Page 16 of Tangled Kisses
“His aunt stole him. I may never see him again.”
A chuckle rumbles from his chest. His thumb glides over the back of my hand, tender, before he catches himself and pulls away. “I’m glad to officially meet you, Reese. I’ve been waiting for you—” he clears his throat, correcting, “I mean, we’ve been waiting for you.”
My skin flushes hot, because his slip doesn’t sound like an accident.
His eyes skim over me—damp hair curling at my jaw, glasses perched on my nose, clean clothes replacing the dust-caked sweats. Something flickers there, too quick to pin down, before his mouth crooks.
“I was right.”
My brows lift. “About what?”
“That you’re beautiful. Always were.”
His words blindside me, because I can’t let them mean what they sound like. Not now that I know what he does for a living. Not after I’ve sworn off men, especially ones who come with a built-indo not touchsign.
But the way he’s looking at me, like I’ve just derailed him without trying?
Yeah, that’s going to be a problem.
Capri interrupts the moment, motioning between the two of us. “Since you two get on so well, will you give Reese the grandtour of the house and grounds? Unless you have a client this evening?”
There goes that muscle twitch in Griffin’s jaw again. “I did, but she changed her mind. Went with Tim instead.”
“Did she? Sorry, love,” Capri soothes, patting his arm. “But this gives you time to get to know Reese better. A fair tradeoff, wouldn’t you say?”
“I got very lucky with my end of the deal.” Griffin’s eyes warm as they study my face.
And once again, I’m blushing. How many times is that in the last hour? I’ve lost count.
“I’ll take you on the tour, and then we’ll get some food. Does that work for you, belleza?”
I have no idea what he just called me, but if my gut is right, it’s a term of appreciation. Spoken by a very charming—and very off-limits—man.
I wave my hand, dismissing his offer. “Piper can show me around. I’m sure you’re busy.”
“She’s working this evening,” Capri cuts in. “I promise you’re in safe hands with Griffin. He’s a true gentleman.”
Right. A true gentleman who happens to screw women for money. More like asmoothgentleman.
But Piper’s working. She’s busy, entertaining clients.
Oof.
Not the kind of thought I want to linger on—though not for the reason Capri might think.
At least Piper’s doing it as a job.
The salesgirls? They fucked my fiancé for free.
I glance up, realizing I’ve been standing stock still for an undisclosed number of seconds. Whoops.
“I don’t want to make you uncomfortable,” Griffin murmurs, as if reading my mind, “but I’d love to give you the grand tour. Get to know you a bit more. Your choice.”
He holds out his hand, palm up. Calloused. Strong. Dangerous. “Let me prove that not all men are a total waste of oxygen.”
My gaze darts to his, searching for how much he knows about me.
Or worse, how much hesees.
