Lost in Him Page 9

  The giggle that peals from me is ridiculous. “Well, at least someone is happy to see me.”

  A hollow grunt comes from Mr. Thorny Pants.

  When I peek over at him, he’s tugging a shirt over his head. Bummer for my eyeballs and girly bits. It’s for the best. I didn’t come here for… that.

  With the reminder cemented in my mushy brain, I refocus my attentions on the zealous pup. “I missed you, Runey-boy. Have you been good? I should’ve brought you a treat.”

  Excited yips are my answer. Then he licks every inch of my face twice.

  “Are we gonna have a slumber party tonight? Can I share your bed?”

  Nash’s strangled cough interrupts me.

  My reprimanded focus swings to his. “I mean, if that’s all right. How long will the power be out?”

  Why I continue asking him questions is beyond me. He seems to have the same thought and is ready for a reprieve. Without another glance, he strides to the far corner. There’s a makeshift wall blocking that area from the rest. I hate how often he stalks off.

  But that’s when I truly take notice of his home.

  The interior is illuminated by dozens of flameless candles. Three portable lanterns are lit and ready for use. A roaring fire is blazing in the hearth. Jugs of water sit on the dining table. There’s a lingering aroma in the air that reminds me of grilled meat with extra char—just the way I like it. Tarps are stacked in a neat pile. Two comfortable-looking chairs frame an equally appealing couch. What appears to be a generator sits turned off in the center of it all. This man knows how to survive in the backwoods. Not that I’m surprised.

  “Wow,” I breathe while straightening from my crouched position. My feet twirl in a slow circle, much like the first time I entered my cabin. But this sight brings forth much more awe. “I’ve come to the right place.”

  Nash has space and supplies to spare.

  Rune lets me off the hook, dashing off to his cozy bed beside the log pile.

  I grant myself the opportunity to explore. It only takes a handful of moments before my host joins me. He drops a bundle on the sofa before aimlessly pacing in a square around where I stand. That all too familiar tension settles in my belly.

  “Thanks again for taking me in.”

  Nash comes to an abrupt halt, blue fire burning in his eyes. His gaze makes a purposeful dip down my soppy form. I’m reluctant to follow suit, knowing what I’ll find. Drowned rat trying to pass as a cleanly houseguest isn’t a cute look. Ignorance is bliss and all that nonsense. Instead of facing reality, though, my focus remains pleasantly locked on him. He doesn’t return the favor, forcing the issue.

  “Yeah, I’m wet.” I cringe while plucking soggy fabric between two fingers. My coat was little more than useless. So much for the vinyl material protecting me from the elements. It didn’t cross my mind to take along a spare set of clothes.

  He pinches the bridge of his nose in that exasperated way I’ve noticed. But it’s more than that. His muscles twitch and bunch. He almost seems… uncomfortable.

  My toes curl with the simmering magnetism in this small room. There’s no release valve from the pressure cooker. His gaze is blistering, even hotter than the flames dancing away in the fireplace. I absently realize he’s fixated on my chest. A peek down at the ladies reveals why.

  Oh, sweet sacrifice. I’m whoring myself out. My lacy bra is visible through the sodden cotton. It definitely wasn’t my intention to give him a peepshow. I wrap a protective arm across my breasts. Even through the chilled exterior, I feel my cheeks scorch.

  He grinds his teeth, eyes still blazing at me. Then he’s shutting down, ripping his fiery focus away, and heading for the door.

  “Where are you going?” My voice gongs like an alarm.

  Nash halts in his latest hasty retreat, forehead thumping against the wall. “Need some air.”

  Penny’s shock is a sputtered gasp. “You just talked to me.”

  My heavy sigh is steeped in resigned acknowledgment. The upper hand had yet to be mine. This might clinch a win for me. “I did.”

  She lets out a squeaky noise. “You did it again.”

  A sneer gets aimed at the door that’s still sealed shut. Freedom is waiting just on the other side.

  “It’s not a miracle,” I finally retort.

  “Might as well be,” she mumbles.

