Page 115 of Tempting Wyatt
“No heaving bosoms. And probably no abs on the cover, though I might happen to own and cherish a few of those books myself, thank you very much.”
He exhales. “Willow has stacks of them. So if you did write them, she’d be asking for your autograph.”
I sip my warm drink. “Willow doesn’t strike me as the swoony hero type.”
His eyes tighten. “She’s not. She had a bad experience. High school sweetheart proposed then he decided he didn’t want to get married after all.” He pulls in a deep breath. “Unfortunately, he decided that at the altar. In front of everyone.”
Jesus. Sutton had mentioned the guy was a dick, but damn.
My chest tightens. “Oh my gosh. Poor Willow. That’s awful.”
He looks like he wants to say more, but he only takes a drink and relaxes further into his chair. “It was years ago. But that’s why she says she sticks to fictional guys now.”
“I get it.” I nod my understanding. After Malcolm, I’ve sworn off men myself. Though this one sitting across from me is making it harder to remember why.
“Do you?”
My mind wandered and his question catches me off guard. “Do I what?”
“Get it.” His eyes search mine and I feel the intrusion deeply. “When you arrived here, you seemeda little wounded.”
My throat constricts. I attempt to take a calming breath as my heart rate amps up.
“Bad break up,” I admit. “Coinciding with an important deadline.” When he doesn’t say anything, those dark eyes implore me to continue. “I was already struggling with my work, lacking inspiration. Blocked, I guess. Then I walked in on my fi—um, significant other—with a friend of mine. And decided I needed a change of scenery.”
There. That wasn’t so bad.
It feels surprisingly good to get that off my chest. I’m lighter now somehow.
His eyes continue to search mine, and I can see him trying to figure me out. I glance at my drink, then I break off a piece of the chocolate croissant.
“I’m sorry that happened,” he says evenly.
“It’s okay,” I say, realizing for the first time it doesn’t hurt so much to think about it anymore. “I’m working through it.”
“Is it helping? The change of scenery?”
My eyes roam over him. He’s more handsome than should be possible in real life. Broad, tall, and broodingly intense. His deep blue shirt reflecting off those dark eyes, giving them a silver glint in the sunlight. Muscles flexing each time he tightens his grip on his cup.
“Seems to be.”
He grins. “I’m glad.”
“Me too.”
“So this excursion today,” he begins. “Not interfering with your deadline?”
“I was hoping it would be inspiring.” Exhaling heavily, I look around. “This coffee shop alone is as picturesque as it gets.”
“Was it inspiring?”
Enjoying the intensity of his focus on me, I nod. “So far. Yeah.” I drop my gaze to where my hands are wrapped around my coffee cup. “I’m actually stuck right at the most important part.”
“Ah. Struggling with the sex scenes are you? I’d be happy to volunteer for research in that department.”
He’s smiling but there’s a note of legitimacy in his tone.
I arch a brow to see if he elaborates. But he only sips his coffee.
