“That’s the problem with fresh flowers. You can’t work ahead or the flowers will be wilted when it’s time for the wedding. Most everything has to be done at the last minute. I’ll take all the peonies over to the reception and make the arrangements in the vases you’re packing for me. The only thing I could really do ahead of time was making these pew end arrangements with the baby’s breath. I should have started the bows earlier. But when my brother dropped in to visit, I wasted most of the day.”
“Spending time with family is never a waste of time.” The remark came out more tersely than he’d intended. He rushed to cover before she started asking questions about things that were still raw for him. “I mean I wish I got to see my family more often than I do. They all live across the country in California.”
*****
Elyssa was tempted to dig further to investigate his comment, but his guarded look warned her off. Her heart went out to him when she detected his vulnerable side. Only a few days ago, she couldn't stand Jaxon McCall, and now she wanted to put her arms around him and comfort him. Well... maybe she didn't just want to comfort him, but she definitely wanted to put her arms around him. How would it feel to hug him? His entire body was covered in rock-hard muscles. It would probably feel incredible to be in his arms. She loved the scent of him—some kind of spicy clean smell mixed with a musky masculine fragrance that was all Jaxon. She'd enjoyed teaching him to wrap the ribbon on the bouquets just so she could get a whiff of that heady smell.
"Did you hear me?"
"What? I'm sorry, I was thinking about... about the wedding." She knew her face was red. Hopefully, he'd attribute it to her nerves.
"I was asking if you really think you'll be working all night."
"I don't know, but I might be. Why?"
"Don't you think it'd be safer if I slept here? I mean, anybody can look inside and see you here all by yourself."
"No, I'll be fine. I've got the new lock on the door. After you get those vases boxed up for me, you can go home and start cleaning out your refrigerator."
"My refrigerator? Oh… it turned out nothing was actually spoiled. The door was almost closed, so everything is fine inside.”
“Didn't you say you needed me to come and help you clean it out?" She put her hands on her hips and gave him a stern, don't-you-lie-to-me look.
"To be honest, Elyssa, I only used that as an excuse." He moved toward her, giving her the distinct impression of a lion stalking its prey. Her heart pounded a crazy rhythm inside her ribcage.
“Uhmm... okay. Why don't you... uhmm... I'll just finish these bouquets while you pack up those vases..."
"Don't you want to know why I would make up an excuse like that?" As he walked, he gave her a sultry smile, wide like his broad shoulders. With another step, he was standing behind her at the tall worktable. His hands slid onto her shoulders and began to knead her tight muscles. The sensation was divine and would have been relaxing if it hadn't sent a million tiny tingles throughout her body.
"I... I don't..."
His hands skimmed from her shoulders to the ends of her fingers, tracing a path of fire on her skin. He bent his head and spoke into her ear, his low voice rumbling and his breath sending chill bumps down her neck. "Do you know why I wanted a chance to be alone with you?"
Part 13: Misconception Stemming
JAXON’S HEAD WAS SPINNING. He was surprised to find his hands shaking as he caressed the smooth skin of her arms with his fingertips. Inhaling the fresh fruity smell of her hair, he reveled in the intoxicating scent. His lips were so close to her skin. Just a few millimeters and he could sample that tempting neck and slide his way around to her enticing lips.
“Do you know why I wanted a chance to be alone with you?” He whispered the question into her ear, noting with satisfaction her shivering response.
He felt her squirm beneath his ministrations, an almost imperceptible tilt of her head as she bared her neck to him, chest rising and falling with short rapid breaths. She was opening herself to him, giving him tacit permission. He was so close he could feel the heat radiating from her flushed skin.
Wait. What am I doing? I can’t kiss her like this—not her first kiss ever. We haven’t even been on a date yet. What kind of man am I?
He pulled away, suppressing a groan and running frustrated fingers through his hair.
“I’m sorry, Elyssa. I shouldn’t… I didn’t mean to…” He broke off as her body stiffened.
*****
Elyssa felt the impact of his words like a slap in the face. She’d thought he was going to kiss her, but he was only flirting—toying with her. She should have known he wasn’t really attracted to her. It was only a game to him. And she’d almost lost. She’d almost believed he was becoming romantically interested in her. She’d forgotten his sole aim was to acquire her building. At least he’d had the scruples to stop before he kissed her. Thank goodness her first kiss hadn’t been with someone trying to use physical attraction to further his own goals.
“I think you’ve done enough. I don’t need your help anymore.” With jerky motions, she grabbed the ribbon that had slipped from her trembling hands and reached for another bouquet. She focused all her attention on her task.
“Wait, Elyssa. You don’t understand. I mean… I thought we might go on a date. We could go out to dinner. Tomorrow night, maybe?”
“No, Jaxon. I know you have a limited memory in that Neanderthal brain of yours, but I have a wedding tomorrow night.”
“Oh—that’s right. Of course you have the wedding. Maybe Sunday night, then? No, I forgot… I have an obligation Sunday night. Uhmm… Monday’s out—we have a late spin class.”