I was already dressed when Tara finished, following me to the living room with a white towel wrapped tightly around her. A twinge of guilt hit me as I reached for the front door handle, seeing her standing there with her hair still wet. Vulnerable and sweet.
I clenched my fist, locking my hand around the handle.
Leave, dammit. Walk away already. Have the last word.
“How long are you in town?” I couldn’t believe the words came from my own mouth. It was like someone else was stretching my vocal cords.
“I’m renting this place for three weeks, and then…I don’t know.” Somehow she could see right through me, her gaze penetrating the base of my neck, locking onto the madness that was currently overwhelming me.
Before I could say more, Tara added, “I just ended a relationship, remember? I’m not in the market for a new one.”
I smiled at her over my shoulder, the motion feeling brittle. “I’ve been informed that I’m not boyfriend material. You don’t have to worry about that.”
“What are you getting at?”
I took too long to answer, my hand still gripping the doorknob. Tara leaned around me, twisting it for me and offering a polite smile.
“I guess I’ll see you around.”
I was standing on her porch, water droplets falling from my hair and soaking into my shirt, as the door clicked shut behind me.
I should have walked away.
Next time, I would.
Chapter 9
Deep End
Tara
Itwasn’ttheknockon my door that morning that surprised me. It was the time.
Seven in the morning felt too early for a man like him. Or maybe not. Apparently, nothing was off-limits.
I set the carton of cream on the counter, coffee still in hand as I shuffled to the door. There was no peephole, so I was forced to crane my neck out the living room window to see nothing but a muscled arm and a flash of denim.
There wasn’t really a reason to check anymore. It was him every single time.
I twisted the handle, opening the door with narrowed eyes.
“If I didn’t know any better, I would say you can’t stay away from me.”
Isaac stepped into my space, leaning in the doorway like he owned the place. Which I guess technically he did.
That stupid dimple popped in his cheek, white teeth flashing in a way that didn’t quite feel like a smile. “Are you kidding? I’m already sick of you, just standing here.”
“Mhmm.”
He took the mug from my hand, drinking long and deep. I watched his throat move and anticipation sent a shiver down my spine.
This was how it started.
Teasing. Closeness.
Then his hands on me.
But they weren’t moving.