Page 89 of My Salvation
“She’s the only Paula in town. Unless it’s someone in Helena. Good for her!” Laughing, he takes a drink.
“Well, we want our staff taken care of, don’t we?”
“Ourstaff?” He lowers the glass.
“Sorry, I meant your staff.” Stunned, I stiffen. I forgot I’m only working here temporarily.
“Hey, it’s okay. I like the sound of ‘our staff.’” He rolls around to my side. Taking my hand in his, he waits until my gaze finds his. “I mean it. It caught me by surprise, but I like the idea of working with you on a permanent basis.”
Biting my lip, I think about those words. Permanent. I haven’t had a permanent situation in a long time. Even though I’d told them all I was staying, I hadn’t thought about what that would mean for me. “Thank you. I like working with you, too.” It was really sweet of Thayer to offer that reassurance. I reach over and give him a peck on the cheek. “I appreciate the sentiment.”
“It’s not a sentiment. I mean it. Just think about it, OK?” His fingers play with my hand. “Can I ask you something?”
“Absolutely.”
“Do you ever see me as a man?”
Shock holds me still as I think about the question before answering honestly. “I think I’ve sort of ignored that part of you.” Easing back to look at him closely, I look at him objectively. “You’re an incredibly handsome man. Smart, funny, sexy. But I’ve blocked it out.”
“Sexy? You think I’m sexy? How could you block out all this sexiness? Damn, I’ve totally lost my touch!” His wide grin tells me he’s not offended by my comments. “I’m hurt. I think you’re incredibly sexy, too. Smart, partially funny, caring, generous, compassionate, sexy. Did I say sexy twice?”
Blushing, I smack him with my hand. “Stop.”
“Would you kiss me?” His voice is husky as he asks.
“I don’t think that would be a good idea, Thayer.” I search his face to see if he’s serious. “Besides, you’re being greedy. I just gave you a kiss.”
“That light brush against my cheek? That was a kiss? I don’t think my brothers have been kissing you properly if you think that was a kiss. I mean a deep, passionate, fuck me kiss. One that steals your breath and heart at the same time. That’s the kind of kiss I want from you.”
Inhaling sharply, I stand and pull my hand from his. Ignoring the tingle, I reach out and squeeze his shoulder before walking out. I can’t answer him right now. How did I miss the signs that he wanted something more?
CHAPTER 41
THAYER
Entering the living room, I head straight towards the bar cart in the corner and pour myself a bourbon. Going to the windows, I drink and stare at nothing.
