He watched her retreat down the hallway, the rifle still pointed downward.He enjoyed the familiar sway of her hips as she walked.It brought back memories of when they were younger.
He couldn’t help yet again to think about all he had lost over the years.He really had thrown it all away.
She disappeared into her bedroom and minutes later, he saw her dart back out into the hallway with a bundle of clothes in her arms.
“Don’t change the subject.I know you’ve got a thing for Nick.I can read you like a book,” he called after her, unable to resist one last tease.
He couldn’t help himself.Teasing her felt like slipping into an old, comfortable skin, even if it no longer fit the way it used to.
And Nick has a thing for you, he added silently.
The only reply was the quiet sound of a door closing, followed not long after by the steady stream of water running from the shower.The sound of running water sent heat surging through him.His memories and his imagination collided in a way that made his breath hitch.
His mind filled with vivid images of Jenna.Naked.The spray of the shower pummelling her luscious breasts, the water meandering over her tummy and dipping between her thighs.
Those thoughts distracted him from his cooking.
Yeah, she was in the shower.No clothes.
He exhaled, tense, fighting to banish those naughty visions, but it was pointless.
His body instinctively responded, as his imagination spun out of control.Desire surged and his shaft became a rock-hard post, pressing boldly against his pants.
“Come on, don’t do this to me,” Axel muttered to his cock.
He gripped the spatula a little too tightly, forcing his mind back to the stove, to the meal, to anything but the image of her under that spray.The absurdity of scolding himself almost made him laugh.Prison had taught him discipline, but Jenna had unraveled it in seconds.
“Hey!I’m back,” Nick called out as he pushed open the screen door and stepped into the kitchen.
Damn but it smelled like heaven in here.The scents of steak and spices wrapped around him like a hug he didn’t know he needed.
Behind him came a bark and Nick held the door open, allowing Daisy to trot inside.
“Thought you were going to visit the horses, woman?”Nick said to the dog as she entered.
But Nick was all forgotten as the moment she spotted Axel, the poodle dashed over to him, her tail wagging, her feet prancing up a storm as she circled him with obvious excitement.Watching her choose to go over to Axel sent a strange, unexpected warmth through him.It was like he was seeing two pieces of his world click together.
He didn’t miss the warm smile that played on Axel’s lips and the slow shake of his head as the man looked down at Daisy.It struck Nick that Axel was likely to fall for Daisy’s charms, just as he had and that gave his heart quite a bit of joy.
“Wish I could scrub you behind your ears, sweetie, but I’m cooking.Go on, get your pats from your dad over there,” Axel said.The tenderness in Axel’s voice tugged at something deep inside Nick’s chest.It was a softness he rarely let himself feel.
Daisy wasn’t having any rejection.She let out a small bark making Axel swear softly.
“You won’t resist those beautiful brown eyes of hers for long, and she won’t leave you alone until she gets what she wants.”
Nick stepped to the double sink, quickly washed his hands, dried them on a towel, and then opened cupboards to get out the dishes and glasses.He noticed that Jenna’s purse was missing from the spot in the cupboard and realized Jenna must have removed it, preventing Axel from accidentally discovering her pre-natal vitamins.Relief flickered through him.One less secret at risk.However, the weight of what he knew pressed heavier on his shoulders.
“Fine,” Axel eventually grumbled in reluctant surrender.
Nick laughed as Axel leaned down to scratch the dog’s curl enshrouded head.As expected, the dog then flopped onto her back, clearly demanding a belly rub.
“Oh come on, man.Are you freaking kidding me?”Axel exclaimed, half-laughing and half-annoyed as she wiggled like a grub in anticipation.
“Better take care of her needs or—” Nick began.
“Or she won’t leave me alone.I get it.”Axel shot Nick a glare, then pivoted.
“Fine, then you can set the table,” Axel conceded.
