Closing my eyes, I groaned in relief as the hot water cascaded down my body, washing away the dirt and muck.
I’d ask her why she was trying to get in my house next time I saw her. Which would definitely be on Monday. There was a whole day of not seeing her tomorrow.
I could have called her to pick me up tonight, but I was too filthy after working at the site. I wanted to look good when I saw her.
I reached for a towel, dried off, then tied it around my waist. The thought of shaving flitted in my mind for a second, but I dismissed it as I padded to the kitchen. Too tired, too exhausted for anything other than a beer and the couch. Maybe order some pizza, watch TV then crash.
I frowned as I opened the fridge, scowling at the crap inside it. Caleb and Levi, one of the few guys on the team I actually liked and who stuck to Caleb like glue, always brought snacks over and stored them in there. I reached for a beer.
Now why did I feel disappointed at the thought of not seeing her for one day?
It had only been yesterday that I’d met her.
I dismissed that thought too, popping open the can of beer as I strode to the living room.
Ah. That’s what I’m talking about, I thought as I took my first sip.
The aches and pains from working manual labor were welcome to me. They were a distraction from my dark thoughts.
I was exhausted, but that was what I wanted. Needed, even. I had a lot of energy and putting that to use made me feel good. Useful. I should look into taking another project again. I could live very comfortably for a few years off what I had in my bank account. I didn’t need much, but that money wasn’t just for my living expenses. It was a ransom for myself. Pretty soon, Raven would show up, and the only way I could get her out of my life was either relocate again where she couldn’t find me or stay where I was and give her money. She was rich, having inherited her parents’ wealth when they passed away, but Raven was obsessed with money.
I would give anything to make her stay away. She always brought trouble with her demands and needs and manipulation. She also reminded me too much of my childhood, of my guilt. And I didn’t want to go back to that dark place.
Kara. I had no business mixing her life with mine, but I was…drawn to her. I should leave her alone. Soon, but not yet. Not yet.
I sank into the couch, moaning in relief as I finally let my body relax. I lifted the beer to my mouth, eager to down it, when the doorbell rang.
What the hell?
I leaned my head against the couch, sighing at the irritating interruption. Pressing my fingers to my eyes, I willed it to go away.
Who could it be?
It was late. Unless it was Caleb returning to insist that I go with him to wherever the hell he and the guys were going this time.
Pissed, I slammed my beer on the table, tightened the towel around my waist, and pulled open the door.
She was standing there. Mad as hell.
Well, well.
I smiled. “I was just thinking about you,” I drawled.
The fire in her eyes faded, glazing with desire as they slowly traveled from my face, lingered on my shoulders and stomach, froze on my towel for a beat, then snapped back to my eyes.
She bit her lip.
I grinned. “Had your fill yet?” I asked.
She blinked at me slowly, her eyes still glassy. I don’t think she heard me.
She was still wearing the same clothes from this morning—pants and the sweater the color of sunshine. Her face had been scrubbed of makeup.
I could look at her all night.
“Would you,” I said, staring at her mouth for as long as I liked before looking back up at her eyes, “like to come inside?”
She opened her mouth, but nothing came out. Enjoying the moment, I leaned against the doorjamb.