my doorstep.” He laughed.

“I get it.” I nodded, glancing at my phone. “Dottie’s going to need a potty break soon.”

“Duty calls,” Tyler said, grinning. He took the book from my hand and walked up to the register, paying for the gardening book and the soap before turning around and handing me the bag.

“You didn’t have to do that.”

He rolled his eyes. “Please. It’s the least I could do.”

I held the bag as his fingers touched the base of my spine, sending a spark through me. Merely being touched by this man sent the chemicals rushing through me. It made no logical sense, but it was all very tempting.

The warm breeze from the afternoon sun swept along us as we stepped outside. His dark hair was tousled from the wind, and I chuckled.

“Don’t you ever look bad?”

“Flattery will get you everywhere.”

My brows arched as we walked to his truck. “Everywhere?”

A low chuckle from Tyler vibrated every cell in my body as his blue eyes settled on me. “Everywhere.”

“Interesting.” I climbed into the truck at the same time he did.

“Where exactly did you want to go?” He eyed me, and I felt my cheeks warm from the attention.

After yesterday’s kiss, I wanted to go straight to bed with him, but I knew better. I couldn’t trust myself yet. I’d probably fall for him even harder and break my heart when he left.

Just like everyone predicted now, so I certainly wasn’t going to prove everyone right. I wasn’t fond of doing that.

“I’ve got some ideas,” I teased as I slid my hand over his thigh and chuckled. “Hopefully, your having to stay a little longer isn’t so bad.”

Tyler smiled and nodded, looking at me. “Not bad at all now. Thank you, Mae.”

My heart fluttered for no reason other than seeing how he looked at me. It was as if he were analyzing some treasure, but I was just me.

“I have some stew in the crockpot for lunch at the house if you want to stay.”

“Turn down more delicious cooking from Mae? No way. Count me in.” He slowly pulled out of the parking lot as his phone buzzed.

“Want to pull over and answer?”

He grinned. “Not particularly. Anything can wait until we get to your house.”

I laughed. “Well, it does seem that no matter which direction you go on Marigold, we’re only ten minutes away.”

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