In fact, Kylie couldn’t help but think that a long time had passed since she’d actually dated a man who wasn’t all about jumping into bed with her within the first ten minutes. Since she never obliged them, she figured this was actually quite nice. Well, with the exception that her hormones were beginning to overflow, and she wasn’t sure how much more she could store up before the lid blew off due to the pressure. If Gage kept this up, she was going to have to buy stock in Duracell or Energizer just so she could function on a daily basis.
She still wasn’t sure why they hadn’t moved to the next phase of what felt like a potential relationship, but to this day, they had somehow managed to sidestep sex. How, she wasn’t sure. That was one thing this relationship, or whatever it could be called, was lacking. The making out portion was testing the limits of her smoke detectors, but they still had never taken that next step. The chemistry was off the charts, but they both seemed to shy away at the last minute. It wasn’t unusual for her, but for some reason, she sensed that Gage wasn’t used to backing off quite so intensely, yet he somehow managed every time.
However, there were plenty of times when she wondered whether Gage Matthews might actually be getting too close for comfort. She found she genuinely liked him. They laughed, talked, and yes, he knocked her socks off with his kisses, but as far as going any further, she risked the possibility of getting too attached.
Kylie Marie Prescott did not roll that way.
Not after Travis Walker ruined her for all time.
Damn it.
As a rule, Kylie did her best not to think about Travis. Even all these years later, her body reacted in strange ways to those lingering memories that hadn’t yet faded around the edges. Considering how he walked out on her after they’d been married only three weeks, it would make more sense if she wanted to slap him, not jump him, but damn it if she didn’t want to just…
Ok, inappropriate.
Tune back into reality, girl.
Some days were more difficult than others, but she figured that was because they were still married. A technicality, she told herself. It was just a piece of paper. Not that she considered it a marriage by any means. After he had walked out ten years earlier, she’d never once looked back. Ok, maybe just a little, but she tried her best not to. If only she had the desire to find him, she’d seek a divorce. She just knew it was better if she didn’t. At least not right now. There was no way she could handle seeing him again. Not after what he had done to her. Ripping her heart right out of her chest and walking away with it still beating in his hands had been the worst thing anyone had ever done to her.
Ok, you’re cut off now, woman. No more thinking.
Her internal monologue with herself was enough to set her straight.
Ten minutes later, Kylie was doing her best to push the stray thoughts out of her mind and concentrate on the pen and paper in her hand.
“Let me know when you’re done. I’d like to take you to meet some folks.”
Kylie turned to look at Gage, who had obviously been following her through the house. Dropping her hands to her side, she exhaled and smiled. She was suddenly eager to get some fresh air. Whether it was the close proximity of this handsome man or thoughts of the one from her past, she wasn’t sure, but the room was suddenly getting a little warm. “I’m good for now. As long as you promise I’ll get to come back soon.”
“Honey, you’ve got the job if you want it,” Gage said, grinning.
“You don’t even know my price,” she informed him.
“Irrelevant.”
Kylie had to wonder whether he’d done this before or if he just had money to burn. Either way, this project wasn’t going to be cheap, but at least she could do the work in stages. However, she was going to have to try and find some crews that were local to help her. The ones she normally worked with weren’t likely to venture this far out.
After Gage locked up the house and helped her into his truck, Kylie allowed her mind to relax as he drove. The familiar song on the radio made her want to tap her foot on the floor, but she refrained. It was rare that she was in a good mood after such pressing thoughts from her past, but for some reason, just being in Gage’s company helped. That and the prospect of the new job made her smile, and for once, she just wanted to enjoy what life threw her way. It was high time she stop trying to hide behind those events that had changed her life irreparably. Time to move forward.
Still smiling, Kylie pulled herself back to the moment as Gage turned off onto a long dirt driveway. In the distance, she saw a lovely old farmhouse come into view, the fresh paint and new roof gleamed radiantly in the bright Texas sunshine. This one looked significantly different than the one they’d just left. This one was sporting a recent facelift.
She wasn’t sure where they were, but she began to wonder whether Gage wanted to show her what ideas he might have. Refraining from asking questions, she paid attention to the details, noticing the men in front of the house. Two were carrying furniture, two more were talking on one end of the beautiful wrap around porch.
Did this place only breed hot, sexy cowboys?
When Gage pulled the truck to a stop, Kylie unbuckled her seatbelt and climbed out of the truck. She continued to eye the beautiful house, her eye for detail noting the few things they’d done to stick with the houses former glory, although there were quite a few enhancements they’d made to modernize it as well. Either way, she was impressed. Wouldn’t have been her choice, but then again, it wasn’t her house.
Gage surprised her when he walked around to her side of the Tahoe, taking her hand in his. That tingle that had been stirring in her belly erupted into a volcanic explosion of activity, and she wondered if her palms were going to start sweating. God, she hoped not. At least not while he was holding her hand.
Hoping she made a good impression on these people, whoever they were, Kylie pasted on a smile and fell into step beside Gage.
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