Page 116 of How You See Me
Is it fast? There’s only one way to find out.
I climb down the ladder, excited to find Hayes, but as my feet hit the dusty ground, he’s already on his way back to me.
He moves with an effortless confidence, his breath steady, body relaxed. There’s always an undercurrent of intensity in the way he carries himself—like he’s ready for whatever might happen next. My goodness, I love that about him.
My pulse stumbles when his lips curve into a slow, knowing grin. He drags a hand through his damp hair, muscles flexing with the motion. If I didn’t know him, I’d think he was showing off. But that’s not Hayes.
“Morning, Sunshine,” he greets when he reaches me.
Before I can respond, he dips down to press a kiss to my cheek.
His gaze lingers, hearing everything I’m not saying. And just like that, the space between us magnetizes, pulling me to him.
“Morning,” I manage, my voice rougher than I intend.
“You’re up early.”
“I think you’re rubbing off on me.” I trail a finger down the center of his chest, shifting the tuft of light brown hair there. “Do you have plans right now?”
His brows lift. “A few ideas are coming to mind.” His fingers push into my hair, brushing against the nape of my neck.
I tilt my head, letting him in and savoring the feel of his touch. It’s becoming the one thing I need more than painting. My new escape.
“I saw something,” I whisper.
Instantly alert and ready to protect me, fight for me. He straightens. “What was it?”
I press a hand to his chest again, his unsteady heart hammering against my palm. “I love how you worry about me. But this is something fun. Want to go?”
His frame relaxes. “Sure. Let me dry off and grab a shirt.”
“I should probably change, too.”
As I go to follow him, he stops me.
“One at a time. I won’t be able to control myself if we’re naked in the same space.”
A hum rattles in my throat as I pretend to consider that option. “How about a compromise? Because, honestly, I like that problem. We’ll dress separately now—then undress together after our adventure.”
“Deal.”
His quick answer makes me chuckle. “You don’t want to think about it first?”
“Nope.”
With a quick peck on my cheek, he disappears inside, emerging seconds later with a towel and T-shirt in hand.Pure seduction is written all over his face, promising another unforgettable day.
???
While I changed, Hayes managed to start a fire and cook breakfast. I swear I was only gone a few minutes, but time tends to disappear when he’s around. But since he made pancakes, I’m not the least bit sorry.
I steal one off the top of the stack and join him by the fire. “I’m going to gain ten pounds on this trip with the way you spoil me.”
He smirks, eyes covering me in a deliberate way that always sets my skin humming. “It’s okay. We’ll work off the calories later.”
“Yeah, we will.”
He shifts in his seat, tossing back the rest of his protein shake, like he needs it to cool himself down. There's nothing better than making him fidget and getting a glimpse behind his armor of control.
