Huntsman - Morgan Brice Page 0,3

regularly. He is not sex on two legs.

Russ was so totally sex on two legs.

“Yeah. Just moving in. New job. Kinda came up fast.” Liam fought the urge to facepalm as his mouth decided to leave without his brain, going from tongue-tied to babbling.

“Well, welcome to Fox Hollow.” Russ’s smile looked genuine, and he held out his hand for Liam to shake. Liam’s scattered wits meant it took a half a second too long to respond.

When he did, as soon as skin met skin, Liam felt a tingle that ran up his arm and straight to his chest. He glanced down, on the odd—and bizarre—chance that Russ had used a prank hand buzzer, but of course there was nothing out of the ordinary.

Nothing except a stunned look on Russ’s face that made Liam suspect the stranger had felt the same jolt.

At which point, Liam realized he was still holding Russ’s hand.

He released his grip, which had to be the most awkward end to a handshake ever. Liam couldn’t remember when he’d made such a fool of himself, at least without alcohol to blame it on.

“It’s been a long day,” Liam said, and while that didn’t begin to cover the truth, it also didn’t excuse suddenly losing the ability to function.

Russ smiled, looking a bit perplexed, but still friendly. “I’m sure this isn’t how you expected the evening to go. Why don’t you get settled in the cab, I’ll get the car situated, and we’ll head to town. Have you eaten yet?”

The simple concern in Russ’s tone and expression threatened to crack Liam’s strained-to-the-limit control. He didn’t get any vibe that Russ was hitting on him. Hell, for all Liam knew, Russ might be straight, although that handshake made him doubt it. Still, it wasn’t good to make assumptions. And what the hell was he doing, even caring whether Russ played for his team when he’d just sworn off ever falling for anyone again?

Liam realized he hadn’t answered Russ’s question. I’m an idiot. “Uh, not really. I got some snacks at the truck stop when I filled the tank, but that was a while ago.”

Russ’s grin broadened. “I’ve got you covered. We had a sub sandwich fundraiser at the firehouse today, and there are plenty of leftovers in the fridge at the station. Let’s get your car where it needs to go, and then while you fill out paperwork, I’ll run over and get you one. Everything else is closed by now,” he added apologetically. “Small town and all.”

“That would be wonderful. It’s kind of you to offer,” Liam said, finally finding his wits again.

“Wouldn’t be much of a welcome to let you go hungry on your first night in town,” Russ replied as he headed to the truck to get the chains. Liam had the distinct feeling Russ would have made the offer to anyone in Liam’s situation, which made him think even more highly of the man. Then Russ bent over to secure the car, and Liam got a good look at a jeans-clad perfect ass that fired his imagination.

Let’s just hope he doesn’t turn around before I can adjust myself, Liam thought, getting a flashback to eighth-grade gym class. He turned away to head for the cab, trying to be discreet as his unruly cock decided to stand at attention.

Thank God for the running board, because Liam didn’t want to think about trying to climb into the cab without it. The truck was just like Russ—solid, big, and powerful. The strong arms Liam had glimpsed were going to feature in his spank bank at some point, even if Liam had sworn off the real thing.

Alone in the cab, Liam picked up Russ’s scent, a combination of aftershave, leather, motor oil, and something earthy that was definitely shifter. Wolf? Liam wondered. That would fit with the powerful body and the take-charge attitude. Might be a gray wolf—explains the hair. Do wolves have green eyes? He sighed in exasperation in his sudden desire to Google and find out.

Chill. It doesn’t matter. He’s a wolf; I’m a fox. Not exactly natural enemies, but not automatically compatible, either. And who cares about compatibility. I am not getting involved again. Not gonna get my heart broken. Fuck, I’m running from a guy who wants to kill me because my ex ratted me out. Do I look like I need more man trouble?

He watched Russ in the rearview mirror, pleased that he treated the old Civic carefully, despite the fact that it was not