Page 61 of Surly Sheriff
They had arrived early afternoon, spending the first hour securing the boat and familiarizing themselves with the layout of the three-bedroomed log cabin set on concrete pillars well above the flood line.
After that … well, let’s just say he partook in his favorite activity until their stomachs called for nourishment, forcing them to leave the bed. He grilled steaks on the fire while she stir-fried veggies.
And now it was time for dessert. “Come join me.”
She turned, resting her elbows behind her on the wood rail. The stretchy cotton pulled across her breasts, nipples jutting outin delightful peaks. He grew hard beneath the surface of the swirling water, anticipating having her naked with him in the hot tub. No matter how many times he made love with her, he still craved more.
“You have ulterior motives, Chief Deputy.” A slight frown pulling her eyebrows closer.
“Not denying that,” he replied, fisting his dick, hoping the agitation of the water concealed his action.
But she bit her lip, and her frown deepened.
Fuck.
He returned his arm to the side of the hot tub, but her eyes were on him, and she was a smart woman, and knew what he had done. Since that day, when she had shrunk from him in fear, he’d been watchful of his behavior around her. He didn’t parade around naked, wore pajama pants to bed, and even toned down their lovemaking.
And it didn’t bother him. Truly. He’d do it for the rest of his life if it meant he’d never see that terror in her eyes again.
But tonight he’d shed his pants without thinking before climbing into the tub. As fast as his dick hardened, it deflated. Probably for the best. He glanced at his shorts lying beside the towels. Just out of reach.
“Don’t put them on.”
Beau swung his gaze back to Rae. Her eyes were luminous and wide, her look serious.
She closed the distance to the side of the tub, holding his stare. “The boat trip …” She trailed off, swallowing audibly, her breathing labored.
But then the tension eased from her features, and a smile curled her lips. “I’d forgotten how much I enjoyed being on water, but you reminded me today. Standing on the boat, feeling the wind, the undulating water … You gave back that pleasure to me. Thank you, Beau.”
A lump formed in his throat. She slayed him. “You’re welcome, baby,” he rasped.
Rae grasped the bottom of her shirt, tugged it over her head, baring her torso. She pulled her arms free and chucked it aside. Hooking her thumbs on the elasticized waistband, she dragged the stretchy pants over her hips and down her legs and off her feet. Straightening, she stood before him, gloriously naked. He rose, water sluicing down his body, and held out his hand. She grabbed hold, and he helped her down into the bubbling water, sitting on the opposite side.
“Glorious,” she murmured, sinking deeper up to her neck.
“Yeah,” he agreed, his sight fixed on her. The lowering sun reached beneath the veranda roof, casting a burnished gold glow over her face and shoulders, shimmering over her platinum hair.
Life returned to his nether region.
She drifted forward. Her hands gripped his knees, and she nudged his legs farther apart. And floated into the gap, her palms moving over his thighs.
His dick jubilated, straining forward. “Raegan,” he gritted out.
Their eyes met. Held.
He placed his hands over hers, halting her movement. Any closer and she’d be touching his penis. As much as he craved her touch, he could live without.
Twisting her wrists, she curled her fingers around his, lifting his hands.
She lifted them right out of the water and up to her mouth, where she brushed light kisses across his knuckles. “I’ve seen, Beau,” she whispered. “I’ve seen the way you cover yourself. The way you hold back. Stop yourself from beingyou.”
“It’s okay, baby,” he returned, his voice low.
“No.” Rae shook her head forcefully. “It’snotokay.”
He cupped her face, holding her head still, and dropped his forehead to hers. “Rae. Please,” he rasped. “I can’t bear to see that look of fear on you again.”
“That monster got what he deserved. He’s gone. Dead,” she spat. “And I’ve lived in his shadow for too long. But I cannot get out from under that on my own.”
