Page 39 of Dead Pretty

“Who’s going to hold the flashlight for you?” he questions.

“What?”

“Flashlight,” he repeats, his arms folding across his broad chest.

I wonder if his chest is smooth or has hair. I hope it has some hair.

I hate smooth chests on men.

Christ almighty. It’s not like I’m ever going to see his chest, so I don’t need to be thinking about it.

“Why would I need someone to hold a flashlight for me? I’ve got a bulb right here to fix my light problem.” I lift said bulb up.

He grins. His lips lifting at one corner, showing that dimple.

I have the urge to press my finger into it.

I really need to stop with the sexy thoughts.

“So you can see to fit the lightbulb. I’m guessing your living room is in darkness. Wouldn’t want you falling off that ladder.”

Duh. Of course. I’m such a dumbass at times.

Instead of letting my idiocy or embarrassment get the better of me again, I grin and say, “You are, soldier. So, bring your phone. Unless you have a flashlight, of course. You seem to have everything else.”

Another grin. “Ex-soldier. I’m a civilian now, remember? And actually, no, I don’t have a flashlight.”

“I’m shocked.” I give a mock-surprised look.

He shakes his head at me, but he’s smiling. “I lost my old one. Been meaning to buy a new one.”

“Slacker.”

“Says the woman without a lightbulb.”

“Yeah. But I wasn’t a soldier. I have no concept of needing to be prepared.”

“Everyone should be prepared. And do you really know how to change a lightbulb? Or should I expect another blackout?”

“Hilarious.” I roll my eyes.

He chuckles. “Come on, rookie. Let’s get your lightbulb changed.”

He reaches out and takes the stepladder and bulb from my hands to carry them for me.

I don’t argue. I let him do the gentlemanly thing.

We walk in silence to my apartment.

And in those moments, all I can think is … Were we actually flirting just then?

How bad is it that I have no clue? I’m that out of practice.

Not that I’m practicing anything with Jack. No matter how much my libido would like me to.

I know Jack’s attracted to me. The fact that he asked me out last week clued me in on that one. And I’m definitely attracted to him.

But nothing is ever going to happen between us.