Awakening Beauty. Amy J. Fetzer

the lie was to protect her.

      Now that was twisted.

      She surrendered to the guilt. “How long would you need me?”

      Laura smiled again, pleased. “Just a couple of hours in the evening. The festival starts next week and we must be finished in time for the opening children’s show and play.”

      “All right. A couple of hours after I close up shop for the night.” She ignored the grin spreading across Tyler’s face. “Do I need to bring anything?”

      “No, the local businesses have contributed materials. Say seven o’clock at the theater?”

      Lane agreed.

      Laura said a quick goodbye and was out the door. Tyler stayed behind. Picking up his coffee again, he said, “The first session is tonight.”

      “A promise is a promise, McKay. I’ll be there.”

      He looked at his watch.

      “You have to go? What a shame,” she said. “Take that car when you leave.” When she reached for his mug, Tyler latched onto her wrist.

      Lane felt warmth burn through her skin to her blood. He let go, sliding his hand under the sleeve of her sweater and pulled her near.

      Lane’s heart did a wild dance and she could barely swallow. “McKay.”

      “Your skin is so soft,” he said.

      “Good lotion.” His fingers played over her bare skin, and it was silly, it was just her arm, but Lane felt as if they were playing somewhere else entirely. And if he didn’t stop, she was going to yank him into the back room and try a kiss on for size.

      He searched her gaze. “I don’t know what it is about you that’s driving me nuts, Lane Douglas, but I’m willing to wait to find out.”

      “There’s nothing to learn, so it’ll be a long wait.”

      He leaned closer, tipping his head, and Lane thought, Come on, kiss me.

      “I’m a Southern boy.” She felt his warm breath on her lips. “We’re long on patience.”

      “Tell that to the back end of my car.”

      The alarm on his watch went off, and he clucked his tongue and eased back. He stared at her for a second longer, then releasing a heavy sigh, made an about-face and headed to the door. She looked down and saw the car keys on the counter.

      “McKay, take these keys.”

      He ignored her and reached for the knob.

      “Tyler!”

      He flashed her a look over his shoulder that said triumph. Then he was out the door and sliding into a matching black SUV.

      “Talking to that man is like talking to wood,” she muttered, then picked up the keys. They were still warm from handling. She pocketed them and did what she did best. Ignored them. Ignored him.

      It lasted all of ten seconds, and she dropped into a chair, plucking at her clothes and letting the buildup of steam in her system escape.

      Oh, yes, that man.

      Definitely dangerous.

      Because Lane knew that she could fall for him, and there would be no getting back up this time.