“Oh, my God. Are you for real?” She didn’t crack a smile as he’d hoped.
His hands shot up; palms outward in a defensive apology. He grinned. If Aria only knew where his thoughts lay. “I’m sorry.” He scratched his chin and dragged in a deep breath to cool his burning body. Fuck, this wasn’t right. He was a guest in her home and acting like a damn hound dog. ‘You’re disgusting,’ his sister-in-law’s snide comment played in his head. Then again, his lack of shame made him an outright ass—and he liked it. He always went after what he wanted. “Hmm...maybe I’m not.”
Aria whirled away without another word, stomped indoors, and the hard slam of the door rattled the windows.
Reece chuckled. Stoked, he’d annoyed her further. Her irritation sparked his arousal, and his cock jerked hard. Fuck, what he wouldn’t give to get her into his bed, again. No one piqued his interest as high as Aria. Women jumped into his bed without him asking. Aria’s lack of interest made his desire stronger.
He turned as she came back outside with Prisha in tow. “I’m off to the grocer. Feel free to entertain yourself. No need to chop any more wood, you’ve proved yourself.”
“Proved myself? That wasn’t the intention.”
“Could’ve fooled me.”
“C’ mon, Aria, cut me some slack.” His irritation got the better of him. “There’s a whole lot more wood to chop.” He pointed to the uncut timber.
“Yeah. Well, I’ll do it myself.” She shrugged and ran down the steps.
“Yourself?” He cocked a brow in surprise.
Aria stopped at the double-cab door and turned. “I don’t need a knight in cowboy boots, Reece. I chop the wood as and when we need it.”
“You?”
She buckled Prisha in then walked around the vehicle to the driver’s side. “Yes, believe me, it’s no sweat. Should I remind you of my ability with the skillet?” Without another word, she slid behind the wheel and started the engine. As it roared to life, she gave the vehicle a few revs and shot off down the driveway.
He stared after the receding taillights and laughed. Oh, he believed her all right. If the woman knocked him out with a skillet, he panicked at the damage she’d inflict with an ax. Reece visualized the pain and winced. He grasped his crotch, gave it a rub then backtracked to the wood. No harm in chopping it while he waited.
Chapter Seven
The next morning, Reecetrudged outside. Although sunlight filtered between snow-covered trees, the morning seemed colder than yesterday. He zipped up his jacket. Miserable, he stared at the swirls of black coffee in his mug. He’d risen way too early and not rested enough. Thoughts of Aria’s coldness persisted throughout the night. If he didn’t get a handle on things soon, he might as well pack up and go home.
After she’d returned from the grocer, Aria stayed clear of him except for a few words during dinner. Thank God for Prisha. The child kept up a steady stream of chatter up until she went to bed. When he’d chosen a movie, Aria wished him an early goodnight. Annoyed, he vowed to get on her right side, come hell, high water, or snow. Their stilted conversation this morning began with her offer to take him to the mill, where he could get hold of Billy as she blankly pointed out.
His attention shifted as a red SUV came up the driveway and stopped in front of the porch. Reece set his mug on the rail and ran down the stairs. The driver opened her window, her lips curved in a cheery smile.
“I’m guessing you’re the sexy cowboy Aria mentioned yesterday. Hi. I’m Kelly. The local kindergarten teacher and carpool for this week.” The pretty brunette leaned her head out the window.
