Jax is nowhere to be seen, which means he’s already outside. Taking a deep breath, I make my way out the back door and onto the deck. Goosebumps dance across my arms. It’s cooler here in the higher elevation at night this close to the mountains.
Steam rises, curling in the air above the hot tub nestled in the corner of the deck, tucked up against the railing.
Jax is already in the water, facing me, eyes closed.
Moonlight hits his broad shoulders, highlighting the intricate tattoos trailing down both arms and one side of his torso. His nipple piercings gleam as the water bubbles around them.
Jesus. Could this guybeany hotter?
My pulse quickens and my core clenches as I take a step closer, hand fisting the towel tight. Two wine glasses rest on the edge of the tub, bottle sitting within arm’s reach.
As if sensing my presence, Jax opens his eyes, pinning me with a look so intense, I literally have to fight against the urge to squirm. Dark and hungry, his gaze travels so slowly over my body, it feels like it’s scorching me from the inside out.
I know I should just get in. I know I’m stronger than this. Still, all I can do is stare at him, clutching the towel to my chest like a shield.
“You gonna stand there all night, sweet cheeks, or are you going to get your sexy ass in here?” His voice is a low rumble, vibrating through every cell.
I take a deep breath. “Turn around.”
“Seriously?” he chuckles, making no effort to move.
“Humor me,” I insist, suddenly feeling shy despite my earlier bravado I’d talked myself into.
With an exaggerated sigh, he turns, giving me his back. Even from behind, he’s impressive. Muscles ripple beneath tanned skin as he reaches for the wine bottle, and I can’t help but stare at the way water droplets cling to his hair and trickle down his neck. Damn, he’s sculpted like a Greek god.
Quickly dropping my towel, I get in, sinking into the bubbling water with a sigh of relief. The heat immediately begins to work its magic on my sore muscles, and I close my eyes, savoring the sensation.
“Can I turn around now?” Jax asks, amusement evident in his voice.
“Yes.”
Swiveling to face me, his gaze immediately drops to my chest. As soon as he sees the water-soaked, pink transparent lace, his gaze darkens even further, pupils dilating as he takes it all in.
“Come here,” he says, his voice a low, commanding growl.
Caught off guard by his tone, I blink. “What?”
“I said...”His voice drops even lower, each word deliberate, heavy with intent. “Come. Here.”
There’s something about the way he says those words—as if he’s used to being obeyed—that sends heat rushing to my core.
Unable to look away, I slowly move forward through the bubbling water, taking the seat next to him.
Dipping a hand below the surface, he leans down, wraps his fingers around my ankle, and gently tugs my foot into his lap, making me gasp in surprise.
“You said your muscles are sore from riding,” he murmurs as he starts kneading the arch of my foot with his thumbs.
“Oh, shit,” I groan as he applies just the right amount of pressure. His strong fingers work their magic, finding knots I didn’t even know existed. “That feels amazing.”
“I know,” he says with a cocky grin.
I snort.
He switches to my other foot, hands firm yet gentle as they work out the tension. I sink deeper under the water, letting my head fall back against the side. When he finishes with my feet, he tugs me closer.
“Turn around,” he instructs, voice husky.
Hesitating for only a second, I obey. Nestled between his legs, his hands find my shoulders, fingers digging in. I can’t help the moan that escapes my lips.
