Page 15 of Rekindled Heat

I squint my eyes and purse my mouth.

"How good are you at keeping secrets?"

"Me? I'm a vault."

I'll have to take her word for it. I desperately need some female advice, so I bring her into the loop.

"It seemed like we were making progress during the week, but today, he's gone and closed himself off all of a sudden."

"So you are here to get him back."

"He's the one for me. What do you think?"

"From my own experience, I've found men have some twisted notions about what's right and what's wrong." She looks pensive for a moment. "You know, he seemed happier this week, and I wasn't sure why. Rumor has it he doesn't do relationships."

"What do you mean?"

"That's what people at the nightclub have told me. I only came here about six months ago, so I don't know him that well. I'd have to ask Max, but he'll want to know why I'm asking."

"No, don't tell him, please. He'll think there's some bro code that he has to follow and goes and tells Erik."

"Yeah, that sounds like something he'd do." She laughs.

"Do you think I should press the issue? We've been flirting all week long, but I don't want to hit on him and have him turn me down. There's no coming back from that."

"I see your point. Do you have a bathing suit?"

"No, but I could buy one. Why?"

"I think it's time you show Erik what he's been missing all this time. Let's finish shopping, and I'll take you to a fab place to buy a bikini."

"Deal."

I smile at my new partner in crime, and my hopes are high once again.

Back at the house, I store all the groceries away. I bought us a couple of salads for lunch and set them out. Before I tell Erik about lunch, I go to my room and change. I bought the cutest yellow bikini and a cover-up that's practically see-through. This is what I wear when I go looking for Erik. I knock on his door until I hear him call me in.

"Hey, Erik. I'm sorry to bother you, but I bought a salad for your lunch. It's in the kitchen if you want to take a break. I'm going to be on the deck."

His eyes are glued to my body, and his throat moves as if he's having trouble swallowing.

"Erik? My eyes are up here." I say jokingly.

"Than…Thank you, Bran."

I don't move for a full minute and wait until he looks me in the eyes. There's desire in his gaze, but his features reveal nothing else. He never had this poker face when he was young. Darn it. I lick my lips to send a silent plea to be kissed, and then I take my leave. I take some iced water to the deck and sit down on one of the loungers. The weather is nice, but I need to put on some sunscreen. I take my cover-up off and reach for the tube of lotion.

Once my arms and legs are covered, I try and reach for my back. That’s when I feel his presence behind me.

“Hey.”

“Would you like me to help? With your back, I mean."

"Yes, please."

He stands behind me, and I hand him the sunscreen.

"You've got more freckles than I remember."