so long that if we didn’t tease each other, we’d think something was wrong.”
“You two went to school together?”
“Grammar and high school.”
He wondered what she’d been like in high school. He’d bet she was fun. He patted his stomach. “I’m starved. Can I buy you lunch for all your help?”
* * *
ONE DOUBLE CHEESEBURGER, a chocolate shake and an order of large fries later, Cassie sat across from Peter on the ground-floor deck of his temporary lodgings looking out at a beautiful afternoon on the ocean. Spring was warming up fast, and she was glad. Winter had a way of holding ground when everyone was ready for the earth to thaw. This interesting man sitting across from her seemed to raise the temperature even more. Not the right response to a new coworker. Point one that she should get moving soon.
Her guard slowly rose. Her curiosity about him was greater than she’d like. He’d already said enough to understand he had an interest in her. Heady as his attention was, the inclination was inappropriate for them both. Too much. Too soon. She’d helped rescue him, had taken him to check on his truck, had gotten food and was now lingering to eat with him. It was already pushing two o’clock—way more of an investment in time with this man than she’d planned. Time to get on with her day.
Peter had devoured his meal in minutes. Cassie still munched her own burger at a more civil pace, amused at his appetite.
He grinned. “I was hungry.”
She held up the remaining half of hers. “Want mine?”
“No, there’s not enough left,” he teased. He filched some of her fries and popped them into his mouth. “But I’ll have a few of these.”
She sat back in her chair. He had taken her fries. Without asking. Usually she’d have no problem with that. Would enjoy sharing. But that was the action of a longtime friend or a lover. Couple that with the oh-I-like-you look from his vulnerable and bruised gaze as he chewed on her fries, and the alarm sounded. He’d just gone one step too far. They’d only known each other a few hours and he was crossing the line into her comfort zone. But had she drawn a line?
Was he mistaking her friendliness for something else? Had she stayed in his company for so long that he was now making wrong assumptions? Her chest tightened. Of course he was. They’d only just met, and she was treating him like one of her life-long friends. She’d let down her guard since he was so darned comfortable to be around. But she knew nothing about him. God knows her first sight of him was this morning on the road, and he had crashed his damned truck because he was so busy checking her out. For all she knew he was a player. He could be all about free love and a handshake goodbye afterward. A thanks-for-the-sex-see-ya’-in-a-week-at-work type of guy. She groaned inwardly. She couldn’t blame him for thinking she was interested. She’d been nothing but welcoming, doling out a fair amount of flirting on her end, as well. He could have easily gotten the wrong impression about her.
She stood abruptly. “I have to go. Have a lot to do and the day is getting away on me.”
He tilted his head. The look in the eye that wasn’t swollen blazed with interest. “Have dinner with me?”
No way, especially because she wanted nothing more than to say yes. “Moving fast, are we?”
“No. I’d just like to have dinner with you.” A smile played on his lips.
Oh, no. Smooth. Charming. Cassie understood immediately that she hadn’t met anyone like him in a very long time. And, he was a stranger. What irked her was his confidence as if she were prime on his radar and a target he wouldn’t miss. His attitude had him sitting back in his chair as if ready to watch a long tournament.
“You just fed me lunch. Wouldn’t want to overstay my welcome.”
“I’ve enjoyed every moment of your company.”
Her suspicion was tempered when her gaze rested on his wound. Now this she found endearing, especially since he’d crashed from watching her in his side-view mirror. While it irked her in one respect, it turned her on in another. No guy had ever hurt himself because she’d distracted him so badly. And truthfully, she had been just as busy watching him when the deer ruined his morning.
Man, this guy was triggering all sorts of confused thoughts. The only upside was that he looked vulnerable with his bruised eye and bandage, which tweaked her need to nurture. God help her, something about Peter made him appear solid, sexy and approachable. He seemed like the type of guy with whom she could climb into his lap, curl up and chat with after a long day. When she’d stood by him at the gas station, his woodsy scent had her leaning closer to inhale more. Everything about him appealed to her. Sure, his hair could use a comb, yet, even dressed down in a T-shirt, denims and sneakers, he looked so very strong and capable. Someone she could believe in.
Not good. Not so fast.
“Does your silence mean you’re reconsidering dinner?”
She laughed. “You are impossible.”
“Actually, no. You’ll find me very agreeable. I just can’t imagine my dumb luck that the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met is going to be my coworker. I don’t want to miss a minute of getting to know you.”
Yeah. He totally misunderstood her friendliness. She had to shut him down. “So how many heartbroken women have you left in your wake?” She took a gulp from her ever-present stainless-steel water bottle.
“Since leaving L.A.?”
She almost choked on her drink. “You’re kidding, I hope.”
His grin dissolved. He balled up his napkin and tossed it next to his plate. “Honestly, I haven’t dated in a long time. Between school, working and family issues, I seldom had the chance.” The look of embarrassment on his face was priceless. “You could call my forward behavior something like desperation.”
She laughed. Couldn’t help it. He had this disarming honesty about him. Cassie slung her purse on her shoulder, moving with reluctance so he wouldn’t think he was scaring her off, but she really had to go. She’d made a mistake flirting with him. They’d have plenty of time to get to know each other over the next few months at work. Now, it was time to set them back on track.
“Actually, I’m not big on dating, either. I have great friends. Don’t need much more than that.”
He stood, then frowned as if he rose too fast. He pressed his fingers to his bandage. “Ouch.”
“Easy with the forehead. Movement pulls your stitches.”
“Got that.” His smoky dark eyes captured her. He seemed to want to ask a question, but instead he smiled. He gestured to the table. “I appreciate all you did for me today.”
“It’s what friends do for each other around here.”
“I’ll walk you to your Jeep.”
She waved him away. “Not necessary. I can see the fatigue in your face. You’ll be asleep in no time. See you in a few days.”
* * *
HE WATCHED HER walk away, hypnotized by the easy sway of her hips. Cassie was one beautiful woman. He blew out a soft breath. He’d come on too strong. Even after chiding himself against doing so. His heart pounded at the thought of seeing her again. Not good. He needed to tone it down. He hadn’t changed his life and driven all this way to become entangled with the first gorgeous woman he met. His new coworker. What a huge disaster that could make. But something coaxed him to ignore his better judgment. A sixth sense? Kismet?
Nah. Cassie was right. He was thoroughly exhausted. Now that she’d gone, the weight of the day hit. He never would have flirted like that under other circumstances...or would he? Yes. Definitely. Cassie Michaels proved to be even more perfect up close and personal than he could have imagined when passing her on the road. Now he’d be working with her every day. He was going to love his new job.