The Thing About Trouble (Crystal Lake 1)

She could only nod.

“Too bad,” he said slowly. “I make a damn fine breakfast.”

“I’m sure you do.” She found her voice and pushed aside the naked-shower thoughts. Kind of.

“Next time, you’ll stay, and I promise to make it worth your while.” He took a step closer, and as crazy as it sounded, she felt light-headed and hot and a whole bunch of stuff she wasn’t used to.

Something sparked inside Blue, and she tossed her hair back. “You sound pretty sure of yourself.”

“That’s because I am.” The smile left his face, and he made no effort to hide the desire that darkened his eyes to coal.

“We started something last night, Blue.” He bent toward her, and she held her breath. “And we’re nowhere near finished.” He paused, and she felt the warmth of his breath against her cheek, but she was cold and shivered as his scent surrounded her. “I was going to reply to your text message but thought I’d come by myself.” A pause. “You’re welcome.”

He stepped back and watched her for a few moments. There were no more words, but then there was no need. She saw what he was thinking, and her body jerked to life. She fought the urge to cross her arms over her chest, but by then, it was too late. His eyes dropped to her nipples, which were saluting him as if he were her commander in chief, and a slow, sexy as hell smile curved his lips.

“You forgot this.” He handed Blue her sweater and then winked. “I’ll call you in a couple days, and we’ll do something Saturday.” His eyes glittered. “This is me moving slow, and just so you know, it’s going to be one hell of a long week.”

With a quick nod and hello to Poppy, who’d been a silent observer from her perch near the back, he left the store, the jingling bells echoing long after it closed. Blue turned to Poppy, but the woman held up her hand.

“Don’t say anything. Not yet, anyway.” She pointed to the front door. She headed for the back room where the office was located, as well as a small kitchenette, her voice muffled now that she was out of sight. “Turn the sign to Closed. This conversation calls for tea.”

“But we’re still open for thirty minutes.”

“Closed. Now.” Poppy’s head appeared in the doorway and then vanished again. Blue knew the woman well enough by now to know there was no point arguing. If Poppy wanted to talk to Blue about Cam, it was going to happen. The only thing Blue could control was the information she gave. She would make up something. Some credible story for how her sweater came to be in Cam’s possession. Maybe she dropped it at the festival. Or maybe Tawny borrowed it. Maybe…

Poppy appeared with two steaming cups of tea. Blue accepted hers. “Chamomile?” she asked, sniffing the warm brew.

Poppy ignored the question, set her teacup on the counter, and raised an eyebrow. “You and Cam. Spill now.” The lies were there in her head. Waiting to fall out of her mouth. But one look at Poppy and Blue knew she couldn’t. Mostly because she needed to talk to someone about her situation.

“I spent the night at his place.”

“I knew it!” Poppy squealed. She took a sip of tea and waited, an expectant look on her face. “What’s he like in bed?”

“Gosh, you don’t waste any time.” Blue was silent for a few moments as she gathered her thoughts. “I didn’t sleep with him.”

Poppy’s mouth dropped open. “You spent the night at Cam Booker’s house, and you didn’t sleep with him?”

Blue nodded.

“Are you okay? Did you hit your head or something?”

“What? No.” Blue tried not to laugh.

“He looked like he wanted to eat you up.” Poppy’s expression was hilarious. “He practically had a snack while he was here.”

Blue glanced away, aware that her treacherous cheeks were hot and most likely as red as the fake apples in a bowl on the table next to her.

“We kissed…a little.” It was a lot.“And cuddled for a bit.” More like hours.

“He was very sweet.” More than sweet. He’d

been amazing.

“So, let me get this straight.” Poppy finished her tea. “You went over to Cam’s house, and there was no sex. You just made out.”

Blue nodded.

“That is so sweet.” She set her teacup back on the counter and grabbed a blanket from the pile she’d been working from. Poppy draped another throw across the On Sale display, her forehead furrowed, her expression intent. “Well,” she said, turning back to Blue. “That’s it, then.”