“Honestly,” said Lacey, still oblivious to Michael’s presence. “What was I thinking? Maybe Mommy will comfort him when he goes home.”
What had he ever seen in her? The same things Jacob did, he supposed. It bothered him to think he might have been so shallow. Clearly, he’d been willing to overlook several glaring personality defects because of her attractive face.
He’d been a sucker. When he looked at her now, he saw anything but beauty.
Swallowing his distaste, he finished loading up his truck and headed into the backyard to see Emily.
Now there was real beauty. With her honest smile, woman’s body, and her good heart, she belonged on a pedestal in a museum. He supposed someone who ran in Lacey’s circles might look at Emily and see flaws. Those birthmarks on her cheek, the ones he loved kissing. And then there was her cute belly, so smooth he wanted to rub his face all over it.
Some might call herhippy.
She was bloody well perfect in his books, and he couldn’t wait to explore her body again, to be able to elicit the whimpers and moans that made his cock stand at attention.
As he neared the back gate, Eli walked in the opposite direction, knees muddy from kneeling in the dirt.
“Hey. Em’s out back.”
“I know.”
Eli grabbed his arm. “Go easy, tiger. You don’t want to explode that ticker of yours.”
Of course, his brothers figured out he’d slept with Emily. He hadn’t said a word to them but they had eyes. “My ticker’s fine.”
Only as he encountered her in the backyard, on her hands and knees, he realized his heart was in grave danger. Smiling, he leaned up against the back gate and watched her for a moment. Digging in the dirt, trying to dislodge some stubborn roots under the soil, she hadn’t noticed his arrival. On all fours, she made for a sweet picture.
“Careful, Dimples.” He approached and tapped her bum. “Keep bending over like that and I might forget we’re in mixed company.”
“Michael.” She looked over her shoulder, her eyes lit. “Someone might see.” Although her stern tone was meant to chastise, her wide smile indicated her good humor.
“Everyone’s headed home. Besides, let them see. I don’t want to hide away, Em.”
She got up on one knee and groaned. Reaching for his hand, she let him help her up. “My legs are killing me. I think I’ve been on my knees all day.”
“You’re giving me such fantasies, woman.” He glanced around, just to be safe no one watched. “One kiss.” He stole it, grazing his lips over her cheek.
Her body stiffened under his touch. “That’s it for now, big boy. I’m sorry. It wasn’t all that long ago theHandymencrew thought I was engaged, remember?”
“I know.”
“It’s not that I don’t want to kiss you back. Believe me, I do, but not only do I have my own reputation to consider, there’s yours as well.”
“You’re worried about our reputations? That’s adorable. Don’t you think it sounds old-fashioned?”
“I know, but my head’s all over the place. Michael, I don’t want anyone to think I cheated.”
“It’s okay. I understand.”
“Would it make any difference if I told you I was totally distracted today while Eli was trying to teach me about proper placement for shrubs?”
“It might, depending on what distracted you.”
“Oh, just the memory of you doing certain things I can’t mention right now.” She nodded over his shoulder.
He turned and spotted Eli on his return. “How about you come over to my place tonight? We can talk about…certain things.”
“I’d like that.”
“You kids ready to call it a day?” Eli asked.
