Page 7
“Would it be possible for me to see these photos when you’re done?” I ask.
“Of course. I brought my laptop with me. I was planning on uploading the photos and showing them to you before I left.”
She crosses over the threshold into my bedroom. I am tempted to follow her, but I don’t want it to appear that I don’t trust her. In truth, watching her work is fascinating. There is something about her, and watching her in her element does something to me.
I try to busy myself with some work as she continues moving from room to room. Every once in a while, I hear faint noises as she moves things around.
You’d think I’d be able to focus on my own work, but no such luck. My attention is attuned to every tiny sound she makes.
Forty minutes later, I see her soundlessly ambling down the hardwood stairs. Her heels swing from her left hand as she carefully navigates the steps. As soon as she reaches the bottom, she slips her heels back on and heads to my breakfast nook. I watch her as she takes out her laptop and begins transferring the photos.
After a few minutes, I ask her, “Did you get everything you need?”
“Hmm? Oh, yes. I got everything. You can come and see if you like.”
She sits down at the table, and I walk up behind her. As I lean over her to see the screen, I go to place my hand on the chair, but my hand misses the chair and grazes her smooth, bare shoulder. The simple touch sends sparks shooting up my arm, and I intuitively jerk back. The unexpected feeling is strange and unfamiliar, and I’m not entirely sure what to make of it. Jess continues clicking through the images, so I assume she doesn’t feel anything. Either that, or she’s just good at ignoring me.
“Are you dating anyone?” I ask without thinking.
“How is that your business?” she shoots back.
“Just curious.” I flash her my most irresistible smile.
It would be great if she’d look up from her computer screen to see it.
Nah, not a chance. She’s going to ignore me as much as possible. She’s made it clear she finds me annoying and arrogant. It’s probably my fault she feels that way. We’ve only met a handful of times, and I’ve enjoyed pushing her buttons each time. She’s just so cute when she gets mad.
In fact . . .
“What’s that perfume you’re wearing? Smells nice,” I tell her.
She doesn’t pause as she continues clicking through the screens. “I’m not wearing any perfume.”
“Then I guess you just smell good.”
“How about you stop sniffing me and pull a chair around?” she snaps. “Do you want to see these photos or not?”
“Okay, okay, no need to be snippy.” I hide my smile as I pull out the chair next to her. “You and I should go out sometime. Don’t you think?”
“No.”
“No? That’s it?”
She doesn’t even look up from her laptop when answering. “Not a chance. I won’t ever go out with you. Is that a better response?”
It’s amazing that she can speak in such a monotone voice as she shoots me down. I don’t mind a bit. A sexy distraction is exactly what I need.
“I see I’m wearing you down. Got it.”
She glances up from her screen and looks at me smugly. “You know, Dax. I wonder what Leslie would say if she knew you were asking me out. I get the feeling she doesn’t like to share her men.”
“You should tell her and find out.” The challenge in my voice is clear. Oh, how I’m enjoying the back and forth with her. I haven’t had this much fun in a while, which probably points to how sad my dating life has become lately. I shouldn’t be enjoying our banter so much.
“I’m not going to crush Leslie’s heart. I’m sure she’ll realize what type of person you are soon enough.”
She looks so disgruntled and full of disgust that I can’t help laughing. I guess it’s time to fess up.
“Leslie’s my cousin. And we’re not the kissing cousin type. So, I can assure you she doesn’t care who I’m dating or not dating. I’m perfectly free to date anyone I’d like to go out with.”