  Only if she’s that easy to impress. In that case, her standards will implode if she gets a look at my dick. Better make sure that doesn’t happen. Call me cocky, but I know my value in the sex department. Being well-endowed is just the tip of my talents. Too bad for Penny Blaire. I won’t be responsible for her spontaneously combusting.

  Maybe it would be fair retaliation after she’s displayed such an appetizing sight for me to feast on. Her damn shirt is transparent. Only an innocent darling wears white while it’s raining and doesn’t consider the repercussions. The dark bra is no match for her pert nipples begging to be sucked. She probably doesn’t know how tightly my control is being stretched.

  Just beneath my skin, carnal depravity surges potent and hot. My dormant libido roused from hibernation weeks ago. I’ve been fighting these cravings ever since. But now, with her in my domain? Game changer. The instant she crossed my threshold, those neglected parts demanded relief.

  The urge to maul her won’t be silenced for long.

  She might even welcome my advances. The reminder of her keen interest in devouring me is a fierce brand into my flesh. Hell, after the way she was ogling me on the stoop, I’d be willing to bet on her making the first move. That doesn’t mean I should sully her with my filthy debauchery—yet.

  I need distance from her. Now. I can’t let the immediate onslaught overwhelm my rational thoughts.

  Penny must detect my impending—and not at all surprising—escape attempt. “Are you leaving?”

  “About to,” I rasp.

  “Why won’t you look at me?” Her disappointment lashes my back.

  I remain firmly planted in my cowardice. “It’s best that I don’t.”

  “Why?” Honest curiosity begs me to answer.

  The question is unnecessary. Penny is aware that her shirt is in a nonexistent state. But I can’t seem to deny her for long.

  My booted feet revolve on a semi-circle axis as if compelled. “Better?”

  Her smile is dipped in simple pleasures. “Much.”

  That makes one of us. I’m a starving man with a seven-course meal dangling within reach. My tongue damn near lolls out like Rune with a juicy bone. I need to get myself under control.

  I blindly gesture at the couch. “There’s a dry shirt for you. Boxers too, if your pants are wet.”

  “Oh, thank you.” She rushes to the folded offerings. “Can I change in the bathroom?”

  I’m already pointing in that direction. “By all means.”

  Penny squints at me before moving. “Don’t take off, okay?”

  I hang my head, a captive to her every request. “Fine.”

  Her hands clasp into a pleading gesture. “I’ll be super quick. You won’t notice I’m gone.”

  The soft tread signals her departure, but I can’t watch her go. A grunt dislodges from me. How impossible that feat truly is when my legs sway to follow after her. This woman is turning me into an unrecognizable sap. Only because I’m allowing it.

  I should’ve turned her away the moment she showed up on my doorstep. But that puts a glaring spotlight on this already whipped situation. She didn’t even have to knock. I just so happened to see her coming, more than ready to receive her.

  Those murky thoughts dissipate as Penny’s hypnotic curves come into view. She must’ve hurried through the motions in order to get back in front of me within a minute flat. The new sight she presents might be worse.

  I’d assumed getting her tits concealed behind a reliable barrier would solve the inconvenient arousal preparing to ridicule me. But the sight of her in my clothes flips a territorial switch. My resolve is suddenly tak
ing a brutal nosedive into testosterone-infested waters. I want to stake a claim on her, one that she can’t just take off when her shirt and jeans are dry.

  She tugs at the baggy hem kissing her mid-thigh. From this angle, I can’t tell if she’s wearing the shorts underneath. The difference in our sizes only strokes my crazed desire.

  “They’re a bit big, but better than being wet.” Penny fidgets under my blatant approval.

  I gulp and wrench my gaze from her mounting temptation. In the next breath, I’m turning for a necessary reprieve from this erotic visual. The door is right there for me to use. My palm grips the knob like it’s my salvation.

  “Please stay. I don’t want to be alone.” The plea in her tone makes me weak.

  Every primal instinct pumping in my blood demands that I go to her. I find myself turning to face her before my mind comes to terms with the decision. It leaves me reeling, especially from the joy radiating from her smile.

