Page 41 of The Break Down

“No. Not here.”

My breath catches. “Okay. Um, where?”

“There’s a walking trail behind the field,” he says, jaw tight. “I need a shower first. Meet me there. Ten minutes.”

And then he turns and walks away.

Just like that.

And damn, my legs do go a little weak.

If he’s showering, then I need to at least change.

I slip on a loose fitting milkmaid dress.

It shows off my cleavage without emphasizing my belly and hides my hips. I love the style. It’s casual and flirty.

The material is light, and the shade is a pretty pink that actually looks nice with my red hair and ivory skin.

Plus, it won’t cling to my skin in the steamy Louisiana heat.

Ten minutes later, I find him standing beneath the shade of a wide tree, away from the parking lot.

Away from the rest of the team.

Away from everything.

He’s pacing. Hands on his hips. Shoulders tense.

Droplets of water cling to his dark hair, and I take a moment just to drink him in.

He’s wearing light linen slacks and a white shirt. And fuck, he looks delicious.

When he hears me approach, Koa turns—and that look on his face?

It’s pure thunder.

“Hey,” I murmur, and offer a stupid wave.

His glittering gaze rakes over me from head to toe, and my lungs stop working for a moment.

I swear, his chest rumbles with whatever sound that is. Part moan, part growl.

My panties are already soaked.

“I need to say something,” he says, voice low and steady, like he’s holding back an entire hurricane.

“Okay.”

His eyes lock on mine, and he steps in close.

Too close.

“I can’t pretend last night didn’t happen. I won’t.”

My heart stutters.

“I don’t know what it meant to you,” he continues, “but for me? That wasn’t a one-time thing. That wasn’t casual. That wasn’t just sex.”

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