She sighed, pleasure already easing her aches. “You have a hot tub?”
“Yep. First thing I did when I decided to move out here was fill that sucker and make sure it works. It’s hot, it’s on, and we’re both getting in.” He released her and walked forward to push the top off the Jacuzzi. “Roscoe?”
The dog padded out, yawning widely.
Angus pointed to the darkness of the forested land beyond the porch. “Scout.”
Roscoe sighed. It really seemed he sighed. Then he bounded off the porch and ran into the trees. When he didn’t bark, Angus moved back toward her. “I’ll grab a drink and two towels and we’ll get in.”
She hesitated. “I didn’t bring a suit.”
His throaty chuckle did unmentionable things to her insides. “Baby? You don’t wear anything to hot tub in the middle of nowhere.”
Baby. He’d called her that before. The soft word sent butterflies whirling through her abdomen. There was too much risk here for both of them. The safety of just one night together had fled and her heart wasn’t up for the crushing it would take when he left. “Angus, I am not in the mood.”
“Me either. We’re going to ease our aches and then go to bed. That’s all.” He brushed the hair from her shoulder and leaned in to look closely at her pupils. “You’re not dilated and you ate a decent dinner, so I don’t think the concussion is that bad.”
She swallowed. Angus in a sweet mood was too much to handle. “You just want to check out all my bruises, then.”
His eyes glowed. “Honey, I’ve been watching you all night. I know what hurts.” He turned her toward the hot tub. “Hang your clothes on the pegs beneath the overhang so they don’t get wet. I’ll give you a minute.” Then he went back inside.
She shivered, and not from the cold. Well, the hot tub would help ease her pain, and it was big enough for both of them to sit in without touching. Plus, it was dark outside. She removed her clothes and hung them on the pegs before easing herself into the heated water.
It felt delicious. Her toes tingled and she wiggled them to get used to the heat. Warmth surrounded her, digging into her aching muscles. The door opened, and she slid to the far side, sitting in a deeper area where the water reached her neck.
Angus walked out, set his glass on the edge, and stripped off his shirt. The wide span of his muscled torso bunched and moved as he did.
Her mouth watered. The light coming from the cabin door lit him from behind and his face remained in shadow. His hands went to the buckle of his belt, and she turned to watch Roscoe sniffing the edge of the porch. Her face warmed and she waited until Angus slid into the hot tub. Water splashed her way and she lifted herself to keep it from her face. Then it dissipated.
He sank down with a groan of pure relief. “Everybody should have a Jacuzzi.”
She breathed in deeply and let her body relax. Then she reached for her hair and secured it on top of her head by tying a loose knot. Leaning her head back on the edge, she sighed. “This feels so much better.”
“I’m sorry I brought you into this mess,” Angus said, shifting his weight and rolling water over her. “I really am.”
“It’s not your fault.” She kept her eyes closed. “Although it’s not fair that you get to drink and I don’t.”
“You have a concussion and I probably don’t.” He sighed. “Also, it is my fault that you are in danger. I’m the target, and that makes everyone else around me a target. A man tried to kidnap you.” His voice lowered and a thread of anger resonated in the dark tone.
She shivered. “I’m aware of that fact.” She opened her eyes to stare at him through the night, unable to keep herself from diving into his head a little. “You aren’t responsible for everybody around you. Did you ever get counseling after losing your sister?”
His head jerked. “Knock it off, Nari. I don’t want a shrink.”
That was a no. “I’m not trying to counsel you. Friends talk, too.”
“Is that what we are? Friends?” Was that sarcasm? Yep, definitely.
She rolled back her shoulders to let the heated water soothe them, her injured body way too aware of his naked, muscled tightness so close to her. “I don’t know what we are, but friends is a good start, don’t you think?”
“Sure. Friends is the ending, too.” He watched her, his face shrouded by the night. “I am leaving. The second we catch this guy, whoever he is, I’m leaving.”
“Back to your solitude and booze, huh?” When he didn’t answer, she stretched out her legs, careful to avoid touching him, even though her fingers ached to run over that impressive chest again. “Don’t worry, Force. I’m a smart enough woman to know that when a guy tells you he’s not a keeper, you should believe him. I believe you.”
For the first time his gaze flickered. “I’m sorry.”
“No problem.” She wasn’t asking anyway. “The fact that you feel responsible for your sister has you pushing everyone away. Yet you haven’t exactly succeeded, have you? You’re attached to the team, and that closeness isn’t going away, even if you do.” She held up a hand when he straightened. “Don’t worry. I’m done analyzing you.Friend.”
* * *
