Instead of getting offended by the less-than-perfect score, I laugh.
“So there’s room for improvement?” I throw a wink as I get to my feet. “I’ll take it.”
Then I head to the kitchen before I do something stupid. Like drag her onto my lap and play bounce the boss.
I need some distance between us.
The faster I feed her, the faster I can get outside and clear the path so we can get to her car.
Because after whatever the hell just happened on that couch, I’m gonna need at least a full day to recover.
“That was fast,” I say as I climb into River’s truck after calling him to help me dig Penny’s car out of the snowbank. “Did you have someone plow your driveway?” Snow still clings to his boots and jacket like he came straight from checking on the animals before heading over here to save my ass.
“No, asshole. I plowed as soon as the snow ended.”
I lift an eyebrow.
“Yeah, I was up until three or four.”
I shake my head. “Your commitment to the farm is incredible, bro. Here I was thinking you were enjoying being snowed in with—”
“Finish that sentence, and I’ll dump your ass right here.”
I cackle, knowing I hit a nerve.
“Hey, it’s all good. I’m just wondering if you finally grew a pair and told Carly how you really feel.”
“For the love of God, Miles, shut your stupid mouth.” He lets out an exasperated breath. “I don’t even want to entertain this line of thinking, but if I don’t nip it in the bud, you’re gonna keep feeding your delusional theories.”
He sounds annoyed, but the way his hands fidget against the steering wheel tells me there’s more to it than what he’s letting on.
“Carly is the animals’ vet. Yes, I think she’s gorgeous.”
I bark out another laugh. “Just gorgeous? How about fuckable?”
“Fuck you, Miles. No, I don’t think about her that way,” he says, gripping the wheel hard enough for his knuckles to turn white.
“Okay, okay. Believe whatever helps you sleep at night.” I lift my hands in surrender.
“Whose car are we picking up anyway?” River asks, smoothly changing the subject. “Please don’t tell me it belongs to one of your one-night stands,” he adds, twisting his face in disgust.
I don’t answer right away.
Technically, Penny is a one-night stand. She’s notjusta one-night stand.
Not after I buried my face between her thighs and came in my sweats like a fucking teenager.
“Fuck,” River groans. “I should’ve asked that before I picked you up. By now, I could’ve been halfway doneshoveling Mama’s walkway and getting treated to hot coffee and fresh bread.”
“I’ll buy you breakfast at Cherry’s Cafe or the Rustic Spoon, whatever’s open, you whiny baby.” I shake my head. “But no, it’s not just any woman. It’s Penny.”
River’s mouth falls open. His eyes widen, though they never leave the road.
“Shit. That’s even worse.”
“Don’t I know it,” I mutter with a humorless laugh, dragging a hand down my face before letting my head fall back against the seat.
“Fuck, Miles. Gio and Xander will whoop your ass if you hurt her. I know she’s a grown woman and can make her own choices, but she’s been a huge part of getting the ice rink project off the ground. Not to mention how close she’s gotten with Ruin and Rain.” His voice shifts fully into big-brother mode.
