Excerpt of The Opposite of Wild by Kylie Gilmore

Ryan just stood there, his sharp eyes studying her. "You're
a puzzle, Liz."

"I am?"

He reached out and smoothed a lock of hair behind her ear,
and her heart caught in her throat at the gentle gesture.
"You seem so…uptight," he said. She stiffened and took a
step back. "But I know you were checking me out when I was
mowing."

She flushed, but rallied quickly. "I was only bringing you
water." She crossed her arms and said primly, "You surprised
me when you dumped the water on your head. I was merely
looking to see if you were going to do any other…surprising
things."

His lips twitched. "You're like a librarian just waiting to
let loose."

"Is that supposed to be a compliment?" she bristled, hands
on her hips.

"There it is." He smiled and stepped close, crowding her
space. She drew in a quick breath, but held her ground. "The
puzzle—fire and ice."

She put both hands on his solid chest and pushed him out the
door. "Next time, mail the check." She shut the door in his
face, turned and leaned against it. "Urgh!"

"That's what I'm talking about," he said through the door.

She ripped open the door. "Go away."

His head cocked to the side while he bit back a smile. "Is
that any way to talk to your employer?"

"Gah!" She slammed the door and locked it. She heard his low
laugh as he walked away.