His resulting smile made me feel safe and secure and completely at ease.
“Angel, youarethe vibe.”
~ 8 ~
HAYDEN
For a physical therapist, you’d think I could be better at rubbing things on my own body. When it was your own kneading fingers, it just wasn’t the same, though. Giving yourself a footrub didn’t feel nearly as good as when someone else put their hands on you.
And right now, I had no idea which of the boys I’d let rub me first.
Seriously, Hayden?
It seemed a shame not to think about them, though. Carter had that stubbled jaw I was always a sucker for, not to mention the most panty-dropping brown eyes. His very presence was intimidating, yet somehow reassuring at the same time. Sawyer was equally handsome; tall, wiry, and full of a coiled, almost limitless energy. He had a perpetually mischievous smile, too. Like he just swiped the last french fry from your plate; and was daring you to call him on it.
And then there was Bodie, who I had a serious crush on. His six-foot-five frame was filled out in all the right places, in the most chiseled of ways. It was obvious he worked out, but his strength came with an underlying power, too. Beneath that strong Italian nose and naturally tan skin was the heart of a quiet warrior, and someone who looked suspiciously like he could kick a whole lot of ass.
I shifted from one ass cheek to the other, sliding my left foot to the floor as I grabbed for my right. At least the fire had warmed me up some. Right now it was roaring nicely, courtesy of the three logs I’d fed it on the way to the couch. I’d skipped the midnight snack, though. I hadn’t wanted to make any noise, for fear of waking them.
“Morning, shred queen.”
The voice just appeared over my shoulder, like some weird, ventriloquist’s trick. By the time I finished gasping in surprise, Sawyer was already sliding in next to me on the couch.
“What in the world are you doing out here?”
I looked him over, as my heart climbed its way out of my throat. He wore a plain white T-shirt, a pair of sleep sweats, and had the most adorable case of bed-head I’d ever seen.
“I couldn’t sleep,” I admitted. “That back bedroom is, well… a little cold.”
“I knew it,” he shook his head. “It’s too far from the fire. I told Carter as much, but he insisted you take it.”
“No, no, it’s fine. I just—”
“You can have my room,” he insisted. “I’ll even give you my blanket. I don’t really use it, I’m warm-blooded as it is.”
“Not a chance,” I protested. “The three of you have given me more than enough alread—”
Any other words that might’ve come out of my mouth were lost forever, as Sawyer casually slid my feet into his hands. He took the closest one and began kneading and rubbing it, causing my eyes to roll back in pure pleasure.
“You were saying?”
I couldn’t even begin to speak. His thumbs were turning the arch of my foot into warm, melted butter.
“Fuuuuck…” I managed to breathe.
He laughed. “Not the first time I’ve heard that.”
I’d completely underestimated how tired my feet were. In retrospect, jamming them into rental ski boots was probably not the best of ideas, especially since I hadn’t worn a pair in pretty much forever.
“Heard from evil Hercules, yet?”
My eyes, which had closed involuntarily, fluttered back open.
“If you mean Cole, yes and no.”
He frowned. “Elaborate?”
“No, in that I’m not turning my phone on all weekend,” I declared. “Other than the quick call I made to Amy, to let her know I’m still alive.”
