“Are you sure about that? Offers like this don’t come around twice,” Tyler teased.

Rachel caught another glance at his sculpted body–broad shoulders, trim waist, and those abs that seemed carved by a god. She could practically feel herself drooling.

Snapping out of it, she forced herself to turn away.

“Next time,” she mumbled.

If she kept looking, she might really lose control. No wonder people always said even heroes fall for a beauty–she used to think it was a cliché. Now? It hit way too close to home.

She pulled open the bedroom door, tossing a reminder over her shoulder as she left.

“Wanda says the food’s ready.”

“Okay.”

Rachel headed downstairs. Wanda was on the couch, glued to her phone, giggling at videos. When she looked up, she saw Rachel by herself.

“Ms. Lloyd, where’s Mr. Hunt? The food’s getting cold.”

Rachel pulled out a chair and sat down, not waiting for Tyler before diving in.

“He’s still in the shower. He’ll be down soon.”

Wanda leaned closer, squinting at Rachel’s face. “Why’s your face so red? Are you coming down with something?”

Caught off guard, Rachel patted her cheeks. “Is it that red?”

Wanda nodded without hesitation. “Pretty red. You should see for yourself.”

Rachel waved it off. “It’s nothing. Probably just the heat earlier.”

Wanda’s concern only grew. She reached out to touch Rachel’s forehead. “Are you sure it’s not a fever?”

Rachel couldn’t help but laugh. “Wanda, I’m fine. Really.”

Wanda pulled away. “Okay, okay. Just making sure.”

Just then, Tyler strolled down the stairs in a blue checkered pajama set that somehow made him look even more laid-back. That sharp, commanding energy he usually carried was somewhat diminished now.

Rachel looked away quickly, muttering under her breath, “Ridiculous. No guy should look that good in pajamas.”

“Are you talking trash about me again?” Tyler asked as he approached the table.

“Not only are you self-absorbed, but you’re also paranoid.”

Tyler didn’t argue. He simply took a seat, reached for a glass of water, and took a slow sip.

“Rachel, you probably don’t even realize it, but your face gives you away all the time.”

Rachel instinctively touched her cheeks. “Is that so?”

“Yeah. For example, when you lie, your eyes dart around, and you blink a lot more.”

He said it so calmly, like it was just an observation. But anyone paying attention would’ve noticed how detailed it was.

No one would notice that kind of thing unless they had been watching someone closely.

Wanda couldn’t help but chime in, “Mr. Hunt doesn’t usually notice stuff like that. Ms. Lloyd, he’s definitely got a soft spot for you.”

Rachel argued, “Wanda, don’t let him fool you. He only pays attention so he can catch me lying and call me out faster.”

She had spent enough time with him to figure out he lived to tease her.

Tyler chuckled and looked at her.

“So, I’m guessing your arm’s not sore anymore?”