As soon as he flicked on a couple more lamps, I caught sight of a comfy couch by a fireplace and the massive windows. I bet it had a splendid view of the woods during the day, but all I could see was our shadows and the pitch black darkness beyond the glass. There were three doors that led to other rooms.
“Nice place,” I blurted without thinking.
“Thank you.” Vee half-smiled and took off his jacket and hung it on a hook by the door.
I gave him another once-over. He was way bigger than most guys on our team, probably even taller than Bo, andhewas massive. His heavily corded muscles popped out of that functional shirt.
Who knew forest rangers looked like this? This dude looked more like a spec ops soldier.
I remembered a cartoon character from my childhood. The guy had been a park ranger, and he didn’t have much muscle but a bit of a belly in his green uniform. He shared that with Vee, who, upon closer inspection, had a cute little paunch, too. I didn’t care. I worked my butt off to stay in shape. It would be nice to have someone soft to cuddle with.
Shit, Nate. Stop it!
I really shouldn’t have gotten so wasted. It wasn’t my thing to size people up based on their fuckability, or even pay attention to that in a guy who just saved my ass.
He can pound it if he wants,my inner voice added, and I hoped he wasn’t psychic or I’d end up as chicken feed, and not the kind my body fancied.
Vee bent down to the faintly glowing embers, adding more wood. Watching him fan the fire and having it going strong in no time was weirdly hot?
I sighed when the warmth washed over me.
“Better?” he asked again, pushing up to his full height.
“Loads better, yeah. I didn’t realise how cold I was.”
“You don’t until it’s too late. That was dangerous. You were lucky I found you.”
I’d say so, yes.
“Howdidyou find me?”
“Well, I was making my usual rounds. We have had poachers in the last few weeks, and I saw a light in the distance. I thought you were one of them. We’re trying to catch them in the act, you know?”
“How are you so sure I’m not one of them?” I asked before I could stop myself.
What the fuck is wrong with you, Nate? Chicken man thinking you’re a poacher is the last thing you want!
Vee snorted and started ticking off his reasons on his chunky fingers. It was only now that I noticed he had four instead of five on each hand.
“Well, one thing is, you weren’t trying to hide and just left the light on. You were asleep. Everything about you screamed ‘American tourist.’ And I’ve never seen a poacher in such a flimsy outfit. Never seen one so attractive, either,” he added as an afterthought. His beak snapped shut. He gave his mohawk a quick stroke and let out a sigh, looking adorably flustered.
So, he thinks I’m attractive?I made sure to keep that smug little smile off my face.
“What are they poaching?” I asked instead.
“Mushrooms.” There was something he wasn’t saying, but I didn’t press the matter. I didn’t give a fuck, either. It was Bo who was into mushrooms, not me.
But good God, he’s really gorgeous.
Without thinking, I walked over to him. He stood like a statue, eyes willing me to stop. I couldn’t. Unbidden, I raised my hand and ran my fingers over the glossy feathers at his neck. I couldn’t believe I’d actually consider fucking him, but he totally did it for me.
“What are you doing?” Vee’s voice picked up more gravel as he ruffled his plumage a little. Not to dislodge my hand, I thought, but to make himself even prettier. He was a cock trying to impress his flock.
Holy shit, I’m impressed.
“No idea.” It was true. I couldn’t keep my hands off him. I just wanted him naked so I could explore every inch of him.
“Take this off.” My eyes stayed glued to his cushy pecs as I tugged on his shirt.
