Page 23 of A Deception of Massive Proportion

“Ha.” He pointed at her. “You flinched.”

She whacked his arm with the back of her hand. “It’s acut. I’m not dying.”

He stepped closer. “You’re a stubborn woman.”

“And you’re treating me like an invalid.” She squared her shoulders.

Man, did she know how sexy she was at the moment, with her hair all messy, her glasses slipped down her nose, and that little pouty look on her face? Jalen wanted nothing more than to kiss that pout off her lips. The thought shocked him, and he stilled.

Did he really want to kiss her? He really didn’t have to think about it. His gaze traveled over her lips, memorizing their shape. Without meaning to, he found himself drawing closer to them. He imagined what it would be like to kiss her. Would she pull back? Or would she want to kiss him?

She swallowed, and he made note of the way her lips pulled down into a slight frown. “What are you looking at?”

Oh, he was so busted. He raised his gaze to her hair. “Nothing.” But instead of stepping away from her like a sane person would, he reached out and brushed her loose hair away from her face.

“I must look a mess,” she said, her voice quiet.

“No.” He might have said more, if he could talk. His heart raced, and he couldn’t quite catch his breath.

“But my hair…”

He held back a smile. “If I’m being truthful, your bun isn’t doing its job anymore.”

“I figured,” she said, frowning.

“Might as well just take it out.”

She stared into his eyes. “Yeah.”

“May I?” It was a weird thing to say, but it popped out, nonetheless.

She didn’t answer. All he got from her was a slight nod.

He reached to the back and slowly tugged on the hair tie that held the remaining bun in place. Her hair spilled down around her shoulders, soft and silky. It gave her a completely different look. He wondered what further transformation she would go through if he took off her glasses. Before he could stop himself, he removed them.

She blinked like he’d startled her, but she didn’t object. Instead, her green eyes followed his movement as he set her glasses on the end table and turned his attention back to her. “You’re beautiful.”

Heat rushed to his ears. He hadn’t meant to say that. It just slipped out. And a lovely blush colored over her cheeks in response.

“I…don’t think we should…” she said.

He put a finger to her lips to stop her from finishing the sentence. The zing of attraction that shot through him at the contact shocked him. Her lips were so soft. He couldn’t help himself. With his index finger he slowly traced their shape. He was mere inches from them. He could easily lean down and close the distance.

Sir Barks let out a growl, and the moment burst like a bubble. Jalen stepped back and looked at his dog, who was by the sliding glass door. Riley went to him and crouched down. “You see something outside? Huh?” She petted him. “Is it another dog?”

“Most likely,” Jalen said, struggling to compose himself. What was he about to do? How could he have let himself get all wrapped up in the moment like that?

Riley crossed the room, her movements rushed. “Well, I’d better get going. Text me when you need me in the morning.”

“Okay.” Why was he reduced to awkwardness again? Where was the confidence that surrounded him just moments before?

Riley gathered up her things and left so quickly, he felt the breeze as she shut the door. He tore off his mask and skullcap, plopping down on the chair. Things had been going well, he’d thought. But he’d pushed it too far. Had he offended her? Or worse, frightened her?

Frustrated, he ran his hand through his hair. A knocking sound came from the hallway, but it wasn’t on his door so he ignored it. Why couldn’t he get his act together? Why was he so mesmerized by Riley that it was clouding his judgement?

The knocking came again, and this time he realized it could be coming from next door. The room he’d rented for himself as his manager. He shot out of his chair and rushed to the adjoining room. What was he to do? He was dressed as Shadow. Plus, he had the sunburn. He couldn’t answer the door. His mind raced as he thought about what to do. More knocking came, this time louder.

“Hello?” he called through the door.

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