Page 11 of Reign or Shine
Shaking off my total lack of game with this man, I press my body closer to the counter until I feel a sting of pressure and I’m bending over a bit. Lowering my voice, I ask, “Why are you here?”
Following my lead, he leans forward too. I know immediately initiating intimacy like this, getting closer and whispering back and forth, was a mistake. His lean, muscular frame blocks out the store and his fresh scent, something earthy and pure temptation, engulfs me.
If the counter wasn’t nailed to the ground and separating us, my face would be pressed into his neck, taking long pulls of his scent, like an addict.
In an equally soft voice he replies, “I would think my reason is obvious.”
His words hang between us.
Distracted by how plump and juicy his lips look this close, I don’t immediately catch his meaning.
Wait. What? He wasn’t saying I was the reason, was he?
“I think I know the reason but I’m not one hundred percent sure. Why don’t you tell me?”
God Almighty, he licks his lips. He licks his lips and my body bursts into flames I’m so hot for him. It’s such a simple everyday move, an innocent wetting of the lips, but I swear the way Henry does it is full-out seduction. I’m ready to either throw my panties at him or change into a fresh pair. Holy moly.
“I came to see you, sunshine.”
It was official, this man was trying to kill me. I had a nickname. He was too handsome and too sweet for his own good.
“Me? Really? Why?”
Chuckling a little, he rocks back on his heels and straightens. “Let me answer those questions in order,” he teases. “Yes, I came to see you, Ellie Bailey. And yes, really. Because you made an impression on me yesterday and I would like to spend more time getting to know you.”
My eyes must be comically wide, because they’re feeling dry. Or maybe it’s because I haven’t blinked in a while. I’m that stunned. He wants to spend time with me? Getting to know me?
“You know I’m not a real princess, right? Because if that’s why you’re here, to secure my father’s secret dowry by tricking me into marriage, I’m afraid you have the wrong girl. I come from a long line of engineers, that’s it.”
“Oh, my plans are foiled!” he cries, throwing his hands up and then smacking them back on the counter. There’s no helping it, I laugh with him. It was an absurd thing to suggest. He walks the fingers of one hand over to my side and grabs my hand.
“In all seriousness, I really would like to spend more time with you.”
That sounded nice, really nice. There was just one problem.
“I’m booked to lead an overnight camping group tomorrow. It starts pretty early in the morning.” I grimace at how lame that sounds, but it’s the truth.
Staying up late isn’t hard for me, but when it comes to the safety of my hikers, I like to be as rested and alert as possible.
“And after the hike you’re here? At the headquarters?”
“Yeah,” I say sheepishly. I feel horrible. “Will you be here on Wednesday?”
“No, that’s the date I’m to depart.”
Silent disappointment hangs between us.
“I’m sorry,” I offer, hating that I’m missing this opportunity.
Looking at something over my shoulder, he tilts his head, as if he’s thought of something and needs to concentrate.
“If we were to find a magic time to meet and spend time together, is that something you would like?”
“Yes,” I blurt out, not needing a second to think about it. I would definitely like to spend more time with him. While Henry was gorgeous on the outside, I also felt that there were more layers to him. He was so much more than an earl with a great face.
And body.
And oh my God his hair.