Page 57 of Resting Beach Face
“You treat me fine,” I mumbled into his shoulder. “Better than fine.”
The hug lingered. As my emotions settled, I became more aware of his body against mine. I wanted to slip my hands under his shirt and stroke over that sweaty skin. Maybe kiss his neck, then along his jaw…
I pulled away. “We should get started.”
Declan’s arms dropped to his side, and I could have sworn a look of regret passed over his face. “Yeah, of course.”
My gaze dipped to his chest then away. I bit my bottom lip hard to hold in the flirty comments that would love to escape.
“Do you really find me that attractive?” Declan asked, sounding baffled.
My gaze jerked to his. I wasn’t shy in the least, but knowing that Declan didn’t return the attraction made it more exposing than usual for me. I swallowed hard.
“You already know I do, but I’m sorry if it makes you uncomfortable. I’m trying to tone it down.”
“I’m not uncomfortable.” He sounded surprised. “I know you’ll respect my wishes. It’s just… You could have any man you want. I don’t know why you’d pick me out of all of them.”
“Maybe those men are too easy.”
Declan chuckled. “Well, that’s one thing I’ll never be.”
“I know,” I said. “I’m okay with that. We’re really not so different.”
He looked incredulous. “How do you figure that?”
“Well, people don’t see me for all that I am, and I’m guessing it’s the same for you. But I see you, Declan, and I still like you. And maybe…you like me too.”
Declan was the one flustered this time. He reddened with an adorable blush and pulled his shirt closed. “You don’t know what you’re getting into. You’d be better off focusing on someone like your friend Gray.”
“Gray?” I snorted. “No. Not happening.”
“Real nice,” Gray said, emerging from the hallway. I didn’t want to think about how much he’d overheard. “I’m considered a fairly attractive guy, I’ll have you know.”
That was modest, considering he had the facial structure of a leading man in Hollywood, even with his rough edges.
“Meh,” I said. “Been there, done that.”
At Declan’s horrified look, I clarified, “Not with Gray specifically. Just guys like him.”
Shit. That wasn’t much better judging by Declan’s expression.
“Uh, right. I should…” Declan waved a hand toward the door and beat a swift retreat.
“Smooth,” Gray said as he rejoined me in the living room.
“Yeah, you don’t have to say it. I always become an idiot around him.”
“That’s cute. You think you’re not an idiot the rest of the time.”
“Rude!” I slugged him in the arm, and the fucker barely flinched.
He chuckled. “Seriously, man, you two should go for it already. You’re both putting off some very needy vibes.”
“It’s complicated,” I said.
He rolled his eyes. “So make it simple.”
Oh, if only I could. If only I could press Declan to a wall and kiss him and make him believe I’d accept whatever he wanted to give me. But then, was that true? I wasn’t doing the greatest job of accepting only friendship, not when I only wanted to get closer to him every time we were together.
