It Started with a Crush.... Melissa Mcclone

      It was so good to see Lucy Martin again.

      Ryland sat in the living room waiting for her to return with Cupcake, who needed to go outside. Lucy had offered to take the dog to the backyard so he wouldn’t have to get up. He’d agreed if only to keep her here a little while longer.

      He couldn’t get over the difference in her.

      She’d been a shy, sweet girl with freckles, long braids and yellowish whites surrounding her huge blue eyes. Now she was a confident, sweet woman with a glowing complexion, strawberry-blond hair worn in a short and sassy style, and mesmerizing sky-blue eyes.

      Ryland had been wrong about not wanting company this morning. Sure she’d shown up because she wanted something. But she’d brought him cookies—a bribe, no doubt—and been straightforward asking him for a favor.

      He appreciated and respected that.

      Some women were devious and played up to him to get what they wanted. Lucy hadn’t even wanted something for herself, but for her nephew. That was … refreshing.

      Cupcake ran into the living room and hopped onto the couch.

      Lucy took her same spot next to the dog. “Sorry that took so long, the dog wanted to run around before she got down to business.”

      “Thanks for taking her out.” Lucy had brightened Ryland’s mood, making him smile and laugh. He wanted her to stick around. “You must be thirsty. I’ll get you something to drink. Coffee? Water? A soda?”

      Lucy shifted on the couch. “No, thanks.”

      Years ago, Aaron had told Ryland that his sister had a crush on him so to be nice to her. He had been. Now he was curious to know if any of her crush remained. “It’s no trouble.”

      But he could get in trouble wondering if she were still interested in him. He was supposed to be avoiding women.

      Not that he was pursuing her. Though he was … curious.

      She grabbed her purse. “Thanks, but I should be going.”

      Lucy was different than other women he knew. Most would kill for that kind of invitation from him, but she didn’t seem impressed or want to hang out with him. She’d eagerly taken Cupcake outside while he stayed inside. Almost as if she’d wanted some distance from him.

      Interesting. His charm and fame usually melted whatever feminine resistance he faced. Not with Lucy. He kind of liked the idea of a challenge. Not that it could go anywhere, he reminded himself. “I’d like to hear more about Aaron.”

      “Perhaps another time.”

      “You have somewhere to be?”

      Her fingers curled around the leather strap. “I have work to do before Connor gets home from school.”

      Ryland would have liked it if she stayed longer, but he would see her again. No doubt about that. He rose. “I’ll see you out.”

      She stood. Her purse swung like a pendulum. “That’s not necessary. Stay off your foot. I know where the door is.”

      “My foot can handle it.”

      Lucy’s gaze met his. “I can see myself out.”

      He found the unwavering strength in her eyes a big turn-on. “I know, but I want to show you out.”

      After what felt like forever, she looked away with a shrug. “It’s your foot.”

      He bit back a smile. She would be a challenge all right. A fun one. “Yes, it is.”

      Ryland accompanied Lucy to her car, a practical looking white, four-door subcompact. “Thanks for coming by and bringing me cookies. I’ll give you a call about a coach and talking to the team.”

      She removed something from an outside pocket of her purse and handed it to him. “My cell-phone number is on my business card. Aaron has a landline, but this is the best way to reach me.”

      He stared at the purple card with white and light blue lettering and a swirly border. That looked more like Lucy. “Freelance graphic designer. So you’re still into art.”

      “You remember that?”

      She sounded incredulous, but the way her eyes danced told him she was also pleased.

      “You’d be surprised what I remember.”

      Her lips parted once again.

      He’d piqued her interest. Good, because she’d done the same to him. “But don’t worry, it’s all good.”

      A charming blush crept into Lucy’s cheeks.

      “We’ll talk later.” Ryland didn’t want to make her uncomfortable, but flirting with her came so easily. “You have work to do now.”

      “Yes, I do.” She dug around the inside of her purse. As she pulled out her keys, metal clanged against metal. “Thanks. I’m … I look forward to hearing from you.”

      “It won’t be long.” And it wouldn’t. Ryland couldn’t wait to talk to her again. “I promise.”