"And now?"
"And now nothing makes sense." I cross my arms, creating a barrier between us. "In my mind you're supposed to be this arrogant playboy. The guy I work with who drives me crazy. But then you're..." I gesture vaguely at him. "You're being so perfect with my family, and with me, and I don't know if it's real or if you're just really good at pretending."
He steps forward, closing the distance I tried to create. "Do you want to know what's real?"
My heart hammers against my ribs. "I don't know."
"Well, I do." His gaze is steady. "But I don't think you're ready to hear it yet. So how about this—let's not think for a while."
"What do you mean?"
A slow smile spreads across his face. "Hot tub?"
I blink, thrown by the change of subject. "Hot tub?"
"Yeah. Your dad mentioned he turned it on before we left dinner. It's probably nice and warm by now." His eyes hold a challenge. "Unless you're too tired?"
I consider for a moment. The hot tub sits on the back deck, offering a view of the mountains. Private. Secluded. Dangerous.
Perfect.
"You know what, why not?" I say, finishing my second drink in one long swallow. "Your sister and Addie are upstairs, Em won't be back until late, andmy parents and the Harpers will probably watch the jazz band until they pack up."
I walk past him toward the back door, and he catches my wrist gently. "Where are you going?"
I look over my shoulder, letting a little of the heat I've been trying to suppress show in my eyes. "To the hot tub. Coming?"
Without waiting for his answer, I slide the back door open and step onto the back deck. The cold air hits me like a slap, but I don't hesitate.
Thank you liquid courage.
The double dose of spiked hot chocolate has already started loosening the tension in my body as I reach for the hem of my sweater and pull it over my head, dropping it onto a nearby chair. My boots and pants follow, and I stand there in just my matching black lace bra and underwear, skin prickling with goosebumps and something else entirely when I feel Bash's gaze on me.
I purposefully don't look back as I climb the steps to the hot tub and slide off the cover. Steam instantly rises into the night air, inviting and enticing. I dip one toe in, testing the temperature, then sink into the bubbling water with a contented sigh.
It’s only then that I look up at Bash. He hasn't moved from the doorway, his expression a mixture of desire and something that looks suspiciously like awe.
"Well?" I challenge, feeling bold. "Are you just going to let that drool freeze on your face, or are you going to join me?
That breaks his trance. He grins, that cocky, heart-stopping grin that first drew me to him at the bar back home. In one fluid motion, he pulls his sweater over his head, revealing the sculpted torso I've been trying not to think about since our shower earlier.
His boots and jeans follow, and then he's standing there in nothing but dark boxer briefs that cling to his powerful thighs. The sight sends heat coursing through me.
"Like what you see, Shortcake?" he teases, catching me staring.
I don't bother denying it. "You know I do."
He climbs in beside me, the water sloshing slightly as he settles. "God, this feels good," he groans, leaning his head back against the edge. The jets churn the water around us, creating a soothing white noise that feels oddly intimate.
For a moment, we just sit there, letting the hot water work its magic on our muscles. Snowflakes drift lazily from the sky, melting as soon as they hit the steaming surface. I glance up and can see the mountains silhouetted against the night sky, stars scattered like diamond dust above them.
"This view never gets old," I murmur.
"Couldn't agree more," Bash says, but when I turn to look at him, he's not looking at the mountains. He's staring at me.
My breath catches. "This is dangerous," I whisper, not entirely sure if I'm talking to him or reminding myself.
"I know." He shifts closer, water rippling between us. "But I think we passed 'dangerous' a while ago, don't you?"