  “Thank you.”

  I keep my distance, my back damn near plastered to the wall. “Didn’t do anything that deserves thanks.”

  “Yeah,” she scoffs. “Okay, Mr. Humble.”

  “You and your nicknames,” I grumble.

  “Does Thorn bother you?”

  I give a noncommittal shrug. It doesn’t, but I’m not going to admit that. There are far more atrocious things she could call me.

  Penny’s concentration doesn’t waver from me. “How long have you lived here?”

  “About seven years.”

  “Whoa.” She sounds genuinely surprised. “Always alone?”

  “Until Rune came along.”

  Her eyes narrow. “How old are you?”

  I snort at her straightforwardness. Twenty-seven is young by most standards, but I often feel ancient. “How old do you think I am?”

  Her laugh is too pitchy. “That’s just asking for trouble.”

  “Figured that’s what you’re after.”

  She tugs at her borrowed shirt. “Is this crossing the line?”

  Another strangled noise trips from me. Too late for that. Every moment since she arrived has tested me. Besides, there are countless interpretations. I settle on simple. “Nah, we’re good.”

  Silence creeps in like an offensive fart. Ill-timed, but unavoidable. I rock on my soles while Penny fiddles with her damp hair. No one wants to take credit, and moving forward requires stealth that the two of us sorely lack. The itch to evade this tension returns.

  I fight it down with a distraction from earlier. As she stands in my home, I find myself wanting to offer her solace and security. I quite literally gave her shelter from the storm. And what’s more, she sought me out. That fact encourages me to fulfill her demands. I want to be the one who provides for her. Makes sure she’s fed and clothed. Guarantee she’s tucked in a warm bed at night. Offer the comforts that will keep her content no matter where she is.

  The list spirals into a hazy blur.

  Lift her burdens and share those she refuses to release.

  Support her dreams.

  Listen to her desires.

  Care for her unconditionally.

  I cut off those wayward thoughts with a cough.

  The last one is alarming, and crosses every single line. That doesn’t mean I can’t see to her basic needs for now.

  “Are you warm enough?”

  “Uh-huh.” Penny scoots closer to the fire, hands outstretched. “I really like your cabin.”

  I nod in gratitude.

  She gnaws on her bottom lip. “Don’t get me wrong, your place is nice and tidy and maintained, but there are no personal touches.”

  “All my decorations and stuff are in yours.”

  “What?”

  “I don’t usually decorate the rentals. Most don’t mind the bare bone-slash-skeletal state. But a woman? Staying for a whole summer? Figured you might appreciate some extras to make it a bit more livable.”

  The wonder in her stare clenches my chest. Maybe that was better left unsaid. “That’s considerate.”

  I drop my gaze to the floor. “Sure.”

  Penny clears her throat. “I, uh, didn’t get a chance to thank you.”

  My stomach twists at receiving more unnecessary appreciation. “Pretty sure you did five minutes ago.”

  Her eyes roll to the ceiling. “Not for the heart rock. I found it after you left the other day.”

  Damn, I’d almost forgotten about that little token. “Oh.”

  “That was also really thoughtful, you know, since we were on the subject.” She kicks at the frayed rug near her feet.

  “It’s nothing.”

  “Not to me,” she blurts.

  I feel my face grow hot. “Okay.”

  Penny lights up the room with her grin. “I’ll cherish it forever.”

  Fuck, this bountiful appreciation is making me uncomfortable. My skin is damn near crawling. I squeeze the back of my neck to find relief. “Great.”

  She pinches her lips together, most likely snuffing out a cackle at my expense. “So, what do you wanna do now that the required idle chit-chat is done?”

  What she should be thinking about is what there even is for us to do. The slim pickings clog my brain. We can’t even go outside without getting dumped on. That leaves us with more talking, awkward silence, or avoiding each other. A lingering glance at her rack squeezes another option from me. We could fuck. Furious demands to take her—hard and fast—rush to my cock. The resulting ache is one only she can satisfy.

