Chapter 20
My entire body feels a rush as Rhett’s lips meet mine, the scent of sage and cedarwood filling my senses. Melting into his touch as his hand traces my cheek, I can’t think straight. I’ve never been kissed with such passion, nor have I ever felt this much desire in return.
He grabs my hips and lifts me onto my desk, leaning over me, never losing contact with my lips. I glide my hands up the back of his neck, trying to remove what little space lies between us, and I feel a smile—that shit-eating grin—cross his lips.
My body feels like I’m on fire and he’s kerosene, not extinguishing the flame, but only causing it to burn hotter. His lips steadily move down my neck, and the hair on my arms stands up as his body grinds softly against mine.
I want nothing more than for him to take me right here on this counter, to fuck me as good as I know he can. He grabs my ass, pulling my hips closer to his, and it takes everything in me not to unbutton his pants.
This is definitely not what I meant by coming to claim a prize. Or was it? I know I said coffee, or whatever he wanted, or, God, what the fuck did I even say?
His kisses trail down my neck and I can’t keep a single thought straight.
It doesn’t matter what I offered, he’s hot and I have needs too. There’s something about this moment that feels like more than just filling them though, and I didn’t realize until right now. This isn’t hesitation; I don’t know what it is.
Should I stop?
I don’t want to look too easy, even though all I can picture right now is him lifting me off this table and bending me over it.
He nibbles on my neck. Goosebumps rise on my skin, the chill of lust consuming every bit of me.
No, I don’t want him to stop.
He reaches for the hem of my shirt and heat rushes between my legs, hoping his cock is about to follow. My shirt is half way up my body, and time feels like it stands still. I want him and I want him now.
A sudden knock comes at the front door and we both freeze.
“Can we just ignore that?” he whispers in my ear, returning to lazily kissing down my neck.
“Whoever it is can fuck off.” I lean away from him to take in how hot he is. His sandy blond hair has a slight swoop to the ends. It’s not long, but there’s definitely enough there to run my fingers through.
“Happily,” he says, pulling me back in.
The knock sounds again and Rhett steps away from me.
I roll my eyes, because I could give a shit less about whoever’s interrupting us, and the last thing I expect or want is for him to act responsible right now.
Pulling my shirt back in place, I look into his umber eyes.
A softness resides in them. One that makes me want to believe he’s here for more than just a piece of ass, but I do linger on that thought longer than I’d like.
I consider sneaking him another kiss, but prefer him to want me rather than me to throw myself at him.
I push my hair off my face and purposely brush my hip against his cock as I walk past him and aim toward the door where I find Hannah.
I fake a smile, still irritated by her unwanted interruption.
I notice the lock in an upright position, questioning how it got locked in the first place until I hear Rhett chuckle from behind.
I guess he expected that to go differently. I know I wish it had.
I allow her to enter, and she does, radiating joy when she sees Rhett.
Of fucking course, I should have seen that a mile away after her comments from earlier today.
Rhett smiles back and I stifle an irritated groan.
I have no reason to be jealous, but can he not be so charismatic for one fucking second?
“I’m so sorry for interrupting…” She looks from him to me. “Whatever this is, I just forgot my phone under the counter.” She walks past both of us quickly, searching underneath the cash register, and grabs her phone.
“You didn’t interrupt anything.” My response is unbothered and Rhett lets out a little hum, instantly contradicting me.
“Ya definitely interrupted somethin’.” Naturally, he’d say that. I send him a glare filled with daggers, and he raises his hands in the air like I pointed a gun in his direction. He’s lucky I don’t have one, or maybe I would have.
Hannah doesn’t show any discomfort with the situation, but her tone does.
“Well, uh, y’all have a good day.” She bares a soft smile, maybe one of disappointment since she had just given Rhett her number earlier today.
She seemingly shakes it off and winks at no one in particular, then walks out the front door.
“What do ya mean she didn’t interrupt anythin’?” He points his thumb toward my office. “I’m pretty sure that was somethin’.”
“What was I supposed to say? It doesn’t look good if the boss is caught with her panties down, Casanova.” I’m not angry with him, it’s not like he knows that I know she gave him her number or how poorly I responded to it.
There’s absolutely no way I’m going to tell him either.
“Now, I know that wasn’t goin’ on, or I’m sure neither one of us would’ve answered the door.” His eyes bug out, but his smile grows when he mentions sex, and I can’t help but laugh.
“No, I probably still would have answered.” I know I wouldn’t have, but I like sending him in a spiral.
“You would’ve been too busy screamin’ my name to answer to anyone else, Angel.”
My brows rise in defiance. “I guess we’ll never know.”
“What do ya mean, we’ll never know? We can find out right now.” His grin deepens and the sly look in his gaze tells me he’d be happy to prove it.
“First off, I already answered the door, there’s no going back.
And second, I’ve got an inventory order to call in and I need to do a deep clean of the shop to reset for the new week.
” I make up any excuse I can, because I’m panicking a little inside.
I started my day slightly curious about him, and it’s not even dinner time and I’ve already made out with the damn guy.
“Ya sure ya don’t want my help?” My heart softens at his offer once more, because he easily could have just pushed past my excuses and acted like a dog. “Believe it or not, Sawyer runs a tight ship. The entire bunkhouse is spotless, thanks to me.” He looks proud, and causes my lips to curve upward.
“Huh, wins roping competitions, walks ladies home, and cleans? What can’t you do?”
“Funny, I thought for almost a second that ya might be comin’ around to my southern charm.”
“You caught me off guard,” I jest.
He wriggles his brows. “Yeah, that’s why ya kissed back.”
He’s got me there.
“Thanks for the offer, but I don’t need any more distractions for the night.
And you, Cowboy,” I force my finger into his chest. “Are a rather large one.” I peg him with a pointed stare.
I don’t say it to be rude. In fact, he and I both know just brushing past him gave me that information.
I can already see how the night would unfold if he stays.
And it would involve a lot less clothes.
I brush past him, knocking my shoulder into his, and he reaches up fast enough to catch me by the throat. His touch is tender, and the desire I have for him sparks once more.
Giving me a gentle kiss, he bites my bottom lip, sending shivers down my spine.
Without dropping his hand, he glances into my eyes for only a heartbeat before releasing me.
“You’ve got my number, then. Call it for a good time.
” He walks over to the counter and picks up his coffee and muffin.
“Just came back for this, anyways.” He makes the comment with such an air I know he’s kidding, but I also want to punch him for it.
Gathering his stuff, he advances toward the exit. “See ya around, Angel.”
I watch as he walks out and saunters down the sidewalk. Stunned by how easy it was for me to let all of this unfold, when liking him goes against everything I try to protect myself from.
Shaking my head, I return the deadbolt to the locked position, trying to allow myself to enjoy what just happened instead of overthinking it. I return to the office and smile when I reach the desk, the papers in disarray from only moments ago.
Pulling out my phone, I dash straight to Daisy’s number.
ME: LET ME KNOW WHEN YOU’RE HOME.
I aim for the send button, but second guess my excitement and delete the message.
What have I gotten myself into?