Heartless (Chestnut Springs, #2)

by Elsie Silver

Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together. —Marilyn Monroe

Harvey makes a little choking sound, almost a laugh. “I’ve been single for decades, son. Mind your business.”

My eyes trail down to my fist, the soft fabric poking out from between my fingers. She groans as my fingers unfurl. And slowly but surely, I figure out why she’s acting so horrified over me being a gentleman and picking up her . . . Panties. I stare at the scrap of black fabric in my hand, and it’s like everything around us goes blurry. My eyes shoot to hers, all wide and green. So many shades. A mosaic. I’m not known for smiling, but the corners of my mouth twitch. “You, uh, dropped your panties, ma’am.” A strangled giggle bursts from her as her gaze darts to my hand and back to my face. “Wow. This is awkward. I’m really—”

I’d chase her. I’d take her.

“Cade,” her lips part on my name, her tongue darting out to wet them. “God.” “He’s not here right now, baby. It’s just me. And I’m done asking nicely. I’m ready to take.”