“Plainly,” I say, “but I’m not afraid of opening up. I think that’s your story.”
“I see. Classic projection.” He smiles like he’s happy he knew some of my terminology. “What makes you think I’m afraid to let people in?”
I shrug. “I don’t know. I’m thinking that since you’ve just sat there and stared at my breasts constantly without a single compliment, you’re not good at talking to people. I at least had the decency to address the cock I was staring at.” I’m not sure what I want him to do with the statement, but at the very least, it’s fun to watch him squirm.
He stiffens, then smiles. “You noticed. I guess we’re both guilty then.”
“Well, technically, I’m not guilty of anything because I was just looking forward and then your dick was on display.”
His brows raise and a smirk lifts onto his face like he’s not buying my bullshit. “I was just looking forward too then.”
“It’s weird for you, though, because you’re old. I’m sure you have a wife and kids back at Rugged Lake or whatever.”
“Older than you, but not old. It’s Rugged Mountain, and I’m single. For eternity, I believe. You?”
“Single. Hopefully not for eternity.”
“I hoped for that to begin with as well, but life didn’t work that way for me. People tell me I’m awkward and enjoy my alone time too much. You seem sweet, kind, and obviously beautiful, so you won’t be alone for long.”
I shouldn’t be flattered. It’s not an outright compliment. It’s a weird, convoluted statement, but the sentiment settles the same way into my heart… and all I hear isyou’re sweet and pretty.
“Thank you,” I say, “but I promise you, I’m not that sweet. I’m a scattered mess, and men don’t want anything to do with me.”
Alex stares back at me as though I’ve grown an extra head. “What are you talking about? I figured girls like you had men fawning all over them.”
I can’t help but laugh. “I don’t know who girls like me are, but I haven’t had a date in six years.Six.Granted, I’ve been busy, but I don’t know. I think guys are intimidated by the whole psychiatrist thing. Everyone’s afraid I’m going to try and fix them.” I leave out the part about how I unintentionally do that. “Also, I should really get back to the gym. I’ve really let myself go while I was in school. There was no time to eat healthy and—”
“Now you’re talking crazy. Your curves are gorgeous. Don’t change a thing.”
I like his enthusiastic acceptance of my body, but if I didn’t think he needed meds before, I’m sure he does now. I am most definitely not perfect. “You’re being nice.”
“Am I? I thought I was being a little creepy.” He laughs then stands from the couch. “I should probably get out of your hair. You have a big day tomorrow.”
I nod though I sort of wish he’d keep talking. I think I could do this all night. “Yeah, I suppose it’s getting late.”
I stand from the couch to join him at the door, and look back as he locks it up behind us.
“I’ll walk you back to your cabin.”
“That’s okay,” I say, waving him off. “I don’t want to trouble you. You’ve already protected me once tonight. I can get myself back.”
“Too late,” he says, leading the way back to the row of cabins straight behind the office space. “I’m not letting a naked woman wander around at night. Which cabin number are you?”
I glance toward him, hoping he memorizes the number and comes back for me over and over again. “Cabin number 28.”
He smiles and makes his way toward the lit-up cabin at the end of the row. “I guess this is goodnight then. I can trust that you’re not going for another swim tonight?”
My heart warms. “It’s tempting, but I think I can manage staying away from the lake.” I grin. “For the next few hours, anyway. No promises after that.”
He laughs and our gaze stays stuck on one another. “I thought as much.”
“Thank you,” I say, holding the blanket carefully to reach up for a hug. It’s an awkward motion, but I’ve already reached up before I can stop. “You saved my life tonight.” I plan to kiss his cheek, but he moves his face before my lips land and our lips brush together gently.
All at once, I shatter into a thousand pieces. I’m not sure if it’s the embarrassment or the sudden need to have more of him. Either way, he lingers.
He lingers so long that his big hand moves up to my cheek and over top my neck before his blanket drops to the grass. I close my eyes to savor his rough and needy touch. It’s like he’s desperate for my body in a way no one ever has been before, and I want more.
A warm breeze blows between the cabins and the buzz of the porch light awakens me from some kind of trance.