Page 2 of I Can't Help It

Colton’s the guy in charge, by the way.

And before you get any crazy ideas, I promise that I didn’t mess up the toilet as part of my little scheme. I just got really lucky. However, I know Patricia would disagree about the toilet malfunction being lucky, since she was the one who found out it was broken way too late.

I guess you could say she’s in a crappy mood now.

Man, do I crack myself up.

I tilt my head to the side. “I can just figure it out though if you’re super busy.”

After all, I know how to handle a paper jam. Especially one that I caused.

Please don’t say you’re super busy.

Luke runs a hand over his short, blond hair. “I’m just looking at the plans for that on-site visit.” He then motions toward his desk before standing up. “It’s next week and I still don’t understand how I got roped into doing it.”

“You’re the newest addition to the team, and Colton likes to challenge recent hires; it’s like an initiation.”

Personally, I think on-site visits are a lot of fun. That’s how I’ve ended up doing most of them. But I know Luke is more involved with the marketing and logistics aspect of our event planning, so it makes sense that he isn’t thrilled about the change of pace.

“I just hope it all goes smoothly,” he says as we walk over to the printer. “The pictures online looked promising, and Colton really liked the location I picked out.”

I flash him a flirty smile. “Well, I’m sure it’s a great location.”

“Hmm,” he hums as we stop in front of the printer, “I guess we’ll see.”

Apparently, not flirty enough.

I hold back a frustrated sigh and watch as he drops to one knee, so he has better access to the printer’s paper tray.

It honestly looks like he’s about to propose.

Why am I jealous?

Printer: 1

Ava: 0

“Well, here are the pages that were stuck.” He stands up with the slightly crumpled papers in hand. “It should be good now.”

He gives me the pages, causing a DELICIOUS, tingly sensation to zap through me as his fingers touch mine. It’s only a light brush—but I have to remind myself to breathe—and the moment has me feeling like Elizabeth when Mr. Darcy helps her into the carriage. Can Luke feel that tension too?

His melty caramel eyes study my face for a second or two, and I would give anything to know what he’s thinking right now.

Okay, maybe not anything. I can’t imagine a life without my main necessities: chicken nuggets, cucumber-melon body lotion, and cardio workouts. There’s no way I’d be able to give up my three C’s. But I’d be willing to part with something less important.

Like—NAIL POLISH! Yes, I could live without nail polish.

Although, I recently changed my colors to welcome the fall season, so that would be a significant loss.

“I should probably get back to those plans.” Luke yanks his hand away from mine. “If you have any other problems with the printer, just let me know.”

Dang it, no hand-flex…

He gives me a curt nod, looking anywhere but at me, and then he walks back to his desk.

Do I glance over my shoulder to check out his butt for the hundredth time? Oh, absolutely. I don’t believe in wasting any opportunities. Thank you, Colton, for our business-casual dress code so Luke can wear jeans around the office.

It’s a blessing, and it helps ease the disappointment of our short-lived interaction.

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