able to trick your brothers into doing ridiculous things by double-daring them?”
“The triple dog dare usually did its trick. But Dalton was always the one to fall for it. Tristan got me back by pretending to be above my crap, then he’d wait for his time and cut me off at the knees. He’s the more ruthless one.”
“And Dalton is the creative genius?”
“Yep, takes after his grandfather. Called him the Wood Whisperer.”
“And you? What’s your title in this crew?”
He swam and watched her and thought. Families were built on expectations and profiling because it was easier. Even the order of birth told a lot about a person. Sure, he was the oldest and the one to shoulder the most responsibility. He was the leader.
Or was he? Was it just easier to do what he wanted without question or apology? Had he ever truly wanted to compromise and change Pierce Brothers into what his brothers wanted? Or deep inside, did he agree with his father and just didn’t want to admit it?
“The grumpy one.”
Her giggle charmed him. Cal swam closer. Her nipples were hard and strained against the damp lace in an effort to escape. The wet camisole outlined every flow and curve of her body, making him burn. He tried to concentrate on their conversation. “What about you? If you had to place a tag on yourself, what would it be?”
It was a while before she answered. Her voice was a whisper of sound. “A fighter.”
Cal didn’t have time for questions. She flipped over and swam to the edge, easily hitting the deck with both feet and walking back to her neat pile of clothes. He watched her get dressed from a distance and finally joined her on land. He quickly donned his clothes and they stood facing each other.
“Thanks for the swim,” she said politely. “We’d better get back.” She tucked her wet hair behind her ears. Her makeup was smudged. The scent of lemon and fresh daisies rose to his nostrils. Her skin looked dewy and soft. A roaring began in his head and moved lower, wiping out his rational thoughts. He didn’t know what was going on. He didn’t know why, but if he didn’t kiss Morgan Raines tonight, he might regret it for the rest of his life.
“You’re welcome. I didn’t like you at first.”
A smile touched her lips. She tugged at the hem of her shirt. “That’s okay. I didn’t like you, either.” Morgan paused. “I’m still waiting to make up my mind.”
He closed the distance between them. Was that his heart beating? Stupid. Of course not. He was a grown man, and he didn’t get those feelings anymore. She tilted her head back, and he saw the slight tremble of her lips as she gazed back at him, refusing to look away.
“I like you now.”
She cleared her throat. The pulse at the base of her neck and the dilation of her pupils gave her away. She felt it, too. His nostrils flared like a predator’s on the hunt, but he moved slow, bending his head so his mouth was inches from hers, so he could feel the warm rush of her breath against him. So she had plenty of time to pull away and cry foul. Still, she rallied.
She spoke his name on a ragged whisper. “What are you doing, Cal?”
“I’m sorry.”
She shuddered. His hands clasped her shoulders, and he breathed her in.
“For misjudging me? Calling me a coward? Or not liking me at first?”
He locked his gaze with hers to show her his intention. Paused. “For this.”
Cal covered his mouth with hers.
The moment her lips yielded under his, Caleb realized Morgan Raines was more dangerous than he’d ever imagined.
She tasted like all the things he loved in his past—sugar cookies and bourbon-infused chocolate. Freshly squeezed orange juice and key lime pie. Deliciously sweet and tart and tasty. Everything he craved and couldn’t get enough of, wrapped up in this one gorgeous female.
The kiss was slow and deep and oh so thorough. Cal kept his hands firmly on her shoulders, not trusting himself to be cool. Who would’ve thought Morgan Raines would inspire violent lust instead of lukewarm interest? His body shook with the effort to control his instincts. Instead, he teased her, gathering her taste with his tongue and capturing the sexy little moan that spilled from her throat. It was a kiss that introduced, welcomed, lingered. It was the hottest kiss he’d ever shared with a woman, and he didn’t know what