Colton finishes his lap and sets me down on the step. All I have to do is retreat to the undercover patio area, collect my cup, and take another shower. But I can’t just walk away.
I cross my arms. I don’t know who to be mad at. I can’t be mad at Colton, as he only lost the bet. I don’t even care what the bet was. I fix my gaze on Priest as he’s in charge.
He shrugs. “Can’t have you staring at my guys like a starving kitten.”
Reed grins. “I told you I’d find a way.”
Hargrave sighs and looks up at the sky. “Fair play, Ashley. You want to watch. Sometimes you have to play.”
I press my lips together. They’re right. It’s not a secret that I enjoy watching them. And there has been a bit of teasing that goes both ways. But there’s four of them and only one of me.
I bite the inside of my lip. This time I’m blaming the heating of my face on the fact that I was carried like a sack of potatoes. I should tell them I won’t watch anymore, but I have the feeling that they’d miss that as much as me.
The heat sinks into my blood and travels lower. It doesn’t help that I remember the way Colton lifted me, and ran with me so easily, and that I can feel where his hands were.
“Now I need another shower, because I’m sweaty.”
Reed puts his hand over his heart. “What a coincidence, we’re heading to the showers too.”
Priest smacks him over the back of his head.
“Ow.” Reed takes a step away, so he’s out of range.
I arch one eyebrow. “And what? You think I’m going to jump in with all of you?”
“The invitation is always there,” Reed says, taking another couple of steps away from Priest, who shoots him a glare.
For half a second, I’m tempted to push to see who’ll back down first. But from the looks on their faces, I know I’m not the only hungry kitten and if I pick the fight, I’m going to lose.
Do they expect me to shower with all of them? Does that mean they all want me? And want to share me?
What else could it mean? I swallow and hope they don’t see how appealing that idea is on my face.
“I’ll keep that in mind.” I turn away and pick up my cup before scurrying inside.
CHAPTER2
Priest
I should’ve knownReed would take it too far. He sees a line in the sand as something to not just step over but erase. Ever since I asked Ashley if she wanted to have a drink, I’ve been really careful not to overstep. Not because my pride was wounded, but because I don’t want to freak her out.
She’s curious, that is clear. But also hesitant, and I don’t want to spook her. I want her to come to us.
“Do you know how to be subtle?” I cut Reed a glare that has no effect.
He doesn’t even flinch. “You’ve been subtle for weeks, and all you’ve gotten is a rejection. Colton got hands on.”
Colton’s eyebrows lift slightly.
That he’d been the slowest today is what had earned him the extra lap. I didn’t think he’d actually choose Ashley over the tire, but then he and Reed must have cooked it up together.
She’d be well within her rights to put in a complaint, but Hargrave is right. That she’s been watching us train for weeks as if she’s waiting for something to happen is our only defense. Not that I think we’ll need it.
“You two can pack away.” I point at Reed and Colton.
They both groan, but I don’t care.
When I first met them, I thought their files were mixed up. Reed collected medals the way Colton collected trouble. I know why Colton got kicked out of the military. But he’s too fucking good to be tossed aside for someone full of yes sirs and no brain cells.
