As she unlocks the car, heavy footsteps sound behind me. I freeze before opening the passenger door, every hair on my arms standing on end.
I turn.
Green eyes. Dark hair. Grey suit. And my body reacts the same way as usual around him… it wants to run.
Reese. My annoying landlord.
“Evenin’, ladies.”
I smile politely. “Hi.”
“Hi,” Violet chirps, then slips into the driver’s seat and shuts the door behind her.
Traitor.
Reese steps closer, stopping right in front of me. His aftershave offends my nose first. “Going out?”
I nod. “Yeah.”
He smirks, sliding his hands into his pockets. “Shame. I was hoping to take you out tonight.”
My heart picks up pace, and not in a good way. “Maybe another time?” I offer, trying to keep it light.
“I thought you wanted a second date, Lo. But every time I try, you dodge me.”
I swallow. He is nice. Good-looking. A successful lawyer. My parents would approve instantly. I just didn’t realize that dinner after signing the lease with him counted as a first date.
And I don’t want a second, but I also don’t want to piss him off, because finding somewhere to rent here is nearly impossible right now.
“You just keep catching me at the wrong time,” I say. “Maybe texting first would help? So we can actually plan something. Coffee tomorrow?”
He studies me for a moment, his gaze dragging slowly up my body. I shiver in response.
Coffee tomorrow means I can try to talk to him properly and stop this chase he thinks he’s on for me.
“Yeah. I can do coffee. Lunchtime?”
“That would be nice.” Even though it’s the last thing I want. I’d just like to keep this roof over our heads.
He smiles, flashing perfect white teeth. “That’s not the real date, though. I’m still taking you to dinner.”
I hesitate, then shrug. Honesty feels safer. “Let’s see how coffee goes first. And… I’m not really looking for anything serious. I don’t even know how long I’m staying in town.”
His jaw tightens. He steps closer, and I instinctively lean back. I never said New Falls was permanent. I still have commitments in New York, which might one day drag me back there. But I’m keeping my options open. Reese doesn’t need to know that.
“Well,” he says quietly, “maybe someone just needs to give you a reason to stay. I’d like that to be me.”
Before I can react, he takes my hand and presses a kiss to my knuckles.
Jesus Christ.
“I—I should go. See you tomorrow,” I murmur.
He chuckles and steps back, finally giving me space.
“It’s a date,” he says with a wink before turning away, whistling as he heads toward his Mercedes.
I jump into the car and slam the door.