Making Her Mine

I always thought it was a little funny that he never bothered to ask about the numbers. As if he knew all along that nothing would change and I wouldn’t be in the position to buy him out. Yet there is not much that man could do to shock me these days.

“Miles is here,” Ryan says, popping his head into my office. At the mention of his name, my heart flutters. Shit. I’m already falling for him. How could I not? That kiss was something else. The way he touched me made me feel not only wanted but needed. “You’re blushing.” Ryan smirks.

I pull the rubber band off my wrist and shoot it at him. He dodges it, taking off with a laugh. I pull out my phone, using my camera to make sure I look halfway decent. I take the clip out of my hair, letting it down. That’s as good as it’s going to get right now.

When I come to the front, Miles is leaning up against the counter talking to Ryan. I stand there for a moment and watch them. It’s the same as last night. Ryan is super animated about whatever he’s telling Miles. It warms my heart to see the way he is when Miles is around.

“Looks like your brother’s cool with him.” Clare says.

I nod in agreement. “They get along so well. Even his sister is cool. She helped Ryan with his homework last night.”

“Wait. Hold up a second. You met the sister and hung out? I couldn't get you to try and date him and now you’re jumping in headfirst. Meeting his family and everything. Good for you,” she says with a laugh. “I dig it.”

“We’re not dating,” I reluctantly admit. I wasn’t lying when I told Miles I don’t have time for a relationship. But if the numbers pan out, I’m going to be able to hire some extra help around here. That should free up some time eventually.

“Okay. Just keep doing this not dating thing with him. Next you’ll have a ring on your finger, telling me it’s a friendship ring.” I snort a laugh. Miles must hear me because his eyes swing my way. His whole face lights up. “That man is beyond into you,” Clare says under her breath.

“Hey.” I give a small wave like a dork. I don’t know how to date. That’s the second problem here. I’ve never had time. Even in high school I was always working. It’s all I’ve ever done since I was fourteen. I never got to experience all of the fun teenager things. I always figured I had time.

“Can I steal you for a moment?”

“Yes, take her off our hands.” Clare pushes me toward him. Miles lets out a sexy chuckle. Damn. His laughs are hot too. Everything he does is. “I’ll finish closing up. You two have fun.”

I decide to take Clare up on her offer. I walk around the counter toward Miles. He snags me around the waist, pulling me to him before dropping a quick kiss on my lips. It takes me by surprise, but I have to admit that I’m growing fond of those kisses.

“How’s your day been, sweetheart?” He smiles down at me. My heart flutters again. This definitely feels like we are dating. After my brother almost caught us for a second time making out, we didn’t get another chance to be alone. Miles showed us around a little more before he dropped us off a few hours later.

“Really good, actually. Thanks to you.”

“Are those contacts I gave you working out?”

“Yeah. They have been great. Everyone is super friendly and nice.”

“I’m just glad I could help and that you let me.”

“I am too,” I admit. I need to stop pushing this man away. If I’m scared of getting my heart broken, it’s a little too late for that. I’m already in over my head when it comes to him. He’s helped me more than anyone else in my life ever has. If I don’t pursue this I know I’d always wonder what could have been.

“That means I get my date.” Right. I’d forgotten about that request he made. He more than helped. I think he saved this place.

“I think I’d like that.”

His brows lift in surprise. We might come from two different worlds but last night I could see that it didn't matter to Miles or Violet. They are so down to earth.

“Can I show you something?” he asks. He looks a little unsure about whatever it is.

“Yes.”

“Ryan, you got a second?”

“Yep.” He jumps over the counter easily. We follow Miles outside.

“Your car is pretty much done for,” he tells me. I let out a long sigh, knowing this will set me back.

“I had a feeling. She gave me a good run.” We can make do for now without one. Honestly, Ryan used it the most. Everything I do is within walking distance most of the time.