Page 41 of The Harborer
“I wasn’t complaining.”
He lifted his eyes to the ceiling. “You’re in a vulnerable place right now, and I shouldn’t be taking advantage of that.” His eyes returned to hers and softened. “I was way out of line. That was wrong of me on just about every level I can think of.”
“This was not all on you, Shane.” A few more stilted beats passed. Amy held out the container. “It’s not exactly a steak dinner, but would you like some? Or I’d still like to treat you if—”
“No, I really should go,” he sighed as something like regret crept into his eyes.
Oh crap! He’s sorry he kissed me. My breath probably smells terrible, I’m covered in sweat, and I bet I look like death warmed over after last night. No wonder he regrets kissing me.
But that kiss … She nearly vibrated from thinking of his lips on hers.
“Um, well, thank you for all your help today.” She sounded horribly lame, even to her own ears.Lookedso lame, standing there in her bedraggled clothes holding a giant container of chili. Here she’d been looking forward to spending time with him, alone, and now she found herself searching for a way to keep him there that didn’t make her sound desperate. But she was drained emotionally, and her search for excuses to make him stay came up empty.
He placed a hand on her shoulder and leaned down, as if he might peck her cheek, but pulled up at the last moment. “You let me know if you need anything tonight, okay? I mean it. Anything. Otherwise, I’ll see you tomorrow bright and early at your shop.”
Still holding the dang chili, she watched helplessly as he walked through her door and closed it behind him. Tomorrow couldn’t come fast enough.
Chapter 15
The Night Move
Shane pulled out ofthe Vogue Vault parking lot and drove several blocks until he was sure he was out of the shop’s line of sight. He pulled over and exhaled a gust of frustration.
“What the actual fuck is wrong with you?” he admonished himself. “The woman leaves the guy she’s been with for … forever, and not six hours later, you’re mauling her.”
But Jesus! That kiss had nearly blown his boots off. He’d loved having his hands on her lush curves, loved touching her velvety skin. The smell of her, the taste of her continued to fill his head, and his chest practically ached from wanting her.
He slammed the heel of his palm on the steering wheel.
Then he looked up and realized he was on the street behind her coffee shop. He let out a mirthless laugh. “Jesus, you’re hopeless!”
Shane had wanted to ask Amy out from the very beginning, but six years ago, he’d been so awestruck by her that he hadn’t been able to make a move. Why would a smart, beautiful woman like her be interested in a country bumpkin like him, he’d asked himself over and over—and wasstillasking himself.
Neve’s voice floated to the surface, and he replayed a conversation they’d had earlier today, when Amy had been out of earshot. “Micky was never right for Amy, but she has such a big heart that if there’s even a speck of good in someone, she’ll find it. I think that’s why she stayed in a relationship that’s all wrong for her. I’m so glad she finally woke up and realized she deserves better.” She’d given Shane’s arm a playful punch. “She deserves someone like you.”
Naturally, he’d scoffed, even though deep down he’d felt a rush of something warm and gooey fill his chest.
Then Neve had cocked her head and smiled. “You know, I have this theory. I think you don’t have a girlfriend because you’ve been biding your time, waiting for Amy to be available. Now that she is, you finally have your chance. You’rebothgetting your chance, and it’s one each of you deserves.”
“Don’t you think it’s a little soon to be playing matchmaker?” he’d quipped.
“No, I don’t. When it’s right, it’s right, and you have to grab it and run with it.”
It had occurred to him in that moment that if Neve thought he was worthy of Amy, then maybe he was. Except he’d probably blown it by stamping her with that kiss that was more of a claim—a claim he hadn’t earned. No, it had beenwaytoo soon to let his libido run wild. There had to be a mourning period of at least six months for her, followed by a courting period of another six months by him, and only then … Shit. Would he be able to wait that long before he busted at the seams? And even if he could keep his desire under control, what if someone else swooped in and won her heart like Micky had all those years ago?
Shane was facing down a conundrum enveloped in a quandary wrapped inside a dilemma.
Headlights flashed at him in the gathering gloom, and he elbowed his problem to the side as he narrowed his eyes at the approaching SUV. A sheriff’s cruiser.
Shane powered down the window of his Sierra at the same time the driver’s side window on the sheriff’s car lowered.
“Thought that was you,” Sheriff Chesterton said as he leaned out. “I’m glad I ran into you.”
Shane quirked a questioning eyebrow.
“Had a report of some shenanigans a little while ago. I was on my way out and decided to check it out myself, and you’ll never guess what I found.”
Shane shook his head.
