Page 7 of Sex, Lies, & Techy Guys (Love on the Sunshine Coast)

“It’s so cool that you make a living, or I assume you make a living, off of seeing the world.”

Kyle huffs. “Yeah, we have super cool jobs.”

“What do you recommend?” Lance asks. I stay in the kitchen, hoping it won’t be too obvious that I keep stealing glances at his bare chest and scrumptious biceps.

I pull my phone out, planning on sending them a few links. “Dang it, my screen froze again.”

“Want me to take a look?” Lance offers.

I fuss with it but nothing changes.

He approaches and holds out his hand. I willingly turn my phone over and after a second, he says, “You have about five thousand tabs too many open. That can bog it down. I’d suggest closing them and restarting your phone.”

“Crap. I always forget to close tabs. Thanks.” I tap Close All then turn my phone off to give it a minute to recover. I can tell the guys what I recommend then send links later. “Well, there’s Timmy’s, you have to stop there because it’s a Canadian thing. But I highly recommend Molly’s Reach for a bite to eat. If you like art, we have a gallery and The Kube is a working artist studio. You might as well hit a few of the beaches and the marina. There are even helicopter tours if you want to see everything from above. I don’t know if I dare tell you about the lesser-known hangouts. We have to keep some secrets for the locals.”

“Yeah, she needs her safe space, Lance.”

I don’t understand the glare Kyle shoots at him. Does it have to do with the way he’s staring at me with rapt attention or that breath-stealing kiss on my fingers last night? “I’m exaggerating. I would be happy to give you a personal tour.”

The air becomes electric between Lance and me. Are we connecting? Am I finally remembering how to flirt? I like the exhilaration coursing through me.

“How about we get the vibe on our own today,” Kyle says, “Then we could schedule an hour or two with you tomorrow.”

Crap. I have to meet with my lawyer tomorrow. I don’t know how to prove my innocence, that my ex framed me for a cryptocurrency theft, which is still hard to believe but I can’t put the pieces together any other way. If I wasn’t up against a fucking one percenter, maybe this would be easier, but my generic, pro bono lawyer, John Richards the fourth, has his work cut out.

If things don’t start going my way, I’m going to have to tell my parents the full story, since it might involve jail time.

“I have some stuff tomorrow and don’t know how long I’m going to be busy. I can take you around today if you can switch up your plan, although we need more than a couple of hours.”

I worry that I’m pissing Kyle off when he grumbles, but Lance assures him they’ll get it all done. “Let’s spend a few hours on the town with our lovely host.”

We settle on a time and make a game plan to see the sights I’ve recommended and a few breweries although Kyle’s worried that with the music festival, they’ll be too busy. He’s very insistent that there is structure to the day. Even though I’d love to take them to the waterfalls, we don’t have time since it’s imperative that we’re back by four pm precisely. He’s calculated that’s how long it will take for them to handle the other side of their business, which seems ridiculous but whatever.

Kyle obviously enjoys structure and there’s something about the way he takes control that is swoon worthy. I’d love for him to take control of me.

While I take them around town, Lance’s possessive, lingering gazes undermine me as we move from one sight to the next.

And the few times he touched me, my world was on fire. I’m pretty sure that if Kyle wasn’t around, he would have a made a move.

What would I have done? I’m at my wit’s end, trying not to infringe on our business relationship. But ultimately, they’re the nicest guys. We have a fabulous day. They’re gentlemanly, they hold doors, they engage in small talk, and they try to deep dive into conversation about my life, but I shut that shit down.

Other than explaining that I’m single, I’m not going to discuss the disaster of my marriage, and that I’m certain my ex-husband who vanished is behind the appearance that I stole cryptocurrency from a billionaire. I still don’t truly understand what cryptocurrency is.

But for the day, being out with two handsome men, I get a reprieve from my chaos. I’m just not sure if I can handle another night of not being able to sleep. My lawyer will be furious if I’m drowsy in our planning meeting. Nothing matters more than clearing my name.

CHAPTER 4

lance

I practically deflate when Kyle points out that it’s time for our twenty-seven-minute drive back to Sunshine B&B. The only disappointing thing about the day so far was that I couldn’t hold Penny in my arms. I’d treaded dangerously close, touching the small of her back twice, and letting our fingers brush when I had the chance.

Aside from encouraging my stolen touches, she’d been watching Kyle a lot. I think she was trying to figure him out, but doesn’t know how to read his mannerisms.

What we have is electric.

What I’ll have when we get back to her place is my own bed.

Retreating to our office, Kyle and I work for a few more hours until our agreed upon dinner time, when Kyle informs me we’re going to eat in the office to make up for the extra time he allowed for sightseeing.

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