"We're going out to prep some of the cabins, Sunshine," he says."We've got hikers coming in for Valentine's Day.We'll stay there overnight, then head back down in the daylight."
"Oh," I say ruefully.And then what he said sinks in."Um, how are we going?"
"We'll drive part of the way, then hike in once the trail ends."
I gulp, my stomach churning.
"It's an easy hike, Cordelia."
"That's…not the problem," I wheeze, sinking down onto the sofa as anxiety claws through me.I lower my head, taking deep breaths as spots swim before my eyes.
"Fuck," Deacon growls, stomping toward me.He places his hand on my back, pressing firmly."Put your head between your knees and take deep breaths, baby."
I don't know what in our short history makes him think I'm capable of contorting my body into that position.Maybe he missed the size of my boobs and belly, but they don't exactly make contortionism easy!
"Do it, Cordelia," he orders, his voice cracking like a whip.
I slump forward, doing my best to obey.
"Good girl," he murmurs."Now breathe for me, baby.Deep breaths."
I suck in a breath and exhale it.The black spots in my vision slowly disappear.
"Better?"
"Yes," I whisper.
"Good," he growls, plucking me up from the couch like a ragdoll.His hands sink into my hips, his furious gray eyes meeting mine as he lifts me to my feet."I don't know what the hell you're so afraid of, but you're going to tell me.Now."
"Paul Bunyan, save me," I whisper, caught in the maelstrom swirling through his eyes.They're the color of gunmetal now, shooting off sparks.They're so pretty.And so is he, like a fiery, furious Viking warlord.
He curses, his breath washing across my face.
"Deacon."
"Say it, Sunshine."
"Say..."I don't know how I know what he means, but something sinful and seductive flickers in his eyes and I realize exactly what he wants me to say.My core clenches, some wanton woman inside breaking free.I place my hand on his chest, anchoring myself, and whisper the word he wants to hear right now."Sir."
"Fuck."His rough hands tighten on my hips in a possessive grip, his mouth slanting down on mine.
I forget about my fear.I forget that he's my cranky boss.I forget everything but the way he sips at my lips as if he's never tasted anything sweeter.He controls the kiss, controlsme, as he drags me closer, pressing me up against his body.
There are boulders, and then there's Deacon.He's a mountain himself, as hard as his kiss, as fierce as that growl.And that definitely is not a sock in his jeans because I can feel the hard ridge of it against my belly.
My brain short-circuits.I'm in sensory overloading and it is awesome!His rough hands.His strength.The way his tongue strokes mine, coaxing it into an erotic, sensual dance.The feel of his beard against my face and his cedar and brandy scent swirling around me.He's everywhere at once, as if he's seeping into my pores.
I press closer, dragging my hands up and down his chest in a shameless attempt to touch as much of him as possible.Right up until my hand wanders a little too far south anyway and lands right on his massive erection.
"Goddamn, Sunshine," he rasps, ripping his mouth from mine.
We glance down at my hand at the same time.I see it on his erection.My brain tells me this is bad.But my body and my brain are apparently not speaking the same language, because instead of yanking my hand away, I squeeze his dick.
"Fuck!"he growls.
The next thing I know, I'm bent over the arm of the sofa with my dress up around my waist.His rough hand comes down on my right cheek in a hard smack.
"Deacon!"I sob, a powerful pulse shooting straight to my clit.
