Page 36 of Special Delivery

The lock clicks, letting someone inside, and my gaze snaps to the door. Ryan entering our shared villa shouldn’t come as a shock, but my breath still hitches at the sight of him.

“Hi,” he says, less cocky than I’m used to. “I brought you an almond croissant.” He lifts a paper bag into the air.

I let out an excited squeal. “I love them.”

“I know,” he murmurs.

I realize I mentioned it the first breakfast we had here, all together. He remembered. I take a bite of the croissant, a loud moan escaping me.

His eyes shift to my lips, pausing for a beat before moving to my laptop. “How’s writing going?”

My mouth drops. “Not well. I don’t even know what to write.”

He takes a seat on the couch, facing me. “Well, what’s the theme? Other than sex toys.” A delicious smirk forms on his face.

“I’m supposed to be reviewing them. But it has to be fun, and sexy, and interesting. Not sound like an Amazon review. I should also compare them, I guess.”

“So, what was yesterday’s toy like? I didn’t really get a good look.” He locks his hands behind his head, that smirk now permanently etched into his beautiful face. It’s truly unfair how hot he is.

My fingers fidget in my lap. “Erm, this one is supposed to imitate oral sex.”

He licks his lips slowly, his eyes darkening. “Maybe… uhm, maybe a good angle would be comparing the toy to the real thing?”

His suggestion makes me full on belly laugh. “That would be a great idea…” I shake my head. “If I remembered what the real thing feels like.”

His eyebrows scrunch. “What do you mean?”

“I think it’s pretty obvious what I mean.” My gaze drops to my hands.

“It’s not.”

I could tell him it’s none of his business, but a warm spot in my belly compels me to tell him the truth. “Well, my ex wasn’t really into it. And I haven’t dated since.”

“Your ex was an idiot, then.”

“That he was.” I huff a laugh. “But it’s not like other guys are crazy about it, either.”

“Boy, do you have things to learn when you get back out there.” There’s conviction to his words, one that plants a seed of curiosity inside my chest.

“Too bad I’m not going to.”

“What? You’re not going to date anymore?”

“Yes. Before you ask, I have my reasons, and you can’t convince me otherwise.” I’m nowhere near ready to share that.

“I wasn’t planning to.”

My shoulders relax with relief. “Anyway, thank you for the suggestion. Unfortunately, that doesn’t work for me.” I move my focus back to my laptop before his words snap my gaze up.

“Maybe I could give you a reminder.”

“Come on, stop messing around.” A nervous chuckle escapes me. I wait for him to start laughing but he doesn’t.

Instead, his tongue darts out to wet his bottom lip again. “I’m not. I’m serious.” I let out a scoff. “You need help with your column, and you should know I’m at your service.”

I hear the innuendo loud and clear, but I opt to ignore it. “Yes, you already mentioned you’re a humanitarian, but I’m not interested in your pity.” I close my laptop and stand, while my heartbeat thrums in my throat.

His hand snakes out to wrap gently around my wrist. “Pity? I’m attracted to you, Paige. And I’m pretty sure you’re attracted to me, too.”