Going the Distance (No Excuses Book 1) (14 page)
Read Going the Distance (No Excuses Book 1) Online
Authors: Mila Rossi
She shrugged. “Things have a way of turning out the way they’re meant to happen. I’m not the driving force of every disaster.”
He chuckled without mirth. “No, just some.”
She sat up and pulled something out of her purse. He recognized her favorite lip balm. She pulled off the cap and rubbed the stick all over her lips, making them glisten with minty freshness. He wasn’t sure if she’d done it on purpose, but hell if he could tear his eyes away from her lips.
“Be that as it may,” she said, sticking the lip balm back in her purse, “I’m back and I’m not going anywhere.”
The statement made his pulse quicken. “So?”
“So I’d like to know what you’ve been up to. Is that so bad?”
He had a dreadful feeling. “Yeah, it is. As far as I’m concerned, my business is my business. I got nothing to share with you. Besides, I’m sure you can get the town gossip from your neighbors.”
She waved the comment away. “Who cares about the neighbors? I want to talk to
you
. I’ve missed you.”
His eyebrows rose as if he hadn’t heard right. He laughed out loud.
“I did,” she insisted with a frown.
He huffed, not wanting to waste any more time. “Whatever.”
Her leg started swinging again and she leaned toward him. “Did you miss me?”
Their eyes locked, but not even the dogs from hell could pull an answer out of him.
The corners of her mouth turned up. “I thought so.”
He exhaled loudly. “When are you leaving?”
“I told you, I’m not going anywhere,” she said, hopping off the desk. “Are you so eager to get rid of me again?”
“Absolutely.”
She threw back her head and laughed. “What if I told you a secret?”
Despite his better judgment, he was curious. She walked around the desk, running her fingers over objects as if she had all the time in the world. His heartbeat sped up with each one of her steps. Finally she stopped before him and he swiveled his chair to face her.
“What if I told you that I’m back for good?” she asked in a husky voice.
For good? She was staying permanently? “Why would I care?”
Her lips pursed in mock disappointment. “Why would you not?”
He felt stifled in the small space and parted his knees for more comfort. She apparently saw that as an opportunity to step between his legs and come even closer. Her tight jeans brushed against his thighs and he cursed himself for getting aroused.
“What do you want, Lisa?”
She leaned down to whisper in his ear. Her scent teased him with memories of their time together, and for a second, he closed his eyes.
“I want you, sugar.”
Her words caressed his ear, but then his eyes darted open and he rolled his chair back abruptly. “You’ve lost your damn mind.”
She stepped back with a smile. “Not at all. I haven’t been more clearheaded in my life.”
The sound of motorcycles riding up to the shop sent waves of relief through Ryan. Customers were pulling up, thank God. He didn’t have time for this.
Lisa slung her purse over her shoulder as if it was a leather jacket and turned to go. “You better clear your schedule, baby, cause I’m here to stay.” She gave him a last look over her shoulder before walking out.
He felt as though he’d been run over by a train. Did that just happen? He leaned toward the window and saw her getting into her car, then she drove off. Yes, she’d really been there. He hadn’t just imagined it.
Dave walked in, looking sweaty and overheated. “Was that your ex?”
Ryan nodded, too stunned for words.
“You don’t see that every day. What’d she want?”
Ryan stood and marched past Dave out of the office. “She wants me,” he mumbled irritated under his breath.
For once, he wished he could trade places with her and just take off, leaving everything behind.
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Mila Rossi is a contemporary romance author. She creates heroines who don't back down, stand up for themselves and insist on freedom and independence until the right man comes along. Then all rules are thrown out the window. The heroes must be clever, generous and able to throw a girl over their shoulder.
Mila has seen the world and loves to write about it. She also loves to paint vintage anime characters, belly dance, try new foods and perfect her archery skills. She wishes she could partake in extreme sports but only allows her characters to tempt fate. Her own chances of causing disasters are just too high.
Mila also writes historical romance under the name Alice Lake.
When not typing away furiously, she goofs around with her husband and daughter.
Visit her at
www.milarossi.com
and
www.aliceinengland.com
, or check out her books on Pinterest at
https://www.pinterest.com/alake1935/
.