Page 81 of Unspoken Hearts
She gives a small shrug. “Still…”
Pulling off her sock, she slips her foot into the water and I watch her muscles ease. A grin pulls in her freckled cheeks, making my body loosen.
“See,” I mutter and sit down beside her, also pulling off my boots and socks. “Not a liar.”
“Never said you were one,” she quips.
I frown. “You just did a minute ago.”
“Nah-ah.” She wiggles a finger in my face, grinning so widely that faint lines appear in the corners of her lips. “I said I was making sure that youweren’ta liar. And I guess I was right.”
A scoff escapes my mouth. “Technicality.”
She snickers before rolling up the bottom of her jeans and letting her feet soak freely in the warm water. “How have I never been up here before in all the years I've known Grayson?”
“He doesn’t like the horses. He at least goes in the river on really hot days like we used to in school.” My eyes flicker onto her bright ones, and I can see the spark of memory in them.
I used to always tag along with her and Grayson when they went to the river. Mum asked me to, but I would have anyway. Macie would always wear a blue two piece, and I hate to admit it, but I could barely tear my eyes off her. But I don’t think she could either because I caught her staring at my chest a few times.
“Do you come here just for this?” she asks, blinking away the memory.
My chin dips. “I come here with Cole, especially after his races. It’s good for the muscles.” I slip off my shirt and put it next to my shoes.
Her eyes skim over my broad frame before focusing back on her drowned feet. The familiar flicker of heat spreads through my chest as I watch her, seeing the blush deepen on her prominent cheekbones.
“Andyoucome for the company I take it?” she teases.
I huff in amusement. “Hardly. It’s good for my muscles, too. Working on a ranch is hard work, cowgirl.”
Chin lifted, she chimes, “That, and you’re getting old, cowboy.”
My jaw drops a fraction as she laughs, loud and melodic, and I pinch her side. Macie moves away from me, and my searing chest hates the distance.
I want her closer, not further away.
“You’re only two years younger than me,” I argue in a low tone.
“Yeah, but you’re closer to thirty than I am, so you’re super old,” she drawls slowly, and I’m moving a moment later.
Wrapping my arms around her waist, I dig my fingers into her sides, wriggling them. She squeals and fights her way out of my grip, kicking her feet and splashing water everywhere. “Stop!”
“Only when you say you’re sorry,” I grumble into her ear as she keeps going.
Giving a small gasp, Macie shouts, “Fine, I take it back!”
“Say it.” My tone grows deeper as my body engulfs with flames being this close to her. With her pushed against my front, arms surrounding her, I can feel her pounding heart beating against mine as I ease my tickling.
“I’m sorry, okay,” she wheezes, finding her breath once again.
Smiling, I pull my arms away, leaving her with a heaving chest and red face. “Good girl.”
Flared eyes stare back at mine, and I grin. It feels so effortless with her, sending prickles down my skin when Macie chuckles sharply.
Before I can move, her hands push my arm, and I fall backwards. Grabbing a hold of her, we fall into the water together. Warm water rushes around me. I break the surface, hearing her laughter as I push hair out of my eyes. It’s still the best sound I’ve heard in my life. I could listen to it forever.
Looking at Macie, I can’t stop the corners of my mouth from curling as she splashes me. Avoiding the spray, I pounce at her, trying to grab a hold of her, laughter echoing around us. My arms wrap around her, forcing her closer to me. My heart begins to race.
She spins to face me, mouth mere inches from mine. Air gets caught in my lungs, realising how close we are. The warm water floats around us. Her copper hair is wet and curling as she peers up into my eyes, droplets falling down her fair skin.
