Page 7 of Fairy Tale Lies
“What?” Gray beard asked, sounding offended.
“Marty, you eat like a horse,” replied the other worker through his laughter. “I can’t picture you sharing an apple, let alone half your lunch.”
“Besides,” Jacob said, his gaze locking on her. “I’m starving. I want everything.”
His words sent a wicked buzz of anticipation zinging through her. She dropped his gaze, afraid her desire was painted on her.
“Jacob…” Disapproval dripped from the older man, the one Jacob had called Marty.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to cause a problem.” Greta turned away, embarrassed.
Was her little infatuation with Jacob so obvious his boss felt like he needed to protect his employee from her?
“I’d like to go with you,” Jacob called after her, his heavy footfalls coming closer. “Are you leaving now?”
She stopped and faced him, refusing to meet the other men’s eyes. “Yes, I’m ready now. Are you?”
His long legs ate up the rest of the space between them, and he stood in front of her. “Like you wouldn’t believe.”
His words sounded like a whispered promise. A thrill shivered through her, growing and spreading. Her whole body throbbed, keeping in time with her quickening pulse.
Take a breath; he’s just a man.
She led him through the living room and to a short hallway to the back patio. They passed the inground pool and cabana, stepping onto a tree-covered pathway.
“This is a shortcut. It will take us to the back gate and straight on to the main street,” she told him.
His gaze met hers, moving briefly to her mouth before studying the path.
Flowers bloomed everywhere. Roses, lilacs, and other plants she couldn’t name. The sight took her back to her childhood when she’d pretended the courtyard was a fairy tale forest. Even now, it hasn’t lost its magical appeal. After living in a college town apartment, on and off for the last six years, she’d forgotten its beauty.
Greta ran her fingertips over the different flowers and leaves, very aware of Jacob. He was the type of man any woman would have a hard time overlooking, yet her usual need to fill the silence was absent. Her ease around him was unexpected and wonderful.
Reaching the back gate, he unlatched it and held it open for her, stretching his sea green polo a crossed his muscular chest. She tried not to stare.
Needing a distraction, she asked the first question that popped in her mind. “Is Marty your boss?”
Not real stimulating. Still, it was better than asking some of her other questions. Such as, was he willing to take off his shirt?
Sure, way more interesting, but not appropriate.At all.
He nodded. “Yeah, he owns Careful Moves.”
She pointed to her left, indicating their direction. “He didn’t seem pleased with you leaving. Is he afraid you won’t come back?”
“I might not. He’s been a real ass. Sorry.” Jacob winced before smiling. “But no, he doesn’t like his men hanging around the clients. Doesn’t want anyone claiming we’re unprofessional.”
Greta held in a laugh. If his boss knew half of the crazy, improper thoughts she had this afternoon regarding one of his employees, he’d worry more about his client’s actions than those of his employees.
“Sounds like my father. He’s a real stickler for that kind of stuff.”
“Oh, yeah, what’s he do?”
“Business owner—” She stopped mid-sentence. A huge gust of wind swirled around them, blowing her unbound hair into her eyes before diving under her dress and lifting it.
She gasped, clutching the cotton material and glancing at Jacob, catching him eyeing her legs.
He averted his gaze to the roiling clouds. “Think the storm will pass?”
