Page 68 of Delicate Escape

I flicked the chat on mute. They’d go on like this for hours. But I knew it was only a matter of time before I got cornered at a family dinner and was forced to explain my relationship with Thea. Only I didn’t have the words to describe it. The only thing I knew was that I felt good when I was around her. And that was a welcome reprieve.

The front door opened as I turned off the engine and slid out of my truck. When Thea stepped out, the sun hit her, and I sucked in a sharp breath. That was the kind of beauty Thea had. The type that sucked the air right out of your lungs.

It was clear she’d been working in the garden or greenhouse. She wore jean shorts that were frayed at the edges, the loose threads hanging down. I wanted to trace each and every one. Wanted to know what that smooth, olive skin would feel like beneath my fingertips.

Thea’s tank top revealed sun-kissed shoulders and then dipped down in the front to tease with more skin there. Her body was all long, lean curves that I’d give anything to memorize.

What the hell had I been thinking? Living in close proximity to a woman who haunted my every waking thought and my dreams, too?I would end up doing something monumentally stupid. Something she wasn’t ready for.

Thea sent me a hesitant smile. “Hi.”

It was the uncertainty I saw that had me giving in. My legs ate up the space between us before I had a chance to tell them to stop. It didn’t take me long to reach her, and the moment I was in her vicinity, I caught the scent of flowers and coconut. That scent could bring me to my knees.

“You okay?” I asked, my voice going gritty.

Her head tipped back, green eyes on display. “A little nervous.”

I loved the honesty. It was precious. Because I knew it cost her something to give it to me. I reached out and twined our fingers. “You can change your mind. I can stay at Cope’s house?—”

Thea shook her head, sending tendrils of dark hair spilling out of her bun. “I want you to stay. Sometimes nervous is good. It means I’m leaning into the unknown.”

I traced the back of her hand with my thumb. “You make the rules, remember?”

“I know. But I don’t think I have any. Other than no wiring my house for internet.”

I chuckled. “As much as I would like to run a high-speed fiberoptic cable through here, I will refrain. I have my phone. I can hotspot any internet I need.”

Thea let out a breath. “Okay.”

“So, we’re doing this?”

She nodded. “We are. Come on in. I’ll show you the guest room.”

The moment we stepped inside, Moose greeted us and let out a mangled meow. I crouched low to scratch him behind the ears. “Hey, buddy.”

He butted my hand with his head. After a moment, I straightened, and he slapped my leg repeatedly in answer.

“Moose,” Thea chastised. “That’s not nice.”

He let out what sounded almost like a bark and then took off.

Thea sent me an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry. He gets demandingwith food and affection. But honestly, that’s a good sign. It means he likes you.”

I arched a brow at her. “What would he do if hedidn’tlike me?”

“You don’t want to know.”

A chuckle slipped free, and I didn’t miss the way Thea’s gaze dropped to my mouth. It was as if she was tracing it with her eyes and memorizing the sound.

I cleared my throat. “So, where am I bunking?”

Thea jolted. “Right. This way.”

She led me down a familiar hallway and past the bathroom I was restoring. “You’ve seen the kitchen and the living room.” Tiny meows sounded from the living area, and I could see the kittens tussling in their play area.

“The main bathroom is here.” Thea gestured to a small bathroom with one of those tub-shower combos and a single sink.

My fingers itched to design a remodel for her. There was so much more she could do with the space.

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