Page 4 of Tiago

I lick my lips again.What the hell?“I was thinking it feels like the two of us have an unnatural connection, like wolf shifters scenting out a mate.”

His smile grows wider.“I like that.I think you’re right.Let’s get to know each other and see what happens.”

I nod.

“Can we take your car?I haven’t had a chance to buy a vehicle yet.I came to Wilde in my RV, but I’ve been driving around in a thirty-year-old Cadillac.It’s the newest vehicle in my grandfather’s garage.”

I giggle again.Giggle?“I’ve seen that monstrosity a few times.Now I know who’s driving it.Yes, we can take my car.It’s not the best in town, but it’s newer than yours.”

“Good.”When he releases my hand to step out from behind the counter, I feel the loss.Crazy.

I’m glad I have my backpack ready.If I had to pack it now, I would probably end up heading off with only half of what we need.When I lift it from the floor next to the counter, Tiago takes it from me and swings it over one shoulder.He hefts it a bit.“I assume you have water in here for both of us?”

“Yes.Protein bars, first-aid kit, matches, sunscreen, sodium powder, knife, bandanas, flashlight… I think that’s it.”

He faces me, cups my cheek, and sets his forehead against mine.For a moment, I think he’s going to kiss me.I even will him to.Instead, he flips my world upside down with two words.“Good girl.”

I’m all warm and fuzzy for a moment, but then I straighten my spine and stand taller.“I do own and manage an adventure company.I’m always prepared for every eventuality with a customer.”

“Of course you are.”Is he teasing me?

My hands are shaking when we step outside, and I nearly drop the keys as I lock up.As soon as I’m done, I turn, hold out the dangling keychain, and drop it in his palm.“You’re driving.”I point toward the Honda Accord parked at the curb and climb into the passenger seat without waiting to see his reaction.

Tiago puts my backpack in the back seat, opens the driver’s door, and reaches down to use the lever to push the seat back before he climbs in.The man is six feet tall.I’m five-six.He’s chuckling as he adjusts the mirrors.

When he’s situated, he turns to me.“Seatbelt, baby.”

Baby… My heart lurches at the endearment.

I scramble to pull my belt on, frustrated with myself for being so scattered that I haven’t done so already.He’s scrambling my brain cells.

He starts the car and glances at me.“You’re going to have to give me some directions, Reagan,” he says seductively.Everything he says sounds seductive, like he’s making love to me in the front seat of the car.

Shit.Pull it together, Reagan.I lift a hip, pull my phone out, and set the GPS before sticking it in the cell-phone holder on the dash.

As soon as I’m finished, Tiago grabs my shaking hand.He looks at me again.“We’re just going hiking.”

I nod.Right.Just hiking.Why does it seem like so much more?

Chapter3

Tiago

Reagan is so adorable.It’s making my cock painfully hard.I watched her through the window of her shop for a few minutes before entering.She was totally organized and level-headed.She didn’t start fidgeting until I stepped inside.

I discombobulate her, and I’m not sorry about it.I love that she’s off-kilter.It means I’m affecting her.And she’s sure as fuck affecting me.I’m just hiding it better.

Reagan rubs her thighs over and over as I follow the directions on the GPS.It doesn’t take long for us to reach our destination.I park her car and turn toward her again.

She swallows.“This feels like a date.”

“It is a date,” I confirm.“It’s your last first date.”I lean forward and give her a quick kiss.I don’t linger.I just peck her lips before I turn to climb out of the car.After I grab her backpack and settle it on my shoulder, I help her out of her side of the car, lock it, and pocket the keys.

“What’s that supposed to mean, Tiago?”

“It means we’re on a date, and after this date, we’ll go on another date tomorrow.And the day after that, we’ll have our third date.And so on and so on until they really aren’t dates anymore.Until we’re obviously a couple who sees each other every day.”I take her hand and head toward what is obviously the beginning of a path.There’s a map next to the trail that indicates a five-mile loop, so I’m sure this is what my girl planned for us.

“You’re so confident,” she argues.“What if we don’t like each other?”

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