Page 10 of My Boyfriend Marks Trees
Charlotte blinkedas she processed his words then snorted. “Are you high?”
“Er, what?”
“We met yesterday and hung out for like two hours. Most of which you spent making decorations. Then you show up today, laden with stuff, saying you like me?” Her gaze narrowed. “What are you really after?”
“A chance to get to know you.”
She shook her head. “I am not looking to date anyone right now.”
“Which I respect. I was just being honest. I’m kind of surprised by it myself.”
Her gaze narrowed.
“That didn’t come out right. More like, I wasn’t looking for a relationship either. Then you and Greta appeared and, well… What can I say? There’s something about you that I can’t seem to ignore.”
“Must be my shining personality,” her dry reply. At the same time, what he said struck a chord. Made her feel warm and attractive. It had been a while since that happened.
His lips twitched. “I don’t mind a strong, confident woman. After all, I’m the only boy in the family. I am used to being bossed around.”
“I highly doubt anyone can make you do anything you don’t want.”
“You’d be surprised. Selene won the second serving of Mom’s shepherd’s pie last week. She gives a deadly purple-nurple.”
Charlotte blinked. “Your sister attacked you?”
“More like asserted her claim on dinner.”
“Sounds like abuse.”
He snorted. “Hardly. Abuse involves tears and bruises and fear. When we roughhouse, it always ends in laughter.”
“I wouldn’t know. Only child.”
“Speaking of my sister, she actually told me to take things slow with you. That rather than jump into dating, we should see how we are as friends.”
“You talked to your sister about me.” Like, holy slam on the brakes. She’d just met the guy, and he was having discussions about a nonexistent relationship. She didn’t know if she should be flattered or get a restraining order.
“I also mentioned you and Greta to my mom.” He held up the pies. “Which is why she baked these special for you.” He lifted his other arm. “And she put together some extra Christmas stuff for Greta.”
“What did your sister send?” she asked with an arched brow.
“Nothing. Yet. She did ask if Greta was allowed to have a rabbit. She raises them on the farm.”
Charlotte pulled the door shut and hissed, “Don’t you dare mention that to Greta. I don’t have the money to take care of a pet.”
“Selene said you wouldn’t have to worry about that ‘cause she’d supply everything it needs.”
“No. Just no.” She shook her head.
“No to what?”
“You. This. Everything. There is something weird about you, Ares McMurray. You are too good-looking to be trying so hard to get in my good graces.”
“You think I’m attractive?” He grinned and got even more handsome.
“Don’t you play cutesy with me. You know you’re hot, and no hot guy is this nice with someone who’s been barely polite with him.”
“I understand why you’re standoffish. You’re obviously working hard, with being a single mom and all. I’m a guy, and I know for a fact some of us can be scum. And you’ve got Greta to watch out for. Can’t let just anyone close to that sweet princess.”