Page 15 of Heat It Up (Off the Ice)
I blink and return to the real world. Kyle’s in front of me, but unlike yesterday, he isn’t carrying a duffle and his hair isn’t damp. He’s wearing jeans and a plain blue t-shirt that gently hugs his muscles, and enhances the blue in his eyes behind his sexy glasses. The overall effect is enough to knock the air from my lungs.
I smile at him, hoping he hasn’t noticed me checking him out. Not that it should make a difference. He’s doing the same. His gaze takes in my denim shorts and shell-pink tank top.
“Have you been to the marketplace on the pier yet?” I ask.
He shakes his head.
“You’ll love it.” I always have, ever since I was a kid.
I lead him along the busy sidewalk, weaving around people hurrying in the opposite direction to where we’re headed. “Thanks for helping me out yesterday.”
He places his hand on my lower back. My skin tingles at his warm touch. “Did we convince your grandmother?”
“I’m not sure. I guess I’ll find out soon enough.”
“Do you think we convinced the grandson?”
“I don’t think it matters if we convinced him,” I say. “It’s his and my grandmothers who need to be convinced. I doubt he’s even interested.”
“Oh, I can guarantee he’s interested.” Kyle pauses and lightly grabs my arm, stopping me. “I’m interested in getting to know you better, so why wouldn’t he be interested too?”
I roll my eyes and start walking. Kyle easily catches up with me in a few strides.
“Doesn’t matter,” I say. “It’s not going to happen. With either of you.”
“I don’t get it. You’ve got two guys interested in you, and you’re not interested in either of us?”
“Should I be?”
“Why wouldn’t you be? We’re not bad looking.”
I snort. “Shallow much?”
“I was just getting started on our virtues,” Kyle says, grinning in a way that should be illegal. It’s breath-stealing-adorable and he’s not playing fair. “Or at least my virtues. I can’t vouch for the rest of his.”
I laugh. I can’t help it. “Okay, what are your virtues?” Not that it changes anything.
“Well, obviously I’m funny.”
I laugh again.
“See? I make ’em laugh every time.”
“That doesn’t count.”
“Why not?”
“It just doesn’t. Next.” I move around a woman pushing a stroller as we continue along the sidewalk. Quaint low-rise buildings made of brick, with stores on the lower level, line both sides of the busy city street. A tram rambles past.
“I’m great at chasing assholes away while you’re cleaning the sauna,” he points out. “Doesn’t that make me the protector of your virtue?”
I bite my lip to keep from laughing. It doesn’t work.
“Told you I’m funny.”
I shove him on the arm. “Keep going.”
“I’m a great kisser, right?”
