Page 61 of The Innovator

Joy leaped in me. “Are you sure? Don’t you want to sit on it first?”

“I want to seeyousit on it.” His eyes flickered with heat.

His high sexuality demanded I comply. I sat down on the wide seat, leaned back, and then turned to meet his gaze. “It’s strong, sturdy, and ingenious.”

“The unfinished chair had been sitting in storage for over a year.” He held out his hand, and I didn’t hesitate to place mine in his. He pulled me up flush against him, molding me into the hardness of his body.

I sighed, and his eyes dipped to my mouth. I didn’t know it was possible to smell hard work, discipline, and determination on someone. But right now, his body offered that scent. God, it was sexy as hell.

I enjoyed looking at him in a powerful suit, all business and demanding, but now I devoured this handyman version of him—the soul beneath the expensive suit. How could any woman resist a man with a brilliant mind and extremely skillful hands?

“You helped me finish it, so you get to sit in it.”

“Me? How?” I turned to the chair. “I didn’t do anything.”

“You sparked my desire to work on it. I wasn’t inspired to complete it until today.”

His comment blew at my heart, causing it to twirl like a dandelion puff that sent florets of joy flying through me.

“Maybe it’s all the hiking we did earlier,” I replied. “Nature and a good heart rate are healing essentials.”

He smiled, but didn’t offer a retort.

Was anyone ever ready to face something that could change them forever? The way he excited my body, how my heart raced at the mention of his name, and my muscles tightened at the sight of his face revealed the power he had over me.

I should have known from the beginning he would play a major role in my life, even when our connection started out with disagreements. But those weren’t normal disagreements—at least I didn’t think they were. Did people have disagreements where sexual innuendos were peppered in like condiments?

Fly like a dandelion seed and see where it takes you.

There were moments in life when you knew there wouldn’t be another opportunity like this. Tonight was that moment for me. I was ready to change my life. I didn’t know where it would take me, but I desperately wanted to know.

This man could speak to me without using words. He used his delicious food, his unique furniture, and his marvelous tree house to show me who he was. I was ready to discover more of him and of myself tonight.

My body shivered in fear and excitement.

CHAPTERTWENTY-SEVEN

GRAYSON

After a quick shower to wash off the sweat and dirt, we settled down for dinner that arrived early from the delivery service. When we finished, Natalie helped me clear the table. We chatted and acted like a couple who had been together forever.

“Want to go for a quick walk? The fireflies will come out in about an hour or so.” It was seven in the evening, and the sun had descended, creating a pink hue in the sky. “Or we can watch the sunset from the balcony of the top suite.”

A glint of mischief glittered in her eyes. “I’m going to read for two hours, then I’ll meet you in the backyard by the outdoor furniture.”

Two hours? She’d rather read than watch the sunset with me? What was she up to?

“What book are you reading?”

“Something I want to learn.”

Intrigue rose in me. “What do you want to learn?”

“Something innovative.”

“Like what?”

“Like something . . .dirty.” She emphasized it with an exaggerated French accent that made it sound even dirtier. My cock perked up like a cat on alert. Now I was desperate to find out.

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