Page 9 of Under Daddy's Spell

“I wish they wouldn’t do that,” she grumbled as she tried to open it one-handed and got nowhere. She set her bags down and pushed with both hands but didn’t budge it more than a few inches before it slammed shut again. She was about to give up and throw the bags on top when an arm shot past her shoulder, sending the lid screeching open.

“Give me a sec, and I’ll get your bags, too.”

With his silky-smooth Godiva-chocolate unforgettable voice, Tessa didn’t have to turn to know it was Jordan. But she did so she could watch the play of muscles in his arms and shoulders when he tossed his bags in and then sent her own—fully loaded and heavy—soaring into the tall metal bin.

“Thanks. Usually, they leave it open for us weaklings,” she said as she stepped aside, giving him space. “Are you calling it a day?”

“For the men, yes. For me, I wish. I’m setting up the computers tonight.”

“I remember the hectic lead-up to my opening day. There were a few bumps and glitches, but everything worked out. Fast-forward four years, and I’m still here.”

She could make out his shadow and saw his head turn her way but not much else when he commented, “You must have been fresh out of high school when you set up shop.”

“Try college. After high school, I wouldn’t have known how to open a lemonade stand.” Tessa moved toward the her shop and his since their doors were side by side.

“Business major?” he asked, falling in step next to her.

“Minor. I knew my English lit degree wouldn’t get me very far.”

“But here you are, an entrepreneur.”

“Very true. What about you?”

“Exercise physiology.”

She grinned. “I should have guessed.”

“I’m heading out to get a bite before tackling the IT stuff. Want to join me?”

They stopped on the stoop at her back door. In the light from the too-small wall fixture, she saw his gaze suddenly drop to her hands.

“I should have asked if you were seeing someone first or married. Sheesh, I must be more tired than I thought.”

“I’m neither, actually.”

“Then, come with me. I know this great oyster place with a view of the lake. We can get to know each other, and you can fill me in on the demographics of Elmwood so I know how to target my ads.”

She hesitated, wanting to more than anything, but she’d dated hotter-than-sin guys before, and she always ended up disappointed. Most were interested in talking about one thing—themselves. Jordan didn’t give her that impression, but did she want to start something with another shop owner? Working next door to him could get uncomfortable when it inevitably fizzled out.

But oysters sounded better than a microwaved dinner. She’d simply word her reply to let him know it was strictly a friendly dinner.

Wow, Tessa. What an ego. As if Mr. Gorgeous, who could have anyone woman he wanted, was thinking of more than work and oysters.

“I suppose dinner would be the neighborly thing to do, and self-serving.”

“How so?”

She angled a grin up at him. “Developing a marketing strategy that works for you could translate into more business for me since I’m right next door.”

“Sounds like a win-win. Especially for me. I hate to eat alone.”

She did, too, but that was her life, and she’d gotten used to it. Not tonight, however.

“I need to lock up first.”

“Me, too,” he said. “Meet you out front in ten minutes?”

“That works.”????

---