Page 34 of Too Good to Be True

“We’ve had a few conversations in the employee lounge. When she told me she follows the Kardashians on Instagram, it kind of turned me off.”

Stacy burst out laughing. “I see your point.”

“I’m not saying that all younger women are like her, but I’m selective about who I spend time with.”

And he chose me. “I am too.”

“I figured as much. You seem a lot more introspective than Britney.”

“That’s one word for it.”

“I meant it as a compliment.”

“Thank you. It’s just that some might label me obsessive or a worrywart, but introspective sounds better.”

“Let’s go with that, then.”

They smiled at each other, and she felt her tension drain away. Somehow she’d managed to reveal a glimpse of her insecurity without divulging too much. She gave herself a mental high five. Now that she’d been candid with him, maybe the sexual tension would dissipate, and she could enjoy having him as a friend. Her hot younger friend.

Glancing up at the sky, she said, “We should probably get started before it rains.” The forecast called for sunshine and mild temps until late afternoon, when a thunderstorm was supposed to roll in. If they got started now, they’d probably be able to finish before the storm hit.

“Okay. Tell me what you want me to do.”

How about push me up against the shed and kiss the hell out of me? “Why don’t you start raking up the dead grass while I prune the flower beds?”

“Works for me.”

And work, they did. Nick took up the rake and made precise paths across the lawn, moving the dead grass, leaves, and twigs into a large pile.

In the meantime, Stacy rolled the wheelbarrow over to the flower beds along the back of the house and started pulling out the dried-up remains of last season’s plants. Every so often, she glanced at Nick and admired the athletic efficiency of his movements. His arm muscles bulged with the effort, and his skin glistened with sweat. Since when am I attracted to a sweaty man?

Occasionally he used his sleeve to wipe the sweat off his brow, causing his shirt to rise. She sucked in a breath when she glimpsed his taut stomach and the trail of dark hair that disappeared into his jeans.

Once, she looked up when he was bending over and saw the waistband of his underwear, with the words Calvin Klein in bold white letters. She was envisioning him sprawled out on a billboard advertising the famous underwear brand when he turned and caught her looking. Pretending that she hadn’t been caught, she said, “Doing okay?”

Hopefully, he couldn’t see the blush that had crept up her neck to her cheeks. Of course, she’d worked up a sweat too, so maybe he’d attribute it to that.

“I could use some water,” he replied.

She’d been so entranced that she hadn’t even thought he’d be thirsty, and now she felt guilty. “Sorry! I’ll go get us some.”

He gave her a nod and went back to work.

She peeled off her gardening gloves, set them on the wheelbarrow, and went inside. She’d stopped buying bottled water after Kelsey had nagged her about the environmental implications. Instead, she took out two insulated tumblers and filled them with ice and water. She wondered if he’d want something to snack on too. Then she had an inappropriate thought of him snacking on her, and her face flushed again.

So much for being a mature older woman, she thought as she went back outside.

Nick looked up at the sound of the patio door closing and sauntered toward her. Manual labor suited him. He didn’t look flushed or taxed—just healthy, vibrant, and hot!

“Here you go,” she said, handing him one of the tumblers.

“Thanks.” He brought it to his lips, tipped his head back, and took a long swallow.

She tried not to stare at the moisture on his upper lip, and she definitely wasn’t thinking of licking it off. She averted her eyes and drank.

“A couple more passes, and then I’ll start bagging this stuff up,” he said, motioning to the piles of refuse.

“I’m almost done with the flower beds, and then I’ll help you.”