Page 17 of Stud Ranch

He studied her for a long heartbeat. “Did you get turned on when you were jumping naked into the water while the cameras were rolling?”

“Um. No.”

“Then it wasn’t real.”

She rolled her eyes, giving in. “Maybe you’re right.”

“Okay, so what can I offer that you haven’t done yet?” He searched her eyes as though he’d find the answer. “Naked walking.”

She giggled. “Now you’re just making things up.”

“Naked cornhole.”

She envisioned the easygoing game of tossing beanbags into holes cut into wood—only without a stitch of clothes on.

She bobbed her head. “That sounds good.”

He stared at her harder. “You’re serious?”

“Yup.” She scooted across the bed and got to her feet, placing the cup on the nightstand. “What do I need to participate?”

“Your birthday suit.”

She tossed her head on a laugh. Dylan rolled across the bed and popped to his feet in front of her. His masculine scent filtered into her senses a split second before his lips came down on hers, cutting off her laugh.

The noise turned into a whimper. His warm fingers kneaded into her spine, sliding over the silky material of her nightie in a seductive fashion.

He deepened the kiss, drawing her closer, onto her tiptoes. Sloane’s head spun. Getting swept away by a rugged bull rider was far from her norm. While she was definitely attracted to Dylan, he wasn’t like anyone she’d ever dated—and that was exactly what she needed.

When he slipped his hands downward to cup her bottom, need spiked through her.

“Sure you want to play cornhole? I’ve got another game involving a hole we can play.” His breath whispered over her lips.

Another laugh caught her off guard, and she threw her head back. Suddenly, he wrapped his fist around her hair, holding her in that position with her neck arched…exposed.

He took immediate advantage by brushing his mouth over her pulse point over and over. Her pussy flooded. Her nipples hardened as though they knew just how much of a breast man Dylan was.

After long heartbeats, he lifted his head and loosened his grip on her hair, allowing her to meet his gaze. His eyes glinted like warm syrup pooling on the most decadent treat.

That dimple was back, a deep prick in his cheek that drew her gaze. More than a little breathless, she dropped to her feet. She was still tall enough to meet his eyes with ease.

He gave her a light pat on the ass. “Get dressed and we’ll go join a game of cornhole.”

Her stomach fluttered at the thought of the erotic game she was about to play. Getting naked in front of people was part of her job, but she didn’t run around in the buff for recreation.

Quickly, she donned a pair of jeans and a simple white top. While staring at her reflection, she dragged her fingers through her long brown locks. The loose waves often had a mind of their own, but the weather in Alaska seemed to be agreeing with her hair now that the rain ended.

She added a layer of hydrating tinted lip gloss and used her eyelash curler. Briefly, she contemplated adding earrings or a necklace to the look, but what good was it going to be wearing only a chain?

Walking out into the living area of the bungalow, she spotted Dylan staring off into space. The crease between his brows spoke of a silent struggle.

When she approached him, he jerked his head up. The startled expression in his eyes faded to appreciation. Shooting to his feet, he settled his hands on her waist in a way that made her flush inside and out. He touched her with such familiarity, as if they’d known each other much, much longer than a single day.

She brushed away the thought. He was simply good at his job. While she didn’t love the idea of being anyone’s job, she was paying him to help her forget Shaw.

With any luck, she’d leave here feeling refreshed. If a good man came along, she wanted to be open to giving him a chance.

Right this second, she was broken, jaded.

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