Page 41 of A Little Twist

“That doesn’t make me wild. That makes me impulsive.”

“We have a whole month to see who’s right.”

Her eyes slant, and she takes a step closer. “I spent all last month at the distillery, and I barely saw you. Why should this month be any different?”

I take a step closer, like a magnet drawn to metal. “I was focused on the new line last month. Now that it’s launched…”

Her eyebrow arches, and she lifts her chin. “You’ll be focused on me?”

The prospect of this fans the heat smoldering in my bloodstream. “Do you trust me?”

It’s the second time I’ve asked her this question, and that pinpoint dimple appears at the corner of her mouth when she smiles. “I’ve already told you I do.”

I lift her left hand, loving her openness, loving how nicely my ring fits her finger, loving the idea that after all these years, our time has come.

“Maybe we can start by having some fun.”

CHAPTER12

CASS

His nearness is overwhelming. He’s so intense, and I’ve never been the focus of all that attention. Now he’s looking at me like a meal, and I’m having a hard time staying on my feet. I want what he’s suggesting, although I’m not really sure what he means by having fun.

I think I know, but he hasn’t said it in so many words.

Hazel eyes trace my face, and I do the same, studying his dark hair that curls in soft waves around his ears. I want to slide the loose lock off his forehead. I want to scratch my nails through his beard and kiss him. I want to touch him like he’s mine.

“I like having fun.” I wish I didn’t sound like a child when I said it.

I’m sure he’s used to confident women who know what they want out of life. Women who don’t question everything, who are as focused and sure as he always is. Women like Jessica, whom I’m trying not to hate for being so bold and adventurous and living her life on the edge in Africa…

Although, she did leave her daughter behind, which is something I would never do.

And Alex doesn’t seem to miss her at all.

So maybehateis too strong a word, but I don’t like her very much.

He lifts my hand, grinning as he studies the gorgeous ring on my finger. “Good. We can start with this engagement…”

A cringe tingles at the back of my neck. “Apologies all around.”

“I don’t accept them.” His voice is firm. “I like that you reached for me… for what? Protection?”

“More like validation.”

“How so?”

“Oh… He’s so impressed by you.” Scrubbing my fingers over my cringey skin, I try to find the words. “I’ve never seen him impressed by anyone other than himself, and he always made me feel so worthless. I’ve always been so ashamed of my situation, my mom, and my life… When he just assumed we were together, I let him. Being with you gave me value.” My voice goes quiet. “And I never should have taken advantage of your friendship that way—”

“I’mnotyour friend.” He’s stern, and shame grips my throat.

I bared my soul to him, and this is how he treats me?

“Right. I forgot you were always too good to be friends with me.” I start to turn away, to storm out of the kitchen when he catches me by the upper arm, pulling me to him.

His eyes flash with fire, and my heart beats faster. The hairs on my arms rise. He’s possessive and predatory, and I remember he knows what I look like naked.

“No, Cass…” He draws closer, forcing my head to tilt back to look up at him. Our lips are so close, his warm breath skates across my cheek. “I’m not your friend, because when it comes to us, thefriend zoneis not my lane.”

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