She saw them and waved cheerily, oblivious to his frustration and, admittedly, fascination. Her skin gleamed with sweat and he could see the muscles in her legs and abs contract as she moved toward him.
Hot damn. Temptation weighed heavily.
“Good morning!” She smiled as she pulled the earbuds from her ears. “I didn’t realize you’d be here this early. Hi, Esther. Do you need something?”
“No, dear. I’m just keeping this handsome young man company. I’ll leave you to it, now.” She smiled and closed the door.
“She wants you baaad!” Cat giggled while unlocking the various dead bolts. Hank couldn’t stop staring at her tight ass. “Come on in.”
“Thanks.” Hank followed behind her, pulling the dolly into her entry and then closing the door. He focused on the task at hand in order to avoid slamming her against the wall and peeling off those wet clothes. “I’ll be getting here early each day, so we should work something out if you won’t be here to let me in.”
“Okay. Maybe I should get you a key?” She looked at the pile of wood and clasped her hands together, oblivious to the fact she had him hot and bothered without even trying. “I can’t wait for you to get started.”
Hank pulled the dolly toward her bedroom, which she’d emptied in preparation for his arrival.
“I’ll cover the vents to cut down on sawdust traveling throughout the condo.”
“Okay, thanks. Now I really need to shower.” She winked at him and strode into the master bathroom, closing the door behind her.
Hank stared at the door, imagining her stripping out of those skimpy clothes, wishing he actually did have the X-ray vision she’d teased him about last week.
What would she do if he slipped into the shower and helped her wash those hard-to-reach places? Hell, he’d just managed to give himself one of his bigger hard-ons. Shaking his head in frustration, he unloaded the dolly and took it back down to the lobby.
When he returned, he nearly bumped into her as she came out of her room wearing nothing more than a towel. The sight and scent of her nearly naked body almost knocked him flat on his ass.
“You’re blushing, Hank.” Cat stood still, her long hair hanging heavy and wet down her back.
Either his imagination was working overtime, or she was planning to get him so turned on he’d agree to anything, including her business proposal. He didn’t know which made him more irritated, her plan or the fact that it could work.
“As I’m sure you intended.” Two could play her game. Her goal might have been only business, but his was personal. He brushed his finger along the length of her arm until she trembled. “You’re shivering,” he whispered in her ear, lingering there for a moment without saying more. Then he pulled back. “Go get dressed and let me get to work.”
She stared at his mouth before disappearing into the guest room. Hank smiled and then shackled his strong urge to chase her down and toss her on the bed. Mutual lust was a weak substitute for what he really wanted, and what he wanted was probably as far-fetched as her business plans.
Deep down he couldn’t shake the feeling he’d only get close enough to get his heart ripped out.
Get to work.
By noon, Cat had popped in at least four times to check on him. She’d offered him something to eat or drink, asked if it was too hot or too cold for him, and even commented on his musical taste.
Her minidress covered no more than the damned towel, and she made sure to come close and bend and twist right near his body. Each interruption cost him at least ten minutes in daydreams before he could refocus. So it didn’t surprise him at all when she came through the door again.
“Lunch break?” She leaned against the doorjamb.
“Already?” Hank surveyed how little he’d accomplished that morning.
“Come on.” Her knee swung side to side while she spoke. “I have some surprises for you.”
More mouthwatering than an icy beer on a sweltering day.
“Okay, I’ll take a quick break.” Hank set his hand plane down and grabbed his lunch bag.
“You won’t need that. I have something better.” She summoned him with her pointer finger and wicked grin. “Follow me.”
Like a lemming, he trailed after her, trying and failing to tamp down his anticipation of her next ploy. A tangy aroma wafted down the hallway as he drew nearer to the kitchen. Barbeque? Cat stood by a kitchen chair and gestured toward the pile of ribs in the center of the table. “Voilà!”
“My favorite,” he uttered with surprise then looked at her. “How’d you know?”