Three Little Words (Fool's Gold #12)(25)

“Are all brides emotional?”

“She was nothing compared to some of what I see.”

He flattened the box, tossed it on a stack of other empties and opened the next one. “She was crying.” He held up a stuffed reindeer the same size as the bear. “I’m getting there’s a theme here.”

“It’s the whole holiday thing. And I don’t mind tears. It’s the screaming that gets to me.”

“They scream?”

“Sometimes. Rarely at me, but often at whoever they bring with them.”

He shuddered. “I’d rather face insurgents.”

They continued to unpack inventory. After the reindeer came polar bears.

“They’re just more bears,” Ford complained.

“They’re completely different.”

“How?”

“For one thing, they’re white.”

He made a dismissive sound in his throat. “That’s just crazy talk.”

“If that’s how you speak to your girlfriends, it’s no wonder you’re single.”

“You’re feeling the power, aren’t you?”

She grinned. “Oh, yeah.” Maybe she would take him up on his offer to wash her car!

By four that afternoon, all the boxes were unpacked. Noelle thanked everyone and promised big discounts when the store opened. Patience and Justice went off together to Brew-haha. Consuelo and Angel started off toward CDS at a jog, arguing about who had better form when running.

“You going back to work?” Ford asked, standing close enough for her to be aware of his height and the warmth of his body.

“Yes. Madeline’s been handling things, but I have a five o’clock fitting. I’m meeting my tailor and acting as the voice of reason.”

“Another screamer?”

“No, but the bride’s mother can be difficult. I run interference.”

His dark gaze settled on her face. “We need to talk about our debut. As a couple.”

“Oh, that.” Her good mood vanished. “Right. What were you thinking for timing? The festival this weekend? The store is open Saturday, but I’m free Sunday.”

“Works for me. You going to be able to do this? Pretend to be interested in me?”

She found it difficult not to stare at his mouth. Kissing had always been one of her favorite things to do, and so far, Ford hadn’t really kissed her. The light brush of thanks wasn’t a real, touch-my-soul kind of kiss.

“We’re friends,” she told him. “I don’t have to fake liking you.”

“But this is different. It’s more personal.”

“Not that much more,” she said. “It’s not like we have to stage someone walking in on us having sex.”

His gaze sharpened. “Did you want to have sex?”

“I— No! How could you ask? Sex? Us? I— It’s not...” She pressed her lips together.

One eyebrow rose. “That’s a lot of energy. I’m open to it, by the way.”

She felt her face heating. “You didn’t just say that.”

“I kind of think I did. Don’t act surprised. You’re sexy and we have fun together. Don’t you think it would be the same in bed?”

Not a question she was going to answer, thank you very much. Why would he admit he wanted to have sex with her? Why go there?

Before she could say that, something in his eyes shifted. It happened so quickly, if she hadn’t been staring at his face, she would have missed it.

In that heartbeat, fun, charming Ford was gone and in his place was a man hungry for a woman. Even with her limited experience, she recognized the need.

Her stomach clenched as unexpected wanting ripped through her. She forgot where she was and what they were talking about. But then his charming facade slipped back into place.

He chuckled. “You don’t have to decide right now.” He lightly touched her face. “Think about it. My door is always open, so to speak.”

“I— You—” She drew in a breath. “We’re done here.”

“I can tell.”

There was probably more she should say. Something pithy or cutting or memorable. But her mind was blank and she was still trying to wrap her mind around the fact that he really might want her...that way.

After Eric she just couldn’t be sure, but it was nice to think about. Better than nice. But also confusing. She sighed.

“I have to go,” she said.

“You mentioned that.”

“I’m leaving.”

“Have a nice rest of your day. I’ll pick you up at eleven on Sunday.”

She wanted to tell him she wouldn’t be there, that she’d changed her mind. Instead she simply nodded and stalked away, ignoring the sound of male laughter that trailed after her.

CHAPTER SIX

“THIS WAS NOT my best idea,” Isabel said as she walked next to Ford. She wasn’t sure which was more difficult to deal with—the feel of his fingers laced with hers, or the fact that they were in the middle of the End of Summer Festival, surrounded by pretty much everyone they knew. It was only a matter of time until someone noticed the handholding and commented on it. Worse, she couldn’t help liking the warmth of his light touch, the way their shoulders brushed occasionally. Being around Ford made her feel good—it just wasn’t enough to counteract the compelling need to vomit.