Page 19 of Loyally, Luke
“And exactly what sorts of thoughts were you having?”
“Human ones.” Her stare held him, and his throat started to close up. Heat climbed his neck and scorched his face. Even his beard started tingling. Hitting his head against that stone wall sounded better and better all the time. “You’re nice to look at. Like the view from these windows or the architecture of this building. That’s as far as my imagination went. Nothing but simple admiration.”
Silence followed again and he took such a large drink of coffee, it hurt to swallow.
“I think we may have gotten off to a poor start, Mr.Edgewood, and I’m afraid I’m to blame for that. I’m sorry.” Her words drew his attention, those blue eyes examining his face, searching. “Would you allow me to start over?” She offered her hand, a hint of a smile on her lips. “I’m Ellie St.Clare.”
Red lights started flashing in the back of his mind at her sudden gentling. Unkind and demeaning proved an easy person to dislike and avoid.
But a woman who took responsibility for her actions and attempted to rectify them? Nope.Beam me up, Scotty!He didn’t need any reasons to like Grace Kelly, because then things like emotions started crowding in on solid good sense.
And Luke was a big fan of solid good sense and few emotional tangles.
In fact, he didn’t like any sort of tangles.
Her golden brow rose higher, waiting.
Ridiculous. Silly. He’d just treat her like anybody else he worked with. No problem.
He pushed his palm down the side of his jeans, as if it were dirty or something, and then took her hand in his. Her fingers slid over his palm to take a firm hold, and a frisson of connection zoomed from the touch.
Her soft orange scent hit him in synchrony.
She didn’t feel or smell like anyone he’d ever worked for or with.
He cleared his throat. “Luke Edgewood.”
Those piercing eyes continued to study him. “It’s nice to officially meet you, Luke Edgewood.” She released his hand and stepped back, bringing the papers up. “I’ll review these this evening. You should hear something from me by tomorrow.”
He dipped his head in acknowledgment.
“But I hope you’re prepared to take the job.”
His turn to raise a brow. “You haven’t even looked at the estimate.”
“I know.” Her chin rose, lips taking a slow curve into a broader smile that actually lit her eyes. “But I trust you.” She paused, searching his face again. “And I don’t trust a great many people. I believe you would have the children’s best interest at heart, and that’s what matters most to me.”
And with that, she turned and walked down the hallway.
Luke barely smothered his groan.
Heaven help him! Why did she have to turn around and be nice?
Even tell him she trusted him.
If she’d stayed mean, it would make things a whole lot easier for him. His gaze followed her retreat and then he looked away. Shoot fuzzy!
He didn’t need to feel any sort of attraction to her. She was supervising the project. She lived in Skymar. And, most importantly, he wasn’t looking for romance.
Chapter4
Text from Luke to Penelope:How did you get Pete’s phone number?
Penelope:He’s my boyfriend’s cousin. Plus, I’m resourceful.
Luke:I have a few other things I could call you. Busybody.
Penelope:You don’t dangle a word like “secret” in front of me and expect me to do nothing. You really should know me better than that.
