Page 44 of Mine to Love

“You’re not exactly wearing the best walking shoes,” she points out.

I glance down at my dress slacks and Italian loafers. “As long as you don’t force me to run laps around the lake with you, I should be fine.”

“Force?” She laughs. “Like I’m forcing you to go for a walk.”

“No force at all.”

We walk in silence, passing couples, mothers and fathers pushing babies in strollers, and the lone male jogger who gives Reese an appreciative smile.

“The ladies are definitely noticing you tonight.” She snorts as two women jog by.

“Me?”

“Well, they’re not checking me out.”

“Every single male who’s gone past us has.”

“Ditto on the women.”

I dip my chin and look sideways at her. “I haven’t noticed.”

“Oh.” The word seems to have gotten stuck in her throat.

When the sun sets, we turn back toward the hotel and walk in silence. Our arms occasionally bump into each other, and every time she lets out a tiny gasp. Or sigh. It’s a distinct sound.

Reese is as affected by me as I am her. When we reach the lobby, she turns to me. “Thank you for dinner and for the walk.”

“I’ll walk you to your room.”

“I can—”

“I’ll walk you to your room.” I move past her and press the button on the elevator, not trusting myself to look at her. I’m seeing her safely back. That’s all. I’ll curtail my lust, say goodnight, then go home and take a cold shower.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

I haven’t stopped clenching my thighs all night. To say I was shocked when Logan showed up at the barbecue joint is an understatement. Doug hadn’t mentioned anything about his boss joining us for dinner.

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