Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 70630 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 353(@200wpm)___ 283(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70630 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 353(@200wpm)___ 283(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
Hours later, pleased with my progress, I paused to stretch. I glanced at the time on my laptop. Connor would be at my house for at least another hour. Should I keep working, or head home so I could see him?
My pulse sped up as I imagined Connor looking up when I entered, our gazes locking, the world fading away as we both realized how much we wanted each other. I would cross the space between us as if floating on air. Connor would embrace me, lifting me so I could wrap my legs around his hips… Whoa. I was going to end up with a raging hard-on if I didn’t stop.
I packed up my computer and my notes. No way was I going to miss the chance to see Connor. There wouldn’t be any passionate scenes, I knew that. But maybe, just maybe, there could be a little flirting and another chance to judge whether Connor was interested and whether the lustful looks I thought I’d seen were all in my head.
Fifteen minutes later, I put my key in the lock and turned it, holding my breath in case a miracle came true, and Connor really was waiting for me like in my fantasy. Connor was vacuuming the hall runner–not waiting to give me a thorough fucking–but his ass looked amazing as he moved in a steady back-and-forth rhythm. I didn’t see Sabrina. Maybe she was working in another room.
“Hello,” I called, trying to make myself heard over the vacuum’s roar.
Connor didn’t respond, so I took a step toward him. Connor must have sensed someone approaching even though he hadn’t heard my words because he dropped the vacuum and whirled around, looking like he was about to take me out.
I held up my hands and stepped back. “Sorry, I tried to call out.”
Connor grabbed the vacuum and shut it off as color rose in his face. “No, it’s my fault. I get jumpy if I feel someone behind me. I shouldn’t have—”
I held up my hand. “It’s okay, really.”
Connor nodded, looking down.
“You have every reason to be jumpy.” I wanted to say something to make Connor understand that I didn’t judge him for his reaction, but I didn’t want to sound patronizing.
Connor didn’t say anything else, and the silence grew awkward.
I decided we needed a new topic of conversation. “Is Sabrina here?”
“No, she’s sick. She watched her friend’s kids a few nights ago, and they apparently gave her the stomach flu.”
“Ugh. Nothing worse than that.”
Connor nodded. “She sounded miserable. But I was able to work quickly since we cleaned thoroughly last time. I’ll be out of your way soon.”
“You’re not in my way. I like having you here. I mean… um… I can just work in the kitchen unless you need to work in there.”
“Jeremy, you’re paying me to clean your house. I’ll work around you.”
“Okay.” This was normal. People did this all the time. Why did it feel so strange?
I was too embarrassed to say anything else, so I retreated to the kitchen and put on some water for tea before settling myself at the table in the breakfast nook. When the kettle whistled, I realized that since I’d sat down, I’d done nothing but stare at my laptop screen and replay my conversation with Connor.
I was pouring tea when Connor walked into the kitchen. “You want some?” I asked. “Or I could make a pot of coffee instead.”
Connor smiled, but there was a hint of surprise on his face, like he wouldn’t have expected me to ask. “I’m fine. Thanks.”
“I don’t mind. I’ve got beer too.”
I thought Connor might say yes for a few seconds. Instead, he said, “That’s tempting, but I should finish up.”
I pretended to work as Connor bustled around me, but I didn't actually get anything done. My body buzzed, too aware of Connor’s presence to do anything but watch him.
“I’m all done,” Connor said several minutes later. “I just need to put my equipment in the car and take out the trash.”
“Stay and have a beer,” I said, hating how desperate I sounded.
Connor looked up from packing his supplies into a bag. “I…”
“If you’ve got another job, or….”
“I’ve got time, but please don’t feel obligated to—”
“No obligation. I enjoyed spending time with you last weekend.” And I would enjoy doing a hell of a lot more.
“You did?”
Did he really not know? “I’ve got Gaelic Ale and Ninja Porter, or if you’d like something else—”
“Ninja Porter is great.”
I grabbed a can and handed it to Connor, who popped the top and took a long swallow. I couldn’t help watching Connor’s Adam’s apple slide up and down as he drank.
Connor took another sip and sat the beer down on the counter. I looked away, realizing I was still staring, fantasizing about leaving teeth marks on Connor’s neck. “So um… how long have you had the cleaning business?” Lame, but at least it would fill the silence. Why had it been so much easier to talk during the play?