Page 21 of Hot Blooded
I’m still processing our encounter when the sound of car tires over gravel grabs my attention.
Reign’s sleek black sportscar rolls to a stop in the circular driveway. A moment later he steps out and removes a pair of dark sunglasses.
Just the sight of him inspires a rush of endorphins to riot through me. He’s tall and so handsome, and always impeccably dressed.
“Tressa,” he says my name with a smile. “Mrs. Potts mentioned you may have a gardening project.”
I nod and watch as he comes closer. “I hope this is okay.”
“Of course. It’s looking good.” He tips his chin, and rather than inspecting my work, I feel his eyes travel down the lengthof me. I’m suddenly a little self-conscious dressed the way I am, in an old pair of jeans and my hair contained in a messy ponytail.
Reign only looks amused.
His face is cool and hard, but his hungry eyes eat me up. It should fill me with a sense of dread. Instead, I love it.
I’m used to being ignored. Ostracized. Yet, Reign doesn’t ignore me. He studies me like I’m the most fascinating thing in the world. Like I’m a piece of priceless art. His attention is dizzying.
“It’s a beautiful day,” I say, needing to fill the heavy silence that’s settled between us.
Reign takes a couple of steps closer. He smiles wolfishly. His mouth is full and sensual, and I find myself wondering what it would be like to kiss him.
I want him to kiss me.
Stop, Tressa. That’s insane.
Reign does not want to kiss me. It’s more like he’s amused by me. Like I’m a small child he enjoys watching.
Another irresistible smirk tugs at his lips.
While I finish up planting the final two bushes, Reign stands beside me, overseeing the work.
“How’s Alastair?” I ask.
Reign chuckles and the sound is low, and rich and decadent. “Alastair is a disaster.”
I listen while he fills me in on a story about his brother getting pulled over for speeding. He tried to sweet-talk hisway out of the ticket with the female police officer, and ended up being cited for multiple other violations, including expired plates and old parking tickets. Apparently she was not amused.
“I guess even his charm has its limits.”
I cringe after I’ve said that, because the last thing I want Reign thinking is that I’m charmed by his brother. Of course, I am. They’re the most sophisticated and dashing men I’ve ever met.
I listen as Reign launches into another story, seemingly ignoring my embarrassing blunder. Thank goodness for that, and I listen in interest. He’d told me before that he doesn’t necessarily enjoy the sun, that it makes him tired. But he’s hanging out with me, without complaint.
Which is equal parts exhilarating and distracting.
Butterflies take flight in my stomach whenever he’s near. Reign makes me feel lots of things. Irritated. Confused. Turned on. But… this flirtation is as far as it can ever go. And that is fine.
I stand and face him, and I wish I was brave enough to ask him for one truth. The last time we’d been alone together, we shared secrets, and swapped stories and I’d been so engrossed in our connection. But I feel so out of my element with him, I’d have no idea what to ask. I want to know if he’s dating anyone, but it seems silly to ask.
Reign is now quietly watching me while all of this plays out in my brain.
“I met one of your neighbors. Lena.” I tilt my chin to indicate the direction of the house. “She’s a caretaker there. She’s my age, and she seems nice. We might hang out.”
My cheeks burn at the memory of her asking if I was banging Reign.
“If she’s a friend of yours, then she is welcome here.”
“Thank you,” I murmur, still blushing.
