I’m still breathless when Breckin leans in and kisses me. Soft and tender, his lips linger for an extra moment. “Get some rest, Shades.” He glances at his watch, then over at his brother.
Brendan hands me back my hat as they turn and head for the steps. I blink, still frozen.
“Tonight?” Breckin asks, glancing back over his shoulder.
“I . . .” I nod, it’s all I can manage as my fingers curl around my cap and paper mug.
I’m still standing staring as they round the fence and head toward their driveway. Without words, Brendan opens the back of his truck. They pull out a few bags and the cooler, setting them beside the garage before he hops in the driver's seat.
His eyes lock with mine. A smile plays on his lips as he runs his rough fingers over his chin. Fingers that less than an hour ago were deep inside me, coaxing my body to one of the most intense orgasms I’ve ever had. As I push my thighs together, he winks, then drives off.
Breckin leans down, picking up his black, picnic bag and slinging it over his shoulder before he glances over at me. He waves. That same muted intensity from last night surges deep inside me.
A hot shiver races up my spine. Phantom memories of his body pushed flush against mine weigh down on my chest. My name, a deep growl emanating from his chest, echoes between my ears.
I hold in a moan, clutching my few possessions tighter.
He smiles.
Weightless, I feel as though I’m tumbling as I fall deeper down their rabbit hole.He glances at his watch, then nods and heads toward his back deck.As he disappears inside, the air around me finally cools. I take a deep breath, dig my keys out of my pocket, and unlock my door. No matter how hard I try, I can’t stop the smile that spreads across my face as I dump my stuff on my end table.
I went on a date. I like someone. Two someones. And knowing everything about me, they still want me. They’re still here.
With my chai tea still in hand, I practically float through my house. I should feel dirty, confused, anything other than the exhilaration coursing through my veins.
I have a date tonight. A real date. A second date. With Brendan and Breckin.I can’t remember the last time I went on a second date. It’s been so long since I’ve even allowed myself that much hope.
Heading straight toward my office, I plop down in my chair and turn on my computer. As it loads, I hug their shirt tighter around my waist. It smells like them, like forests and fires, musk and men. And at the moment, it’s everything I need to remind me that they want me. They stayed.
Using all of my emotions as inspiration, I open my email and find my latest project. My smile only grows as I read through the description.
A mountain man, lumberjack romance cover.
My smile might as well be a new permanent feature on my face as I pull out my phone and flip through all the photographs from yesterday. Landing on a picture of the mountain during our hike, I quickly upload the image and get to work.
By mid-afternoon, it’s finished. And beautiful. At least I think it’s perfect. There’s no way my client won’t love it. I smile at the blond model wearing a red flannel in front of my tree-lined background. Even the red text is perfect.
I finish the last few sips of my cold chai, send the design off for her approval, then switch off my computer.Another productive day done. With a nod, I toss my cup out and head toward the bathroom for some long, overdue pampering.
After thoroughly scrubbing, shaving, and buffing every inch of my body until I’m practically sparkling, I feel like a new woman. Softer and smoother than a baby’s bottom, I smile as I slip into a black, lace thong. Pulling Brendan and Breckin’s red flannel back on, I grab one of my blankets and curl up on the couch for a nap.
There should still be plenty of hours until they get off work, I have plenty of time to rest a bit before I get around. Closing my eyes, I smile as memories from this morning play through my mind.
Chapter 18