Page 13 of Look My Way
He straightens his stance, slipping the measuring tape back in his pocket. “Four or five depending on the size.”
I calculate everything I want to grow in my head as I lift one hand to my right hip. Before this big surprise, I had it all figured out. The color paint I wanted to buy, the seeds I wanted to plant, and how many of each I’d like to fit in each box. Tappingmy chin, I press my feet tighter together and finally say, “Four. Tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeños . . .” My mind draws a blank on the fourth item.
“Cucumbers? Eggplant?” He names a few and my mind goes completely to the gutter while my eyes fight not to travel down his faded jeans. I don’t think I’ve known anyone else who wears their clothes so damn well, almost as if they were perfectly tailored to fit his body. Those jeans especially. Oh my god, I’m out of control. Where is Daniel when I’m actually ready for him to be home? I need the attention I’m giving this man to go to my fiancé. Someone I’m allowed to have dirty thoughts about.
Wait . . . is that what I’m having? My gaze falls to the bulge below his belt, then I quickly lift my head back up. His head tilts from side to side, his eyes following my movements. “Did I get it right? Surely whatever it is isn’t where you keep looking.” His tone is mocking, and I’m mortified.
“I’m . . . I’m not . . .”
“Oh good, you’re still here,” Daniel says from the door.
I tense up, hoping he didn’t hear any of our conversation. How long has he been there? Daniel’s great at sneaking up on me when he doesn’t want me to hear him. Then that has me pondering something else. Has he been here all along? Did he take down all the curtains? Did he hire Zavier on purpose?
An arm wraps around my shoulder, and I do my best to relax against my fiancé as he plants a hard kiss on my cheek.
“Yeah. We’re just about done for the day, though. I got all the measurements and should be able to start Monday.”
“Excellent. I won’t be here, but Liam will, and he can let you in again. He works from home so anytime you’re able to get here should be fine.”
My shoulders drop and I sink more into him. He can’t know anything if he’s suggesting for us to be alone together again.
“Let’s go with nine in the morning. How’s that sound?” Zavier’s gaze travels between us and Daniel answers before I can.
“Perfect. I’m sure this one here is more excited than he looks. Probably skipped lunch again.”
I did, but that has nothing to do with how uneasy I am right now. The empty stomach probably doesn’t help, though.
“We all have our ways of showing excitement, and he looks happy enough to me. Just wait until he sees the finished product. I bet his whole face will light up then.”
“I am excited,” I say. “It’s a great gift and it’ll be a perfect addition to my back yard.”
“Glad to hear it.” Daniel speaks again. “It isn’t exactly cheap, but I did hear that this guy right here is the best, and you deserve nothing less.” He squeezes me tighter, and his fingers press a little too hard into my side.
He nuzzles his nose into my neck lovingly, his hot breath causing the hair on the back of it to rise.
“I’m sure that’s true. I’m happy to provide that for him . . . and you too,” Zavier adds, smiling as his eyes go from me to Daniel.
Daniel’s pleased by his answer, releasing his hold on me to hand Zavier his black button down. “Hopefully it won’t be as hot that early in the morning for you.”
“Yeah, it usually isn’t.” Zavier snatches his shirt away and steps back as he slides it back on. “It was nice meeting you both, and I’ll see y’all Monday.”
“Yeah, same to you,” I say and walk toward the house first, glancing behind me when I don’t hear any following footsteps.
Daniel is doing that thing he does when a man he doesn’t know well is in this close proximity of me—sizing him up.
“You two coming?” I call back to them.
Daniel smiles, nodding, and with a side glance he sticks out his arm in front of him. “After you.”
Giving a silent thank you, Zavier walks past me and into the house first. Daniel and I follow. As soon as he’s close enough, he grabs my hand as if to establish that he’s the only one allowed to be this close—the only one allowed to touch me.
Grabbing his bag from the floor by the couch that I didn’t notice him bring in, Zavier slides it up his shoulder, and Daniel moves forward to open the door. The man has overstayed his welcome for the day, and this is my fiancé’s way of getting his message across. “Enjoy the rest of your evening,” Daniel says with a flat tone.
Letting out a breath with a tight smile, Zavier gives a salute. “You too.”
The door slams as soon as he steps onto the porch and turns his back to us. Daniel clicks the lock and his hand moves to my shoulder. “Should we order in for dinner tonight?”
“Yeah, okay.”
