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soothed some part deep inside of him. “I’m glad you’re not gay, Jace. Not that there’s anything wrong with it, but I’ve been lusting after you since you first came into the store.”
    “Me, too. Thank God, you were drunk and blurted it out. Otherwise, there’s no telling how long we would’ve danced around each other.”
    She grimaced. “Speaking of which, I’m sorry about last night.” Then she squinted her eyes. “Wait…. How are you here today? I know you got me into bed when you brought me home, and you were here when I woke up. So were you still here when someone tried to break in?”
    Jace took a step back and jammed his hands in his pocket. “There are things you need to know, Michelle. Things about me. About the guy that broke in last night. We’ll eat a late lunch and go for a walk. Then I’ll explain everything. I promise. Deal?”
    Michelle studied him a moment before she stuck her hand out for a shake. “Deal.”
    He silenced her giggle by grabbing her hand and pulling her into his arms, thoroughly kissing her. She jerked her mouth away and pushed at his chest before he could deepen the kiss.
    “No more of that. We’ll starve to death at this rate.” She shooed him away. “Go sit down. I need food now.”
    Jace snorted and turned to make his way to a bar stool. Then she shocked him by slapping his ass. Hard. He looked over his shoulder and scowled.
    She winked at him. “You’re not the only one who likes asses, sweetheart .”

 
     
     
Chapter Eight
     
     
    Michelle grabbed her coat from the hall closet and made her way to the back porch where Jace waited for her. She’d expected an uncomfortable silence between them after what occurred in the shower, but there hadn’t been any awkwardness. Instead, she’d relaxed in his company while they’d eaten. The conversation flowed easily between them as they spoke of their childhoods, bantered back and forth, and laughed at the pranks he’d played on his sister in their youths.
    Not to mention, she reveled in the attention he paid her. She’d never felt so desired in her life.
    However, apprehension loomed like a dark cloud in her mind for what was to come. It had to be bad if he’d put off telling her. They’d established he wasn’t gay. She shook her head and allowed a smile. Absolutely not gay.
    But what troubled her the most was that he’d stated he knew things about her early morning intruder. How? What could he possibly know? Shit, what if he’d sent the man to break in? Her hand paused on the door knob as a dozen alarm bells roared in her head.
    He called from the other side of the door. “Are you coming, sweetheart?”
    Hell, just get it over with, Michelle.
    Paranoia and a sense of self-preservation goaded her to grab one of the forks they’d eaten with from the other side of the bar. Jamming the silverware in her coat pocket, she straightened her shoulders. Opening the door, she stepped onto the porch, and then pulled up short.
    Jace stood on the top step wearing a short-sleeved T-shirt, pair of jeans, and nothing else. Including shoes.
    “Where are your shoes?” She practically shouted. “How are you not freezing to death?”
    The cool autumn air chilled her to the bones. No sane person in their right mind would walk through the woods without their damn shoes on.
    He shrugged and winked. “I run a bit hot, baby.” He lifted his hand to her, palm up, the invitation extended.
    Michelle stared down at his large, calloused hand for a long moment. Then she found her backbone and stepped forward, placing her hand in his. He linked their fingers and led her down the stairs, through her backyard, and onto the trail leading into the woods. It seemed so natural to stroll, hand in hand, with him through the forest as sunset drew near.
    Once they’d walked what felt like a mile, he pulled her to a stop in a small clearing off the trail. He guided her to a fallen tree and untangled his hand from hers.
    “Give me a minute,