I pin KT with a look. “No. We have to find someone else.”
“Did you hear what I told you right before he walked in?”
“Yes, but we have to.”
“Why?” Chloe wants to know, her gaze cutting over my shoulder to Levi.
“Just… Just because.”
KT’s eyes narrow; her arms cross. “You have history with him.”
Before I can answer, Chloe gasps. “Oh my God. He’s the guy who gave you your first orgasm.”
“Chloe—”
“And he’s still the only guy who has, am I right?” she asks.
A knock sounds behind me on the wall above my head, and I jump. Then I drop my head and cover my eyes. Fuck me.
“Ladies.” His voice is smooth and smug. “I hate to interrupt, but if I’m the topic of conversation, I feel the need to make sure the facts are correct. It was her first three orgasms, at least that night. I lost count for the rest of that summer. A mighty busy summer for sure, because she became quite demanding, and I do aim to please. But what do I know? She didn’t come back after that summer, so…” He shrugs. “I’ll be waiting outside for the next ten minutes, Ladybug, not a minute more.”
As soon as the boat’s door closes, KT and Chloe chorus, “Ladybug?”
I exhale hard. “I’d pay dearly for a trap door beneath my feet right now. Dearly.”
“You shouldn’t be ashamed of wanting orgasms,” Chloe says. “And he knows what happened between you. It’s not like its news to either of you.”
“Chloe,” KT says. “Shut it.”
“He’s so hot, I can’t think. The sexy men in this town are seriously challenging my commitment to celibacy.” Chloe sighs and pushes past me. “I need to meditate.”
“Oh. My. God. I’m so mortified, I can’t even breathe.”
“Well, you’d better put on your big-girl panties and get him on board, or this project is screwed.”
KT leaves the room, and I’m bleeding humiliation. My mind is spinning with all I’ve just learned about Levi, which only deepens my mortification. I slip into the bathroom and splash cold water on my burning cheeks. “Jesus Christ.” There’s just no other way to handle this but head-on. “Fuck, fuck, fuck.”
I grab my book and stalk outside. Letting the door slam behind me, I pass Levi without looking at him, stride down the dock until I’m fairly certain I’m out of earshot of the boat, and drop my butt on the wood, then sink my feet into the cool, crystal water and wait.
Levi takes his damn sweet time getting there, then stands there quiet for a long time. “Are we doing this, or am I taking a hike?”
“This project is just as important to you as it is me. Sit your ass down.”
“You always were good at taking charge.” He lowers to a seat beside me, work boots on the dock, arms around his knees. “Which is why I don’t understand the comment about orgasms and being the only guy—”
“Don’t even.” I meet his gaze with a glare that makes everyone in my employ wither, including men. But Levi only smirks. “If you want me to sell this place to my parents and have them build an eyesore of a hotel that will block the view from your million-dollar homes in Whisper Cove, just say the word.”
“Hey now, slow your roll.”
“Says the man looking like a stud to my friends.”
“Says the woman telling her friends about said stud.”
I close my eyes and press my fingers against the lids. “Jesus, this just doesn’t get any messier.” I drop my hand and meet his gaze. “You’re a contractor, and you didn’t think to mention that to me?”
“What difference would it have made?”
“Don’t be like that. I always wanted the best for you.”