Page 191 of Rough and Rugged

With one last squeeze to her hip, I reluctantly back away from Ariana. “All right, all right, let’s get your dinner. Both of you.” I toss to her with a wink as I walk to Gunner’s kibble container.

While cooking dinner, we keep the conversation light, and neither of us brings up what happened earlier. I’m dying to know what she’s thinking, but it’s probably best to leave it be. What woman wants to start something with a grumpy recluse who lives pretty far off the beaten path, even if my place is pretty well set up?

“I don’t think you ever told me how you ended up here in the mountains. What’s the story?” Ariana inquires as we settle in at the table with our plates, Gunner happily gnawing on a bone next to her chair.

Shit, this is NOT a topic I want to touch on with her. If I tell her too much, she’ll put the pieces together. Short and sweet it is. “I just wanted a simpler life. I worked in a big city and a big company, and I got burnt out.” I shovel in a fork full of steak, hoping if I keep my mouth full, it’ll stop the conversation.

“Well, clearly, you did well for yourself; your place here is amazing. Very high-tech while also being cozy and fitting the area,” Ariana says with a wave of her hand around the room.

I just grunt and flick my eyes in her direction as I continue to eat.

Chapter Six

Ariana

Okay,wellhislifebefore moving to Walker’s Ridge is clearly not a topic he wants to discuss. Things were looking promising earlier, but now I’m not sure how to keep things moving in the right direction. Should I just ask him for a no-strings-attached one-night stand? Should I just climb him like a tree and see what happens? (Like I’d even be brave enough to do that!)

“What do you make out in your shop?” I ask while I continue to nibble at my dinner. I’m determined to learn more about this man, damn it!

“Furniture,” he grunts in response. So chatty, isn’t he?

“What kind of furniture?” I prod. It’s like pulling teeth with this man. Honestly!

He sighs and sets down his fork. “Whatever someone asks for. I’ve made tables, chairs, bookcases, bed frames. That kind of stuff.”

“Wow, that’s amazing, Hunter! Are any of the pieces in the house ones you created?” I ask, hoping that I can see some of his work for myself.

“Yeah, I made all of the pieces in my bedroom,” he replies.

“Can I see?” I ask in what I hope is a flirty tone. Inwardly, I’m cringing at my awkward attempt.

“Finish eating; it’s getting late. Don’t want you trekking down the mountain in the dark,” he responds, completely brushing off what I thought was a very direct attempt to take things up a notch. Okay, next plan!

After dinner, we are working together in the kitchen cleaning up when another attempt presents itself. As I finish drying the last few dishes, Hunter is leaning against the counter, eyes pinched shut, head tipped up, and his hands braced behind him. He is holding the surface so tight that I wouldn’t be surprised if the granite snapped under his grip.

I slide the dish towel over the handle of the stove, then turn to face Hunter. With his eyes closed and his focus not on me, I use his moment of self-distraction to my advantage.

Stepping as close to him as I can, I slide my hands along the ridges of his abs and chest. Hunter’s eyes flash open, but his stunned expression doesn’t deter me from my mission. Grabbing hold of his broad, boulder-like shoulders, I pull myself up and scale the man like a tree.

My arms are around his neck, my legs wrap around his waist, and we are nose to nose. I don’t know if it was intentional or not, but Hunter grabs hold of my butt cheeks and has a tight grip, so I know I won’t fall.

At last, I’m going after what I want, and I can’t wait to see what kind of trouble, as he seems to like calling me, we can get into.

Chapter Seven

Hunter

Icannotbelievethislittle vixen just literally climbed me like a fucking tree! She definitely earned the nickname Trouble! But I can’t say I’m mad about it. I’ve got her glorious tits inches from my face and her thick ass cradled in my hands.

“Yes, Trouble. Keep grinding that warm heat all over me. Just like that,” I growl against her neck as I navigate my way from the kitchen up the stairs to my room.

Once we reach my room, I drop her with a small bounce on the bed and follow her down, keeping all of my weight on my forearms.

“You have the most addictive scent, Trouble. A blend of vanilla and coffee that drives me wild,” I rumble against her throat as my hands glide underneath her t-shirt and skim against her silky skin.

“Yes, Hunter. Please keep touching me. You drive me out of my mind.” She moans as I reach her bra and cup her breasts, needing the material out of my way.

I make quick work of removing her shirt and bra so I can feast on her glorious breasts. Her pale skin with a smattering of freckles has me mesmerized. I can’t seem to stop tracing patterns, using her freckles as a map.

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