All I know is that if she follows me and keeps the space between us limited, I’m going to do something stupid. Something I won’t be able to take back.
At her nod, and the hope that she’ll cling to the fire a little longer to avoid any sickness, I’m off to get some food started.
* * *
Tatum doesn’t take long to start relaxing for this short vacation. After helping herself to the bath and soaking up every ounce of hot water she could get her hands on, it feels like an eternity before she steps out in a set of silky pajamas that automaticallymakes my mouth water and my cock swell painfully against my thigh.
Once the smell of cocoa butter hits my nose, I know I’m done for. It takes all the strength I have not to let out a groan when she comes straight for me, settling on the other side of my sofa. The only thing separating us is a single cushion. Hardly far enough to avoid my hand if I tried to reach over and touch her.
Expecting her to comment on the silence surrounding us, maybe even complain about the lack of things I have to do when trapped inside, I catch myself glancing over in her direction to see she’s got her eyes closed and a gentle smile on her face.
She’s just like me, enjoying the tranquility that comes with all of this silence. At this point, I’m thinking she’s enjoying it even more than I am.
Makes me wonder what would happen if I asked her to stay a little longer than a couple of days. What if I solved all of her problems by asking her to stay forever? She won’t have to worry about job layoffs, then.
Stop thinking crazy, Abel. She’s looking for comfort, not a permanent change of lifestyle
My gaze flickers down her small button nose before reaching her lips. They’re full and look so soft.
Something in my chest stirs around, and I’m forced to tear my eyes away. What was I doing before she came in here? Besides mindlessly watching the fire crackle and pop while pretending I didn’t hear every splash and sigh that came through the cracks of the bathroom door.
“I was thinking about going on a hike tomorrow. If the mud isn’t quicksand, I mean.” Opening her eyes, she turns and puts all of her attention on me. “What’s the chance of me getting lost?”
As she’s speaking the words, I’m already imagining it. Her wandering off path, or slipping on a wet patch of grass andhurting herself. All by her lonesome, she wouldn’t have anyone there at her side to help her out.
I shouldn’t be feeling as bothered by it as much as I am.
“The trails are marked with paint and ribbons, but people get lost all of the time. Unless you prepare well, anything could happen out there. Throw in the dangerous animals and whatever other threats reside… I think you’re better off staying right here.”
Right where I can see her to make sure she’s safe. In my cabin, nothing can happen to her.
“Or…” She scooches closer to me, now covering half of the cushion between us. “We could go together. Why not show me some cool hangout spots? Or, a pond or something. I bought a bathing suit. Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve gone swimming?”
She’s radiating with excitement, and here I am, fighting my hardest to hold in a groan at the thought of her wearing a bathing suit. Even when I’m purposely not trying, she continues to weasel herself into my head. Now I’m thinking about bare skin and curves for days.
The way my cock twitches against my thigh, it responds to the images in my head enough to make me shift how I’m sitting to bring less attention to myself.
Only a few hours spent with a woman, a gorgeous one at that, and I can’t act right.
“I can think of a few spots…” As bad of an idea as it is, the words slip out. “But it’s a lengthy walk. A couple of miles at least. That won’t be too much?”
Turning to look at her, I realize just how close she is. Leaning my way, she’s containing her smile by biting down on that plump bottom lip.
Christ. She’s been smiling nonstop now, appearing to be a different person from the one I found on my doorstep.
It’s taking strength not to reach up and push some of her raven-colored hair behind her ear. While I can fight that urge, I can’t help but drown in those ocean eyes. They look far brighter when filled with sunshine than with a storm.
“I think I could handle it.” Unaware of the disaster happening in my head, she pauses as she catches herself. “You really wouldn’t mind? I don’t want to take you away from home, but I really want to see what this mountain has to offer.”
If she likes what she sees, will she be more obliged to stick around if the opportunity comes? If not here with me, could she move to Willowbrook Ridge? While I may not leave my cabin much, I’d be more willing to drift toward town if it meant getting the chance to bump into her.
“I don’t mind one bit.” Throat tight, my voice sounds unfamiliar. Strange. “I’ll keep you safe. Just don’t do anything reckless and make me regret it, okay?”
Nodding, she fills me with both relief and longing when she pulls back. “I have something to look forward to, then.” Pulling away entirely, a yawn passes her lips before she stretches.
That silk doesn’t even try to cling, automatically lifting with her arms. Beneath the hem, I see a sliver of skin. Barely an inch, but it’s enough to inflict damage.
You’re not some young, virgin. Stop getting worked up.
