“What do you mean…?” I glance at my watch, my voice trailing off.
How the fuck had it been two hours since the pizza threw up on me? I flush and mutter an apology. He peers closely at me, and I melt when my gaze meets his. God, he is so sexy. How am I supposed to resist those eyes? And this was before I even considered what he’s smuggling below the belt.
“No, don’t be sorry. We’re all good. I mean, hygiene is important. When the urge to wash your hair arises, you just have to go with it.” He smirks at me while I stare back, shocked.
How the fuck did he know—? Oh. Right.
Damn that strawberry scented shampoo that makes my hair feel all soft and silky.
“So, are you still coming in?” he asks, cocking his head slightly to the side.
“I wouldn’t want to intrude,” I say.
“I haven’t eaten. I was waiting for you, so it’s fine,” he shrugs.
“Okay, then.” I walk past him, my heart beating faster when his hand brushes against mine. I tuck a strand of hair back behind my ear and smile at him.
“You remember where the kitchen is, right?”
I nod. I used to come over here a lot when I was younger to look after the kids back in my entrepreneur days. Then other things became more important. I sit down at the dining table while he dishes up our dinner. I have to admit, it smells incredible. Almost as good as my hair. My stomach growls, angry at not being fed all day.
“I didn’t realize you were such a good cook.” I grin. I didn’t remember this side of him all those years ago. In fact, I’m pretty sure the fire department was once called because he burnt a boiled egg. “I’d be over more often if I’d known.”
“Yeah, I find it relaxing.” He shrugs. “And you’re welcome here whenever you like. You know that.”
Did I? I focus on my meal, so I don’t need to think too hard about what he’s saying.
“So, how’s college? What are you studying again?” he asks.
“Architecture,” I admit. I feel shy telling him that because it’s what he does. And I’m pretty sure he knew exactly what I was studying.
“Nice choice.” He grins, admiration in his eyes. “Though I may be a little bit biased. Are you enjoying it?”
“I love it,” I say. I can feel the excitement rising in me that only came with talking about architecture and design. “I can only imagine the feeling of watching something you’ve poured your heart and soul into designing coming to life.”
“It’s pretty special,” he admits. “Just wait till you experience that first time. You think you’re prepared for how it’s going to feel, but trust me, it will top everything. My first building? I drove past the damn thing every day for a month. I just couldn’t believe that I designed that.”
“I can’t even imagine,” I grin, my excitement kicking up a gear. “I’d love to hear what you’re working on now.”
“It’s a pretty big project,” he admits, his eyes lighting up just talking about it. “Not many people know about it yet. I kind of wanted to keep it under wraps until the final approval came through.”
“I can handle big,” I say with a grin. “They actually called me Anna Likes It Big in school,” I quip.
My eyes widen. Shit. Did I just say that? Suddenly I’m back at the library again, listening to the sound of that paper shredding. Riiiip. Oh god. Maybe I can’t handle big.
“I’m sure you can.” He chuckles, raising his eyebrows at me. I cringe again, the nausea coming on. “You okay over there?” I try to ignore the amusement in his eyes. “You look a little…green.”
“Fine,” I fib. “I just remembered, I, uh…” I get to my feet. “I have to go.”
“You don’t want to see my big secret project?” he asks. But at this point, I can’t tell if he’s teasing me or if he’s serious. “I have a model I can show you. Without trying to sound cocky, it’s pretty damn impressive.”
Could he have used any other word than “cocky?” “Cocky” makes me think of things I shouldn’t be thinking about. My face feels so hot, I’m sure it’s about to catch on fire. I grab my bag, muttering an apology, before fleeing out the door.
I’m glad I handled that well.The second I walk into my room, I fall onto my bed and sigh. I wish I’d never agreed to dinner in the first place. The whole event was a nightmare from the start. God, he asked me to see his big model. There was no misunderstanding what that meant, was there? He’s hardly that type of guy. Maybe it was all innocent? Besides, he could have any woman in town right now. Why the hell would he want me?