Page 17 of The County Line
My mind flashes uncontrollably, to an image of Colt completely naked, standing in the rushing creek water, scrubbing every inch of his sculpted, muscular build with his large, tattooed hands. The thought of him naked leaves a burn in my cheeks, and I wonder—would he do it in front of me because he’s that confident in his body, as he absolutely should be? Or because he doesn’t see me as anything more than his buddy’s little sister and a woman who will always be just a platonic friend?
I nod absentmindedly, biting my lip as I try to get my thoughts back on track. Regan’s going to call any second now, and I need to focus on the real reason why I came here.
To help them.
“They’ve got you going to therapy now?” I ask, latching onto anything to steer the conversation—and my wandering mind—back to neutral ground.
“Yeah,” he grunts, rubbing his jaw. “Part of my parole requirements. Meeting with some student therapist.” He rises to his feet, tossing a few freshly cut logs into the fire pit. With a flick of a lighter, he works to coax the dry wood into flames. Easing the flame to life with a gentleness that feels way too sexual to me. “Come on, now,”he whispers, and I swear he’s talking to me and not the budding flames.
My throat’s dry and my panties are soaked. I shake my head and stand up. “I won’t be able to stick around for lunch—thanks for the offer—but I do have a favor to ask.”
He straightens up, his expression instantly serious. “Anything for you. What’s up?”
My heart stutters at the quickness in his response. He really would do anything for me. Still, after all the time and distance that’s between us.
Roxy exits from the RV at that moment, distracting me.
“Hi, sweet girl,” I greet her with some pets as she licks my face eagerly and Colt watches. After a few more ear scratches she abandons my side and walks to his loyally. Colt rubs her gently, sending another wave of heat through my body. It’s the hard angles of him and the gentle touches that has my mind in the gutter.
Ex-convict who’s seen some bad shit, yet gentle dog dad and a loyal friend.
“Um, it’s about Regan...” I clear my throat.
His shoulders tense, and he exhales sharply. His face is unreadable, a blank slate devoid of emotion, but his voice drops an octave. “What about her?”
“She wants to talk,” I say carefully.
“Okay...”
“Now. If you’re up for it?”
He rubs a hand over his buzzed head, his gaze shifting toward the creek. There’s a long pause before he finally nods.
“Okay.”
“Okay?” I echo, surprised by his easy agreement.
He glances at me, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Yeah. Was this a setup or something?”
I laugh and stand up taller. “Sort of.”
He shakes his head, that fleeting smile making another rare appearance. It suits him.Dammit, it suits him.I wish I couldmake it stay there permanently. It takes years off him and reminds me of the easy times we used to have.
“Tell her to meet me in fifteen,” he says, turning toward the creek. “I’m gonna rinse off first.”
“Got it. Thanks Colt.” I give him a quick wave as I head back to my car. I tell myself not to look back. He’s probably still fully clothed, hasn’t stripped down yet. But let’s be real—self-control isn’t exactly my strong suit when it comes to staring at Colt, and I’m a very single, very horny twenty-eight-year-old in desperate need of some fresh material for my imagination.
Sliding into the driver’s seat, I finally give in and steal a glance in the rearview mirror.
My breath catches.
My heart freezes.
And my mind stills.
Oh...damn.
He’s completely naked, every inch of his backside on full display. And what a display it is. Even his butt—muscular, perfectly round, and shockingly free of tattoos—is a work of art. His entire body is a masterpiece, every muscle shifting and flexing as he moves toward the creek’s edge, pausing to stare into the water like some wild, untamed god surveying his domain.
