Nothing compared to this woman.
He’d come here to photograph local beauty and intrigue and then leave, not get tangled in it. But in Krista’s golden-brown eyes there was a spark. A promise. A challenge. And it was one he absolutely couldn’t resist.
THREE
KRISTA
Tuesday
The evening had shifted into the kind of summer night that only came after too many margaritas and the ease of friendship. The fire crackled, sending sparks into the inky sky while Frankie sprawled on Joe’s lap as if it were his new throne. Krista pretended not to notice how easily her pup had abandoned her.
Kit topped off everyone’s glasses with the last of the pitcher. “Alright,” she announced. “Who’s ready for a game of truth or dare?”
Zoe groaned and stretched her legs toward the fire. “Okay, but not crazy dares. I’m exhausted.”
Krista watched as Zoe reached for her phone. No doubt there was a text from Jackson, sending a soft smile onto her friend’s lips. Warmth bloomed quietly in Krista’s chest. If Zoe really was pregnant, as she suspected, it would be the best news. Zoe and Jackson had only been together since spring, but they had been best friends, and soulmates, all their lives. They would make wonderful parents.
“I’m in,” Krista said. “But this week, clothes stay on.”
Joe’s dark eyes snapped up from Frankie. “Should I ask?”
Kit grinned. “Last week, she skinny-dipped in the lake.”
“I never back down from a dare,” Krista said, chin high.
Joe’s mouth curved. “Good to know.”
The firelight flickered across his face, and for a heartbeat, Krista forgot what conversation was.
Then Elsie leaned forward, smirking. “Alright, dare me.”
“I dare you to eat an entire jalapeño,” Kit said immediately.
Elsie plucked one from the snack tray, tossed it back like a shot, and chewed. The table erupted with laughter as she fanned her mouth.
“You okay?” Zoe grinned.
“Totally fine. I can’t feel my tongue, but fine.”
Madison leaned back. “Your turn, Zoe, truth or dare?”
“Truth,” Zoe said.
“Have you and Jackson ever hooked up in the greenhouse?” Madison asked flatly.
Zoe’s answering grin was all mischief. “Oh, all the time. Those tomato vines haveseen things.”
The group howled. Then Kit turned, eyes narrowing like a cat spotting prey. “Your turn, Queen Bee. Truth or dare?”
“Dare,” Krista said without hesitation.
Kit tapped a finger to her chin theatrically. “Hmmm…Alright, people, we need something good.”
Krista tried not to look at Joe, but every dare she could imagine somehow involved him, as if it were high school and they were playing spin the bottle. But just thinking of kissing Joe morphed the image into something much steamier.
It was nighttime, the bar was closed, and the lake quiet when the glass bottle landed on him. Everyone else magically faded away leaving only the two of them. Krista didn’t just lean forward to kiss him. She stood and straddled his lap, her kneessinking into the cushion on each side of his thighs. His hand lifted up, cradling the back of her neck. Holding her in place as he bent down and kissed her. Krista sank deeper, the rough drag of denim brushing where she ached––
She shook her head slightly, trying to push the heat of that daydream back under control. No. Focus. Kit was talking, giving her a dare. Something about a switch? Oh God. Switching with Joe…Could she handle letting him take the reins? Or would she surprise herself and take charge? A rush of heat licked through her chest.
