Chapter 3

Wide-eyed, Alex realized that he had been caught in the act. Luckily, Cyn rescued him with a lopsided grin. “That’s fine. I’m used to it,” she told him dismissively as she turned and continued up the aisle. Alex tried to look elsewhere, but he simply couldn’t. And he was convinced that there was a little extra swing in her wide hips as he followed her to the register.

Alex helped her load the painting supplies into the trunk of her car, then stood awkwardly next to her car as she fiddled with her keys. Finally selecting the correct one, she unlocked the driver’s side door and turned back towards Alex. “So, I’ll see you Sunday, hunk.” It wasn’t a question so much as a confident statement. With a twinkle in her eyes, she told him, “And I will make it worth your while.” Cyn got into the car, closed the door, and started the engine. She rolled the window down and added, “But no sex, Alex. That’s reserved for our third date.”

Mouth agape, Alex watched as she drove away. It was a good three minutes before he could even move from the spot where she left him.

Early afternoon that Sunday, Alex rang the doorbell at the address that Cyn had given him. She answered the door in baggy sweatpants and a ratty, oversized T-shirt, with her golden hair pulled back from her face in a loose ponytail.

“Hey!” She greeted him with a warm hug like they were old friends. “Come on in.”

Alex followed her into the house, closing the door behind him. “Wow. Something smells great.”

“I told you that I’d make it worth your while,” Cyn said, poking him lightly in the chest. I made a loaf of bread that’s cooling right now. In a few hours, I’ll start dinner. I hope you like roast chicken, potatoes, and a garden salad.”

“Sounds delicious,” Alex answered, looking at Cyn. He was quickly discovering just how interesting she was. And if Alex was honest with himself, he found her not only interesting, but downright captivating.

He had never met anyone quite like her.

Cyn took his hand. “Well, come on. We have some work to do before dinner.” She led him upstairs and into a small room at the end of a hallway. “So, I moved some things out, and pulled the rest into the center of the room. I also taped off the trim, but you should check it. After all, you’re the professional.”

“Oh, I’m not a professional,” Alex scoffed.

“You work at a hardware store.”

“Just ‘cause my parents own it though.”

Cyn’s face lit up. “Oh, really? Cute, smart, and rich! I really hit the trifecta here.” She handed him a can of paint. “So, where are we starting?”