Manfax (Winter Brothers #2) - Jacob Chance Page 0,27

men underestimate how much women think about sex. We’re just not as obnoxious about showing other people.”

“I’m not obnoxious about wanting sex,” he defends.

“I beg to differ. I seem to remember a comment about me loving your meat.”

“Come on. That line was gold.”

“If you think that’s gold, your taste sucks,” I state matter-of-factly.

“Well, I think you’re beautiful. Doesn’t that mean I have great taste?”

“Depends on who you ask, I guess.”

“Another opinion isn’t needed. You are beautiful.”

My stomach flutters, like a kaleidoscope of butterflies were set free inside. Springing to my feet, I wipe my suddenly damp palms on my jeans. “I’m gonna head up to bed now… alone.”

Oh my God. Why did I add that?

He rises, turning to face me, and edges closer. My knees lock, my legs stiffening until they feel useless. In fact, they are useless; I can’t move. My eyes are open comically wide, and no matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to relax my expression.

He stops in front of me, leaving my gaze staring at his chest. His fingers nudge my chin, raising my face until I’m looking up into his eyes. He leans forward.

Holy shit. He’s going to kiss me.

My eyelids shutter without conscious volition. Lips parting on a breathy sigh, I wait for his kiss that never comes. My eyes snap open just as his lips softly land on my forehead.

He straightens to his full height, his lips hinting at a smile. My cheeks fill with heat, embarrassment rushing through me.

Fuck me.

He has to know I was waiting for his kiss.

And worse, he has to know I wanted his kiss.

“Sweet dreams, Rocky.”

“Goodnight.”

Once I’m inside the bedroom I’m staying in, I close the door and spin around, leaning back against the wooden surface. My breathing is labored from racing up the stairs as if the big bad wolf was after me.

And maybe he was.

I never turned around to see if Adam was following behind when I walked away from him. As soon as I was out of his line of vision, I hurried along.

I wasn’t about to tempt fate and spend another second with him. If he had kissed me, this night wouldn’t be ending with me alone in my bed.

When he moved in close and raised my face, my good intentions—and good sense—fled. I was ready to give in to the devil’s temptation and take a bite of the forbidden apple or whatever else he wanted me to.

After I’ve washed up and brushed my teeth, I slip between the sheets, wearing my favorite t-shirt and sleep shorts.

Reaching for my cell phone, I text Lisa.

Me: How’s everything?

Lisa: By everything, I’m assuming you mean work?

Crap. I feel guilty that I didn’t ask how she’s doing first. I have a tendency of prioritizing my company over everyone else, myself most of all.

Me: Tell me how you are.

Lisa: Everything’s great, including me. How’s your weekend going?

Me: I’m having a great time.

Lisa: I figured, since you haven’t called me at least five times by now. What have you been doing?

Me: The house is huge and the view is incredible. Been spending a lot of time outside. I’m stocking up on plenty of fresh air.

Lisa: Yeah, we both know you’ll barely be outside your office once you’re back.

Me: Don’t remind me. I’m heading back to the city the day after tomorrow.

Lisa: Wow. You sound as though you’re really enjoying yourself.

Pausing with my thumbs poised above the keypad, I let my mind scroll through the highlights of the long weekend, and I smile. I haven’t felt this relaxed in years. Maybe the mountain air is good for me.

Or maybe it has more to do with Adam being so attentive to me.

My smile fades, and I turn my head from side to side on the pillow. No. It has nothing to do with Adam. Being in a new environment has been invigorating. City living is wonderful, but sometimes the hustling and bustling from one place to another wears on me. Add in the constant noise and aromas from the plethora of restaurants and it can seem like a brutal assault on my senses.

Whereas here it’s eerily quiet. There are no houses or businesses in sight. We’re surrounded by woods—I’ve never seen so much green in my entire life. It’s beautiful and serene. I’m going to be sorry to leave on Monday.

I type out a final message for Lisa.

Me: I’m going to sleep. Happy 4th of July. Be safe. xo.

Lisa: You too. No more thinking about work. Night.

Turning to my side,