Three Little Words (Fool's Gold #12)

People smiled all the time, she thought, unable to brace herself for the kick in the gut she always felt when he did that. Kent’s smile was special. It made her feel as if she were the center of a very amazing universe. One where only good things happened.

She knew the folly of believing that, but she couldn’t protect herself. Not where he was concerned. If only her heart were at stake, she would probably be fine. But when she was around him, she felt as if he held her entire being in the palm of his hand. How could she trust him not to crush her into dust?

“Oh, look,” she said brightly, pointing. “Your sister-in-law has a new book out. Let’s go buy it.”

“If you’d like.” He bent down and lightly kissed her mouth, then guided her into the store.

Five minutes later, she had a bag with Liz Sutton’s latest murder mystery. Kent had insisted on paying, which was just like him.

“You should consider an eReader,” he said when they were back on the sidewalk.

“I like books.” Someone passing by said hello, and she paused to return the greeting. “This town is so strange. People I’ve never met before talk to me like they know me. But the weirdest part is I’m starting to like it.”

“But do you like me?”

He was joking. At least, she thought he was. She glanced at him and saw questions in his eyes. They came to a stop again, this time by a bench. Kent pulled her onto the wooden seat.

“Of course,” she said. “Why would you ask?”

“You’re elusive.”

“I’m completely open.” She pressed her lips together, realizing that was far from the truth. “I mean to be.”

“Well, then,” he teased. “That must be enough.”

She looked at her hand in his. His fingers were longer, broader. He was tall and strong, which was nice. If she broke her leg, he could carry her for a long time.

The ridiculous thought made her think of Felicia. She would think Kent was good to have around. That his combination of intelligence and strength would add to the social unit. That even if he wasn’t a traditional warrior, he would be a formidable opponent.

She laced her fingers with his. “Your family scares me. I know Ford and he’s fine, but the rest of them... They’ve lived here their whole lives. They’re close. Traditional.”

“Are you worried you won’t fit in?”

“Some.” All, she thought. “I wouldn’t want to embarrass you.”

“Not possible. I’ve seen you eat and you know how to use a napkin.”

She laughed. “Thank you for your faith in my table manners.” She kept his hand in hers but angled toward him. “I don’t want your mom to tell you to stop seeing me.”

“She wouldn’t. You’re adorable. Besides, I’m thirty-four. She stopped getting involved in my love life a couple of decades ago.”

Consuelo raised her eyebrows. “Are you sure? Because just a couple of months ago, the woman had a booth with applications to be your girlfriend.”

He grinned. “Oh, yeah. I forgot. But she’s learned her lesson.”

“Has she?”

“Even if she hasn’t, I’ll protect you. Besides, I’m the one putting it on the line if we hang out with my family. They’re going to tell you stories about me.”

“That sounds fun. What kinds of stories?”

She figured he would admit to a childish prank or say he hadn’t started dating until college. She didn’t expect him to clear his throat and admit, “When I was younger, I was kind of a dog when it came to women.”

Consuelo had a feeling her shock showed. “What does that mean?”

He shrugged. “I figured out girls were pretty cool in tenth grade. I had something of a reputation. In college, I, um, took advantage of the target-rich environment. I’m not proud of what I did,” he added hastily. “I’m different now. More mature. When I was in a relationship, I was always faithful. I never cheated on my ex-wife.” He looked both embarrassed and proud as he admitted to his past.

“An unexpected side of you.”

He nodded. “It’s being a math teacher. People assume I’m shy around women. I get a little nervous at the beginning, but once things get going...” He paused.

“Go on,” she urged, intrigued.

“I’m going to quit while I’m ahead.”

“Afraid your mouth is going to write checks your, um, other parts can’t cash?”

“Something like that. It has occurred to me that you’re completely out of my league.”

He was joking, but she knew he was right. Being a sex god in high school didn’t compare to her past.

“Any tattoos?” he asked.

The unexpected question jerked her out of her worries and brought her back to the man in front of her. She smiled. “Two.”

His eyebrows rose. “What and where?”

“I’m not telling.”

“Building anticipation. I like that.”

She laughed.

Kent put his arm around her and drew her close, then leaned in and kissed her. She let herself relax as her eyes slowly closed. His mouth was warm and sure as it settled on hers.