  I almost recite the choices aloud just to see how she reacts. That last one might get a good rise from her. But I won’t act on the impulse. That would leave her hot and bothered. There’s no way in hell I’m turning her on just to ease the ache with some other asshole.

  Then I remember the food.

  That’s safe enough. Maybe. Further deliberation suggests it’s a trap set with open jaws.

  I scrub the indecision from my weary eyes. “Have you eaten?”

  “Not since lunch.”

  “There’s chicken on the stove if you’re hungry. I just took it off the burner before you got here.” Didn’t even plate a serving for myself yet.

  Her mouth pops open. “Ah, I was right.”

  I furrow my brow. “About?”

  “It totally smells like delicious, charred meat.” She moans and rubs her stomach.

  I get harder than concrete from the way her saucy tongue already deems my food worthy of consumption. “Help yourself.”

  There’s no way I’m joining her in that cramped kitchen. My dick is just begging for an excuse to slip inside her pussy. Even an accidental nudge would set me off. I don’t need further embarrassment, thanks anyway.

  Penny seems to recall something. “Wait, are your appliances running? I thought your power was out.”

  “I have a generator.” My gaze follows hers to the one on the floor that’s currently off. “Several, actually. Do you need one at your place?”

  Her expression is blank. “For what?”

  That almost gets a laugh from me, which is a huge accomplishment. This pampered darling needs a lesson or two in wilderness survival. Easily accessible quick fixes don’t exist out in the sticks.

  “You need a generator in emergencies. Especially when the power blows,” I deadpan.

  “But that’s what you’re for.” A blush stains her cheeks as she winks.

  “Right,” I grunt. It’s probably sad to admit how fast I’d run to her rescue each time she called.

  Penny must catch the dip in my tone, wisely steering off the topic. “Will you have dinner with me?”

  I’m about to agree, lips parting with the words. Then reality crashes in. I can’t do this. Letting her spend the night is one thing. Sitting at the table while savoring a meal together doesn’t fall under the same guidelines. She’s already decimated my carefully laid boundaries. No one has ever stepped foot in my home aside from Rune. Yet here she stands, surrounded by my shit. It’s too normal.

&nbsp
; Too domestic.

  Too off-limits.

  I hold up my palms. “Nah, I’ll give you space.”

  Her features take on a stricken pinch. “But I don’t want to be alone.”

  “Darlin’,” I let the endearment slip by mistake. Her eyes widen and I curse the slip. “If I stay, I can’t be held responsible for what’s sure to happen.”

  She lowers her chin, peeking at me from lowered lashes. “That’s okay.”

  The fuck it is. She’s too pure and sweet. I’d ruin her without trying. That could be fun for us both. Maybe her idea of a good time is bagging a bad boy.

  I almost cave. In the end, I use the last scraps of my control to slam a barrier between us.

  My stance turns defensive as I cross my arms and withdraw. “Stay inside and fill your stomach. Toss logs on the fire if it gets low. Rune will keep you company.”

  She wants to argue. It’s plain to see in her rapid blinks and clacking teeth. “But where are you going? It’s still raining.”

  “I’ve got work to do.” My projects are done, but I can pretend to sleep.

  Penny steps forward. “Now? It’s late.”

  The last thing I need to do is invite her to tag along. “Take the bed or couch. Your choice.”

  “Wait,” she blurts. “You’re not coming back?”

  Not if she’s staying until morning. I’ll seek refuge in the shop. At the last second, I decide to toss her a smirk.

  “Don’t worry, Darlin’. You’re safe. Just stay put.” Then I’m slamming the door and getting the fuck away from her.

  Penny Blaire is proving to be many things. My inevitable downfall just moved to the top of her long list.

  I gape at the door in utter shock. The bastard just ditched me. My muddled mind struggles to replay our exchange for what must have triggered his exit. Insulted pride ripples through every coiled synapse.

  Nash expects me to blindly follow his commands and stay put like a good little girl. Unfortunately for him, I put that pitiful doormat to rest when I left Tampa. My calf muscles twitch to chase after him. But that’s hasty. Inconsiderate too. The furious wind deflates from my flapping sails.