Chasing Temptation (23 page)

“Sounds fun,” she said in a dry tone.

“Soul-crushing,” he added honestly, “then I quit to give advice to struggling small businesses on how to make more money.”

Something like respect flashed in her gaze, darkening her irises. “Now that sounds heartening. And it says a lot about the man you are.” She gestured to the clipboard. “Are you done?”

He blinked at the sudden end of their conversation. Though he was grateful she'd put them back on task. The quick compliment had started a warmth in his gut. If he spent one more second holding her gaze, no telling what stupid thing he'd do.

“Yeah,” he said and his voice sounded gruff.

She touched the back of her neck in a nervous gesture. Her hair was wild and curly. The itch pestering his mouth moved down to his hand. What would it feel like to fist his hands in those strands and jerk her mouth up to his? His mind offered plenty of vivid comparisons. None involved clothes.

None Greg would act on because he only wanted to sell the engagement ring. “Let me get out of your hair then.”

She dropped her hand and tried to hide her laugh with a cough. “I have plenty of it. You're fine.”

She had an unassuming charm that could tempt a saint. He liked to think of himself as a good guy, but he damn sure wasn't a saint. Greg's voice came out rough. “Still...”

“See you tomorrow,” her words came out in an excited rush.

He hesitated, letting the situation sink in. He had the urge to flirt with a woman while attempting to sell his ex-fiancee's engagement ring. How damn ironic?

No. He definitely hadn't become a monk the past year. Yes. He most definitely avoided anything that resembled a real relationship.

And...
and
she didn't fit the criteria of the women he’d dated as of late. Someone that soft, solid and charming didn't go for one-night stands. If he'd learned anything from Abigail, he'd learned to never string anyone along. No matter how sour the taste in his mouth became, he'd never let someone believe he wanted the house, kids and forever unless he meant it.

The jeweler was cute—no, breathtaking. She was different and had his blood going for more than just sex. And still he wouldn't want more than one night. He wasn't ready for anything other than that.

So, he finally muttered, “Tomorrow.”

As soon as he stepped out of the store he sucked in a long breath to dispel the tension, the ache and all the after affects of her. An attractive woman who was funny and could smile like that probably made most men forget themselves.

Moment over, he drew up short at the sight of his cousin lounging against the car. Drew's feet and arms were crossed. His contemplative expression was troubling at best. It meant he was plotting. His cousin tended to think ten steps ahead of most people. Greg cursed softly.

Drew pushed off the car, his face etched in frown lines. “Flirting with the store clerk?”

The words hit their mark. He stalked forward. “I thought you went to the cell phone store?”

“Changed my mind.”

He said the next to throw his cousin off. “Thought you were worried about someone seeing you.”

“I can see the counter from here.” Drew completely ignored the tactic. “You made her blush.”

Had he? He definitely hadn't tried. Hard. “I have to come back tomorrow to see if I can sell the ring. Rain check on those drinks.”

Drew inspected his face. “On me then. You look like you need one right now. Then I'll talk you into asking her out.”

An evening out with—He shook his head, nixing the fantasies before they could start playing. His jeweler was off-limits. “No dating. Maybe next year or never.”

“And that's your problem. One heartbreak and you're throwing in the towel?

He slowed his steps and lingered a few feet in front of his cousin. Anger surged into his veins, heating his blood. A heartbreak was a first love gone wrong. Being with Abigail had changed the man he was and she'd left.

He tightened his jaw and tried to breathe through his nose to tamp back the temper. Anger wouldn't change a thing. Bitterness wouldn't either. He was taking the first step to sever that part of his life for good. It was time, damn time.

He exhaled, forcing his voice to come out even. “I have an annoying best friend. I can't tell him to fuck off because he's also family.”

Drew smiled, likely because he knew he was right. “I didn't know you were that close to Brady. He's a dick.”

Greg pulled out his keys and punched the unlock button. “Shut up and get in the car.” So...he hadn't dispelled all his anger.

“What's her name?”

At that Greg had to stop. He hadn't thought to ask and she hadn't wore a name tag, and it hadn't even crossed his mind to ask for a card. She'd smiled at him and he'd gone stupid.

She, also, hadn't offered hers. Maybe he wasn't the only one who’d forgot himself during their exchange. “Don't know her name. I should only care because I left her with a very expensive ring.”

Should
. The important word that was noted in the silence that followed between them.

Drew tilted his head back, shaking it slowly and chuckling almost to himself. “I know that look on your face.”

He blanked his expression and moved to the front of the car. “I'm surprised you of all people are encouraging anyone to date and settle down.”

Drew squinted at him. “Are you going to make me say it?”

“Say what?”

“Something nice about you. And how you don't seem happy living the bachelor life. Blah, blah mushy crap?”

Greg snorted. “Shut up and get in.”

Drew only laughed, which pretty much meant it was going to be a long happy hour.
COMING SOON