He’s in every corner of my mind, and if my history is any indication, I should absolutely be freaking out. At a minimum, I should be making plans to get as far away from him as possible instead of what I am doing—trying to convince myself I need to maintain a respectful distance at this dinner tonight.
And not, you know, mauling him in front of strangers.
Running my hands over my face to drag me out of fantasy land, I wave to Ant as he heads out with Bram and Nacho. He waves back with a small smile on his face.
I linger for a few moments by my truck as Levy puts away his tools.
“Thank you so much for all your help today,” Levy says, hugging my side.
He smells like hard work and creek water, which should be a turn-off. Only…my heart is thumping hard, and I’m wondering if it would be rude to put off this Sunday dinner everyone seems to love so much.
My hand automatically goes to his bare belly, and I run my nose up his neck, loving his little shiver. Loving even more that he doesn’t pull away.
Couldn’t avoid him if I tried.
“When are you putting up the misting system?” I ask, kissing his temple.
“I, uh…tomorrow.”
“Excellent. I’ll be here bright and early.”
He offers no argument but pulls away from me. Our bare skin makes a sticky sound as we part, a protest if ever I heard one. Smiling and appearing a little nervous, Levy grabs his T-shirt and walks into his trailer, sending me a bashful wave before closing the door.
I consider walking up to that door and letting myself in. Instead, I curse myself and get into my banged-up truck. Pulling out my phone, I send my sister a text.
Me: I might be in some kind of trouble up here.
Yaya: Are you in danger?
Me: Yes. I’m falling for one of the guys who works at the ranch.
Yaya: Let me guess: the tattooed therapist.
Me: Ugh, yes. It’s a tragedy.
Yaya: How dramatic. Does he at least have a good ass?
Me: Of course.
Yaya: Then maybe it’s time.
Me: This is not helpful.
Yaya:
Not helpful at all.
13
LEVY
Dinner last night was a test of my patience. I spent all yesterday watching Javier, shirtless and soaked by the sun, putting together my deck. The way he made opportunities to hang back with me, put his hands on me, tell me how sexy he thought I was…sigh. It fucking drove me crazy.
Worse—better?—he’d taken the lead and helped the other guys when they had questions. Watching him teach Ant how to float, seeing how it impacted him…goddammit.
Last night at Rebel Sky, however, he sat at the opposite end of the enormous dining area from me while getting flirty with the ranch’s throuple.
Joaquin, Colt, and Wick are hot as all get out, and I was, to be perfectly honest, envious. First of all, Javier and Joaquin should never be allowed in the same room. That is too much fucking sexy in one space and is, at the very minimum, a fire hazard.
