Page 76 of Unraveled Love

Like I predicted, Shawn’s attention had shifted directly to me, his eyes already heating with the promise of what was beneath my towel, and he held my entire focus.

“Everyone out,” he stated as he stood from where he’d been perched on a stool.

Behind me were the sounds of cars racing. Seriously, NASCAR reruns? I never understood the appeal of the first time they aired, but they already knew the winners for crying out loud.

“Have fun,” someone said, laughter in his tone. It was probably Lincoln or Mason, but I didn’t bother looking. Again, like I’d assumed, I couldn’t peel my eyes off Shawn.

“What are you doing?” he asked, stepping toward me. His gaze dropped to the top of the towel tied tight at my breasts, to the knotted part, and I swore I saw his fingers flinch, like they were desperate to tug at the spot and reveal everything beneath.

There was more shuffling, more men moving, grabbing whatever they needed to, but they listened to Shawn and soon, the echo of footsteps trailing up the stairs silenced.

“I thought I’d spend some time in the hot tub tonight.”

“Alone?” He reached me and lifted his arm. With his index finger, he trailed it across my collarbone and my skin ignited, pops of goose bumps trailing in the wake of his soft touch that I could barely feel but still made me feel like I was on fire.

“I was hoping not.”

His fingers slid to the thin black strap of my swimsuit top until he reached where I’d tied it together. A shiver rolled through me, hot, expectant at whatever he was going to do, but he surprised me by bending down and brushing his lips over mine.

I opened for him instantly. His kisses drugged me into compliance and heated me from my core straight to the rest of me, and even now, with him so close, barely touching me, lightly kissing me, I felt like he consumed everywhere. It was insane, what he did to my body and my soul with his gentle touches.

A quick tug pulled at the back of my neck, and the straps at my chest loosened.

Shawn pulled back, one strap held gingerly between his fingers, and he smirked. “By the time I get out there, you better be settled in there, the top gone.”

Ohyes, he liked the confidence I’d come down with.

I must have nodded or replied in some affirmative manner, because he kissed me again and whispered, “And don’t worry about the men—they won’t see. They won’t watch because they know if they do, I’ll rip out their eyes and shove them down their throats.”

I choked on a laugh. Funny, like I’d figured, I’d totally forgotten all about them as soon as Shawn put his hands on me.

“That was a very gross description.”

He smirked. “I mean every word. Now go. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

I turned and headed toward the back sliding doors. The curtains were closed so I pushed them aside and found the lock on the door then Shawn called my name.

I glanced at him over my shoulder. “Yes?”

His smirk turned entirely heated and wicked in the most delicious kind of way that sent a shiver of delight straight to the tips of my toes. “Lose the bottoms too if you’re wearing them.”

* * *

The slidingdoor opened and I didn’t bother turning, knowing it was Shawn. He probably had a towel wrapped around his waist with his pecs and abs on beautiful display. The deck was lit with only a few lights, making it difficult to see, but I’d spent so much time over the last week memorizing Shawn’s body I could close my eyes and know every single dip and curve.

“Here,” he said, and I flinched in surprise at how close he was to me. “Take these.”

In his hands he had two bottles of water and a towel was draped over his arm, which meant…

I glanced over the edge of the hot tub and—

“Wow,” I murmured as I stared atallof him, every inch on display in the darkening night. I licked my lips, craving the taste of him, and earned a chuckle.

The water bottles shook in his hand. “Addi.”

“Right.” Heat that had nothing to do with the bubbles or hot water rose on my cheeks. “Please tell me you didn’t walk naked through the house.”

“Only a part of it,” he admitted, unashamed with a smile that was absolutely not fake confidence like I’d done, and then he climbed into the hot tub. The seats were curved, creating perfect areas for eight people, and Shawn took the seat next to me. A bummer because I couldn’t slide right up next to him and be comfortable, but I also had two jets blasting powerfully into my lower back and it felt absolutely divine.