I’d never had someone so willing to banter with me—to throw back everything I had thrown at him. He wasn’t one for long-term relationships, though, as I frequently reminded myself, so I subsisted off our filthy one-liners and texts like a soldier surviving on MREs in the jungle.
When I’d accepted Emery’s land, though, it became too dangerous to keep playing with Rowdy like this. Choosing to live out here full time meant it was time to leave this foolishness behind and start dating serious men. Which was why I’d had the appointment with the matchmaker.
Rowdy spun in place, stopping when he saw me. “Hey, big guy,” he purred, opening his arms. “Welcome to the neighborhood.”
I gulped, staring into those mesmerizing eyes for a second too long before accepting the hug. Fuck. He did feel perfect against my body. He was lanky and average height, like his scary cousin, and fit perfectly under my chin.
This is fine. Everything’s fine. Besides, the matchmaker dates don’t start until next week.
“You missed the grand tour,” I whispered, holding on for longer than seemed appropriate. “And a bathroom sex show. Not to mention the Rebel Sky guys all over a cute girl.”
Huh. Where did the four of them go?
“What a shame,” he cracked. “Unless it’s too late for you to show me your place, stud.”
“Not at all,” I said, still breathless. “I’ll give you a private tour.”
Emery and Woody followed us outside and—ah—there they were. The Rebel Sky trio and their lady friend were making out with each other while, I assumed, waiting for a ride. Warwick had handfuls of the woman’s ass in his hands as he kissed her, and…oh. Colt dropped to his knees in front of Joaquin, unzipping his jeans. Em and Woody laughed off the scene, then continued down the newly constructed driveway, stopping to make out every few seconds.
Rowdy cupped his hand to his mouth. “That’ll go faster if y’all’d focus on walking!”
Woody shot us the finger. Then Emery scooped him up over his shoulder and jogged the rest of the way down the darkened drive.
Rowdy and I laughed, and then, in an attempt to ignore the slurping sounds that were competing with the night crickets’ serenade, I started pointing out the patches of rich, freshly turned earth. “Not much to look at, but all the flower beds are ready for planting.”
He nodded, unbothered by the horny group as he casually sipped his rocket fuel. “You hiring a landscaper?”
“Nah. Thought I’d take a page from Emery’s book and do it myself.”
“At least you’re staying on the ground. Smart.”
Chuckling, I admitted, “Not so much smart as terrified of heights.”
We stood back from the house as Joaquin found his noisy finish, and Rowdy gestured with his red plastic cup, the move loose and easy. “I loved watching this come together. What is this style called?”
“I dunno… cabin in the woods, but make it modern?” I said of the low, split-level structure made of reclaimed wood and as many massive windows as the architect was willing to shove into the space.
I’d been taken by the treehouse feel of Emery’s finished attic and asked my architect if he’d be able to make an entire house feel like that. The modern structure was built on a low pier-and-beam foundation so that it followed the dramatic terrain while utilizing the surrounding trees as cover. Despite the cubist design, the repurposed wood was surprisingly welcoming and allowed my home to fit in with its environment.
Rowdy squatted down, running his fingers over the loose soil, his hair spilling forward. “It’s gorgeous as is, but it’ll be even prettier once you get some planting done.”
“I think so, too,” I said, making fists so I didn’t run my fingers through his hair.
He stood, dusting his hands on his jeans. I pointed out the detached split garage off the right, which held my brand-new truck—a truck, for fuck’s sake—in one bay and several pieces of woodworking equipment in the other. I reached into my pocket and hit the button to open both doors.
Rowdy walked over and peered into the workspace, his fitted shirt rucking up in the back. “You a carpenter?”
“As a hobby, maybe? I like to build things.” My voice trailed off as I appreciated the Wrangler patch on his behind.
An Uber driver crept up the drive and I directed him to the Rebel Sky contingent, who were putting their clothes to rights. Aroused by the debauchery that’d kept me at half staff most of the evening, my eyes returned to the modest curve of Rowdy’s ass. I wanted to run my nose along that tight seam, learn his smell, taste?—
“So, when I redecorate the cabin and need a new headboard, you’re the guy to come to?”
After tearing my eyes away from his backside, I met his amused gaze.Busted.
“Uh, yeah.” I rubbed the back of my head. “Happy to reinforce it for your extracurricular activities.”
He rolled his eyes, then gripped my shirt sleeve as we crossed in front of the house and circled toward the back. The beautifully lit rectangular pool was in the space made by the house’s rear L-shape. While I couldn’t wait to take advantage of the Texas heat, I’d sprung for a solar heat pump so we could enjoy it year-round.
