So let’s just say being carried around by a guy, then standing in the snow freezing your ass off, and taking a pee outside is pretty much the most embarrassing thing ever.
When we get back to the truck, Storm rummages around in the back where he has one of those big metal toolbox things, only I guess, instead of tools, his is mostly filled with groceries. His arms are loaded with stuff when he climbs back in. He drops it all on the seat between us. Bottled water, potato chips, granola bars, cookies, crackers, and cheese. We take turns feeding big dog biscuits to Niko, and I watch in awe when Storm takes one of the water bottles and gently tips it into Niko’s mouth and the dog actually drinks it.
“Wow. Now that’s pretty cool. How’d you teach him that?”
Storm is all smiles, beaming over his cool dog. “We travel a lot and sometimes I forget his bowl. So we improvise.”
I eat three granola bars and sip some water. I’m actually afraid to eat too much because I am afraid of having to pee, or even worse, out in the damn snow. I shudder at the mere thought of it.
“I have orange juice, too. Want one of those?”
I shake my head. “Let’s have that tomorrow for breakfast. You don’t happen to have any coffee back there, do ya?”
He grins and stuffs a cookie in his mouth. “See? I knew you were one of those latte drinkers! I had you pegged right from the start.”
“Okay, so that’s my one addiction. I love white mochas. I have one every single day and I am completely jonesing for one.”
“I can’t get on the coffee train. I drink juice or water.”
“Do you work out?”
He quirks his eyebrow up at me and gives me that wicked crooked grin. “You’ve been checking me out?”
I roll my eyes. “Dream on. I could feel the muscles through your jacket, and I can see how big your arms and shoulders are just with that sweater on.”
“Yes, I work out when I have time. I use my hands a lot for work and I lift a lot of heavy shit.”
“How many tattoos do you have?”
Again, I get the sexy, smirk of a grin. “You have been checking me out.”
He takes a sip of water. “It’s okay, baby. I know I’m irresistible.”
“Really? Are you always so into yourself? Trust me, I’m not one of those chicks who’s gonna jump into bed with you for a hot one-nighter.”
“I know. That’s why I like you. And I have a shitload of tattoos, to answer your question. Wanna see?”
“No—” But before I can even get the word out, he’s pulling his sweater off, and yeah, he’s covered in tattoos. His arms are fully sleeved, his chest is covered, his sides and his back, also covered in artwork. I try to take it all in, crosses, castles, words, faces. I even see one of Niko. And beneath all that is dark, muscled skin. And I mean big, sculpted arms, broad chest and pecs, and a hard six pack. The guy is ripped. I have to look away. “Okay, Storm, put your shirt on. I’ve seen all your tattoos and they’re beautiful.”