Page 59 of Securing the Pucking Rebound

“I’m capable of feeding myself. I actually have a salad in the fridge.”

“That’s nice. You can have it tomorrow instead. Come and sit down.”

“I also don’t need company. I’m working,” I sulk, internally debating whether to get my salad out and eat that anyway.

After a bad week, I’m trying to get back on the healthy-eating wagon. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good takeout or meal at a restaurant, but they’re an indulgence I can’t allow myself to have all that often if I want to stay in shape.

But then, Calvin pulls a slice of pizza out, and the sight of the melted cheese draws me in.

Telling myself that there are veggies on top, I also reach for a slice.

“Come and sit down,” he says, making a show of shuffling over, but clearly not moving a freaking inch.

“My ass won’t fit in that gap.”

His eyes widen before he looks at the space on the couch and then at my hips.

“Of course it will. You’re tiny.”

Not true, but I appreciate the sentiment all the same.

“I’m fine here. I’ll just have a slice, then I’ve got work to do.”

“What time did you start this morning?”

“I was in at seven, why?”

“It’s almost eight o’clock. Have you even had a break today?”

Jesus. Do I look that rough?

I glance at the small mirror on the wall beside me and balk. Yes, I do look that rough.

Fucking hell.

“I had a coffee break earlier.”

“Wonderful. Now sit the fuck down.”

Unable to argue, I shuffle over.

He barely closes his legs as I drop onto the couch beside him.

My arm presses against his, and my thigh does exactly the same when he stretches back out, sending a wave of heat through my body. His scent surrounds me, leaving me unable to think about anything but the almost-naked man beside me.

How long has it been since I’ve been this close to an almost-naked man?

My heart begins to race just thinking about it.

“Do I make you nervous, darlin’?”

“What? No,” I say, suspiciously fast. He chuckles, and it makes me want to smack him, but I keep my free hand resting in my lap, scared that if I touch him, I might not stop.

He’s like a work of art. I want to trace the lines of his muscles with my fingertips, explore every inch.

I might have very limited experience when it comes to men, but I can say hands down that no other one I’ve been close to has looked anything like Calvin.

Silence falls between us as we eat, but despite finishing my slice, I barely taste it. I’m too distracted.