Guy Next Door (9781460341179) by Tippens Missy

Author:Tippens, Missy
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Harlequin Sales Corp
Published: 2014-03-21T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

When Luke pulled into his driveway, he didn’t know how he’d managed to drive home. The whole trip was a blur. Between reliving the kiss and watching Darcy in his peripheral vision, he’d barely concentrated on the road.

He put the car in Park and cut the engine. He had to acknowledge her. Had to act as normal as possible. She was the only person besides his mother and grandmother he’d ever been able to depend on, who would stick by his side no matter what, success or failure.

Darcy was off-limits. Was too deserving and sweet for someone like him who’d never before committed to long-term.

How could he have risked blowing their friendship for a kiss? Granted, a life changing, mind-shattering kiss. But a kiss, nonetheless.

He turned to her, forcing himself to make eye contact. “We’re here. Thanks for helping get the house ready.”

She smiled, but the devastation in her eyes nearly broke his heart. She probably couldn’t stand the thought that she was attracted to him of all people. She saw him as superficial when it came to dating relationships. Had always chided him, acted disapproving when he broke up with girlfriend after girlfriend. She’d be mortified to think she could be lumped in with that list of women.

“Anything for the kids.” Her hand fluttered to the door handle. “Well, gotta go.”

He needed to stay away from her to make sure he didn’t do anything stupid, but he couldn’t be rude. “I’ll walk you home.”

She held up her hand to stop him. “No, thanks. I’m good.”

As she climbed out of the passenger side, he exited the car. Then he watched as she hurried home.

What have we done?

Had they ruined everything? Surely not. They’d spoken civilly, agreed that the kiss had been a mistake. And they still needed to cooperate with each other on the auction.

Everything would turn out fine, as long as he pushed the day’s events out of his mind and resolved not to give in to the temptation to kiss her again.

Now that he’d seen the slippery slope of giving in to attraction, he knew he needed to warn his dad about doing the same thing with Noreen.

Luke went inside and found his dad in his home office, sitting at the desk, still in his shirt and tie with the tie loosened.

“I’m glad I caught you at home,” Luke said.

“Productive day?”

Depended on the definition of productive. He had certainly produced a disaster. “Yeah, the house was in good shape. Someone must’ve already been up there this season.”

A guilty flush colored Burt’s cheeks. “Uh, yeah. Maybe so.”

Had their parents played matchmaker, then? “Look, Dad. I need to talk to you. And it’s not easy.”

He shut his laptop. “Have a seat.”

“I’ve probably been a little too outspoken with my opinion of you and Noreen dating. Now I’ve had time to calm down some and see you together.”

Burt nodded. “I knew you’d come around.”

“I still feel I need to warn you about moving too quickly. Mom’s only been gone six months.

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