“You know, you really don’t have to keep me company. I’m sure you have something else better to do.” Feigning disinterest, I quickly turn back around before he can reply. Please god, let him leave. I stretch up on my tip toes, opening the cabinet above my head. A groan resonates from behind me and has me quickly spinning around. Has he hurt himself? “Are you all right?”
His nostrils flare, hooded blue eyes stare back at me with an intensity that steals the breath from my lungs. There’s a faint flush to his lean cheeks. The way he’s looking at me makes me want to squirm. It’s hard to stand still beneath his intimidating gaze, but I force myself not to fidget.

“I’m okay, Sky,” he replies and grabs the bag on the table, the one containing the beer. He takes a beer from inside and twists off the top. “So how long have you been married?”

Ignoring his question, I turn and place the cans into the cabinet. After I store everything away, I’ll tell him. There’s no other option. Focusing on the bags of groceries left to unpack, I walk over to the table and grab a couple more, only to jerk back in surprise when his fingers curl around my wrist. My eyes snap to his.

“I asked you a question, Sky. Your mom and dad raised you better. It’s rude to ignore someone when they’re talking to you.”

“I don’t need a lecture from you, not now.” I try to tug free from his hold, but his grip remains firm and I almost spill the bags in my arms. “Please let go. I need to put these items in the fridge.”

He releases me, and I quickly step around him opening the refrigerator door and place the items inside. His touch though, still lingers on my skin like a rash.

Drawing in a deep breath, I turn to find him watching me. The air crackles between us charged with tension. I hurry and grab the last two remaining bags. With my back to him, I store everything cold in the fridge. County wouldn’t go hungry this week. I’d thought of everything except his condoms. Opening the freezer, I place the half gallon of chocolate ice cream inside. Chocolate is his favorite.

When I turn around, a squeal bursts from my lips. His hands close around my upper arms. Looking up at him, I take a step back bumping into the refrigerator. “What do you think you’re doing?”

His face inches closer to mine and my mouth grows dry. His warm breath whispers across my lips. My lashes flutter closing. I forget the need to breathe when his nose touches mine. My eyes snap open meeting his. He’s wearing a knowing smirk. “I’m not going to kiss you, Sky.”

My jaw clenches, and I shoot him the same stink eye Willow always uses on me. “I had a visitor while you were out.”

Icy fear courses through my veins. Oh no, he knows. “I don’t like to repeat myself, but it’s becoming a habit with you. How long have you been married?”

It’s then, I start to squirm, but it’s no use. His body presses into mine, pinning me to the refrigerator. Every inch of County is instantly committed to memory. He’s pure hot, hard muscle, and so different from the boy I remembered.

“County,” I finally murmur in defeat. One hand releases my arm. His brows dip and a single fingertip presses firmly against my lips.

“You better think about your answer. I don’t like being lied too.”

The hard look in his eyes has my stomach churning. “You look a little pale, Sky.” I’m not a liar. I don’t lie. Well, not really. The tiny fibs I used to tell Willow as a baby to convince her to eat her vegetables, those doesn’t count.

“Who came by while I was out?”

He shakes his head, smiling. “That’s not the way we do this. You don’t answer a question with a question. What are you hiding?”

The ring on my finger burns my skin. For me, it’s a reminder of what I’ve done. I need to leave. I squirm against him growing still at the sudden hardness now pressing into my stomach. Heat flushes my skin. A low simmering fire bubbles to life in my belly.

“Answer me,” he growls. His expression is fierce, and his angry blue eyes refuse to release mine. There’s no getting out of this, not this time.

“I’m… I’m not married, County.” I force those words past my lips.

A look of relief flashes across his hard face. Then it’s gone in an instant and replaced by something else. It’s then, I begin to worry. He lowers his head, his lips coming closer. “Thank fuck,” he murmurs right before his mouth covers mine.