CHAPTER THIRTEEN
“It’s the truth,” I said.
“I know.” He reached for me then, and I settled against his chest; it felt like coming home after a long journey. “And in case it wasn’t clear, I don’t mind about Avery.”
Since she’d just punched him in the mouth over something he didn’t do, that comment spoke volumes about the type of guy Rob was. I slipped my arms around his waist and hugged him, inhaling his rich, layered scent. Other guys might smell of expensive cologne, but he was all wood dust and the faint chemical scent of the product he used to seal the floors. There was also a touch of mint from his soap each time he moved his hands on my back, making me think he’d just washed them.
“Thanks. I was wondering...would you be open to an idea I’ve been kicking around?”
“Depends on what it is.” He ran a gentle hand through my hair, covering me in shivers from head to toe.
Focus. He’s not trying to get you hot. It just happens. Or maybe he was. Teasing me. He was turned on before, and now that I was holding him again, it was evident he still hadn’t calmed down. His desire to take his time was both flattering and frustrating when I contemplated all the delicious, dirty things we could do together instead.
“Now who’s a distraction?” I accused.
He actually grinned. “Then my plan’s working?”
“If you’re trying to drive me crazy, I’m halfway there.” As I drew away, I ran my fingers down his chest.
A visible tremor went through him as his hands clenched into fists, showing off the veins and tendons, along with the sexy swell of his biceps. I fought the urge to bite him. Rob’s gaze met mine and I forgot to breathe.
He cleared his throat.
“What...what did you want to ask me?”
“You know how you want to design and build furniture? We can get going without a lot of start-up capital.”
The question seemed to divert him from the sexual tension, at least. To most people, his expression wouldn’t give anything away, but I noticed the sharpening of his focus, a minute tilt of the head, the narrowing of his eyes. “I’m listening.”
With effort, I quashed the desire to get him naked immediately and explained my plan to build him a website with a simple merchant system. “You can post pictures of what you’ve built, then customers can request a similar item. I was also thinking it makes sense for you to start a YouTube channel for cross-promotion of the business. We’ll need a catchy name for your ‘show’...you can talk about furniture, woodworking, renovations on your house—”
Setting two fingers against my mouth to silence me, he cut in, “Wait, slow down. Why would anyone care?”
It was beyond me to resist the urge to kiss his fingertips. Smiling, Rob let go.
He might not like hearing this, but... “Don’t underestimate the interest in hot people on the internet.”
“Seriously? You think my face will make people care what I have to say? It hasn’t at any point in the last twenty-five years.”
“I care,” I said quietly. “Besides, these are strangers with no preconceptions. They’ll start watching because, hello, look at you, but it’s your message that will make them come back.”
For a few moments, he paced, wearing a thoughtful, conflicted expression. I could tell he thought I was wrong about the potential demand for his skills. But Rob had no ability to gauge his own self-worth. Hardly breathing, I waited for his response.
With a sigh, he finally nodded. “If you think it could sell furniture, let’s try it.”
I understood how big of a leap that was for him. He hated the idea of using his looks to get anywhere, but people wouldn’t order a table just because he was gorgeous. They might watch his video channel for that reason...and if he got enough hits, they could be monetized. But we’d talk about secondary revenue streams another time. This was enough for today.
“Awesome. I’ll head home and start building the site. I can come back tomorrow to record the vlog, if you don’t have plans?”
He shook his head. “I’ll be working on the kitchen.”
I remembered what he’d said about wanting the dining room done before he finished. “What are you planning to do?”
Fierce enthusiasm fired his words, and as I listened, I realized this was exactly what we needed for his first vlog. I could already imagine it, and if I came back early enough, I could film him working, too. A hot guy with a hammer, ripping cabinets out of the wall would get a ton of hits from a certain demographic. I was less sure if they’d actually order furniture, but even a few sales would boost his confidence.
I hadn’t slept over since the night he told me about his dad, mostly because the temptation of sleeping next to Rob was way more than I could handle. I’d already perved out on him once, and I didn’t intend to rush him into sex. When we took this to the next level, it had to be his choice, all-in. The timing was already weird because of his breakup with Avery, so if he needed space, I could give it to him.
“Okay, see you in the morning.” I stretched up on tiptoe to brush my lips against his cheek, mostly because I’d gotten my fill of being seduced by centimeters. But Rob had other ideas; he circled my waist with his arms and lifted me onto the dining-room table.
“Not so fast, beautiful.” He kissed me in a way that left me no doubt as to how much he wanted me, as if the point hadn’t been made already several times tonight.
You’re killing me.
His bruised mouth seared mine with heat and longing, and he tasted me so thoroughly that I forgot all my plans. His split lip flavored the kiss faintly of copper, and I traced my tongue over the swelling, butterfly-gentle. Sinking my hands into his hair, I kissed him back and wrapped my legs around his hips. He skimmed his palms down my sides, up and down, until I thought I’d die if I didn’t take my coat off. As if he’d read my mind, Rob unzipped it and slid warm hands under my sweater. The contrast of his rough palms against my skin sent a shiver through me. For a few seconds, he only touched my sides, my stomach, and I was sixteen again, squirming with the need for a guy to round second base. My nipples peaked with each scrape of his fingertips, teasing higher as he nuzzled the side of my neck.
“Please,” I whispered.
My sweater was retro, buttons down the front, and he gazed at my face for a few seconds before he undid them, one by one. I was shivering by the time he bared my bra, a nice one, thank God: black satin, front-fastening. Somehow, it was incredibly hot to be perched on his dining-room table, jacket still on, skirt, tights, shoes...yet undone, as well. This felt...naughty.