Page 8 of Spring Fling

Maybe it’s that I really want to climb that mountain man like a tree without worrying about the past or the future.

“Okay.” I say as much for myself. “I’m going back out there.”

“That’s the spirit.”

“But first…” I let my panties fall to the floor and step out of them. “That’s better.”

“What? Did you finally pee?”

“No!” I roll my eyes. “But I did something that gave me even more relief.”

“Whatever.” Now, get out there and enjoy your hunky mountain man. Otherwise, the poor guy is going to think you climbed out the bathroom door.”

I will. I mean, what’s the worst that could happen?

It's one night. It not like either of us is going to fall in love.

As I walk back across the restaurant, I’m oddly liberated. And it’s not just that I’m now commando under my dress. Though, after the chafing situation I’d gotten myself into with the torture device known as lace panties, the light breeze against my bare skin feels like heaven.

No, now that I’ve decided to keep going with this little charade, I’m going to embrace my inner Tonya. I have no idea who she is, besides being someone who picks up mountain men on dating apps. But in my head, she’s so much more. She’s in charge of her destiny. She’s in control of her sexuality.

She’s going to make out with Wade if she gets the chance.

A giggle bubbles out of me. It’s exhilarating. And a little terrifying.

Wade greets me with a shy grin as he pulls out my chair. “Feeling better?”

The arch of his eyebrow sends a shiver of delight—and anticipation—through me.

“Much better.” Channeling my new-found confidence, I slyly slip my hand into the pocket of his suit coat. “There you go.”

“What’s that?” He settles back in his seat and puts his hand in his pocket. His eyes grow wide. “Is that...?”

“Consider those”—I nod at his hand balled up around my lace panties in his pocket—“a souvenir of the night we both decided to take a little risk.”

He blinks. “You’re one hell of a woman.”

“And you’re one hell of a man.” Leaning forward across the table, I lower my voice. “Now that we’re past the Q&A portion of the evening, and I’m feeling less… restrained, what’s next?”

His gaze focuses on mine. “I don’t want tonight to end.”

“Neither do I. What’s there to do in this town?”

His lips curve up. “I have an idea.”

* * *

The air outside has cooled in the lingering light of the sunset. It might be spring, but spring in Alaska still comes with a bite.

Tugging my jacket around me more tightly, I hug my arms around myself as we walk. I shiver, as much from giddiness of what’s to come as from the chill.

Ever the gentleman, Wade keeps his distance, but he keeps sneaking glances my way. Each time I catch him, I can’t help but grin to myself. There’s no mistaking the heat—the desire—in his stare.

There are no words to describe how good it feels to be the object of this man’s desire. It’s not that I need the validation. But, I’d be lying if I said my ego wasn’t more than a little bruised by having my situationship leave me for another woman.

Even though he keeps a respectful distance, Wade stays close enough for his body heat to wrap around me. It’s almost like hug. Oh, wow, would I love to feel this man’s arms around me.

His beard is nice. It’s not so groomed that he looks like a model. But it’s not so untamed it gives any icks.

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