“What made you decide to start the van life?”
A sad expression came over his handsome features, but it was gone as quickly as it came. “I’ve always wanted to travel.After an injury left me unable to work, I figured it was now or never. So, I went with the now, bought the van, got my finances sorted, and hit the road with Betsy.”
Betsy’s ears perked up at the mention of her name.
“That’s pretty awesome. I mean, not the part about the injury, of course not, but getting to travel at your own leisure and live in your van.”
“So far, it’s been good. But now I think it’s even better.”
My cheeks flushed from the heat of his intense stare. “You do?” The silly question tumbled out.
“How can it not be when a beautiful lady is here. C’mon, I’ll finish showing you around and we can get in the front and take off.”
“Okay.” I swallowed hard. I would’ve said yes to anything he asked at that point.
Fuck, I was in trouble.
CHAPTER THREE
Sawyer
It wasas if I’d known Leilani forever. Like two longtime friends, we got along easily and had a lot of fun together.
After leaving the visitor center, I drove to the Guns Blazing Saloon where we grabbed lunch, took a bunch of pictures, and even posed for a photoshoot in old western clothing.
In between checking on Betsy and giving her water, we moved from one activity to the next, having a blast at each one. Laughter followed us and the time passed by too quickly. More and more sexual tension escalated between us, and it was becoming harder to ignore.
On the way back to the camp site, I stopped at the grocery store and picked up a few things for dinner before parking for the night. The energy was so electric, you could almost feel the zaps between us. “There’s a hot shower at this campground if you’d like to take one. I’m going to get dinner going and feed Betsy.” Maybe if I kept myself busy, I wouldn’t notice what was happening between us.
“Thank you, Sawyer.” Leilani said as we walked to the back of the van, and I opened the doors. “Please let me give you some money for food and gas. I’m sure it costs to stay at this camp site.”
“I don’t want your money. Save it for your car. Your company is enough for me.” My eyes dipped lower to her lips, and I wanted to capture them in a kiss and taste every bit of her until I got my fill. All day, I thought about kissing her, with a couple of close encounters during the photo shoot.
But did she feel the same? I didn’t want to offend her or make things awkward between us. Yet I couldn’t ignore the growing feelings. I asked her to come with me for a reason. Sure, she needed help, and I wanted the company but that wasn’t the real reason.
The one that’s been gnawing at me since I first saw her this morning.
As soon as I laid eyes on Leilani, I wanted her to bemine.There was no way I was letting her go. But like I promised, I would be a gentleman. Unless she made the first move. Then all bets were off.
“But I should at least give you money for food.”
“I don’t want your money, Leilani. I won’t take it.”
She crossed her arms over her ample cleavage, and I wanted to rip her little dress right off her. She pouted her lips and tapped her foot, and I wanted to throw her over my shoulder and slap her ass. “Why are you so damn stubborn? You’re helping me. Let me help you back.”
I moved closer to her, both of us still standing at the open back doors of the van. “You want to help me?” I breathed. I couldn’t hold back any longer. The urge grew stronger by the second.
Be a gentleman. Be a gentleman.
A low growl erupted from somewhere deep inside my throat.
“Yes, of course.” Leilani said, a hint of flirtation in her voice.
At least I think it was.
Was I hearing things?
Was I just hoping I heard the flirtiness?
