16. Chapter 16
Chapter 16
Colt
I am trying my damnedest to concentrate on the page I have read ten times. Brynn is naked in my bathroom and my lizard brain is only focused on that. It is taking all my strength to sit my ass on this couch and not barge into the bathroom like a caveman.
I can just imagine her soaking in the deep tub, running a washcloth along every inch of her silky skin. The ends of her auburn curls damp from the water. Her gorgeous full tits on display with water moving over her pert nipples as she moves around in the water. I can smell my body wash from here.
Fuck. She is going to smell like me when she goes to sleep tonight. I wish it was because I put my scent on her. Why can't I stop thinking about this girl who barely tries to tolerate me? I need to get my head in check, she is off limits.
Well, fuck if that doesn't make my dick perk up. I am internally listing all the reasons I can't get involved with Brynn, other than the fact that she can't stand me. I work for her family, I need this job to help Callie, I love this job, I finally feel like I belong. Her brothers would kill me and bury me on the land somewhere.
Brynn walks out of the bathroom, dressed in my clothes. Well, fuck me . I get it now, something about seeing a gorgeous woman in your t-shirt is hot as fuck. The sweatpants are rolled up a couple of times at the waist, the t-shirt sleeves hanging almost to her elbow. Yes, Brynn is tall, curvy, and strong, but I am definitely a lot bigger than her.
"I used your bodywash since I didn't see any bubble bath. Guess cowboys don't like soaking?" She teases.
"Only if I have my model ship."
"Was that a joke and a Friends reference?" She asks, shocked.
"Maybe," I say with a smirk.
"Whoa. Didn't take you for a sitcom guy."
"I'm full of surprises," I say smiling.
"I bet you are, Cowboy . Thanks again for lending me your tub."
"Anytime." I go back to reading my book. I have no idea what page I am on or what is happening from being so distracted by Brynn, but I pretend to know as I look down at the worn pages.
"Thanks again for everything at Bessie's tonight. My brothers can be a lot. "
"I don't think it was your brothers that had you on the verge of a panic attack," I say dryly.
"I don't know what you are talking about," Brynn snaps at me. "Like I told my overbearing brothers, I am fine. I don't need to be treated like a child."
"Yeah, you definitely aren't throwing a tantrum like a child right now. What next? Going to stomp your foot at me?"
That might have been the exact wrong thing to say at this point in time. I swear her mossy green eyes have fire in them.
"Don't try to act like you know anything about me. You are just like my brothers, thinking I can't take care of myself. That I am a child. I am not a fucking child. I am a grown ass woman who can handle her own life. I don't need anyone; I am just fine by myself," she seethes.
Her chest is rising rapidly, her hands are shaking, her skin looks paler than normal. "Brynn?"
"Just leave me alone." She storms out of the cottage and into the dark. There is no fucking way I am letting her walk back to the main house in the dark when there have been bobcat sightings this week.
I throw the door open and stomp out onto the porch. I can see her just up ahead; I pick up my pace and jog slowly to catch up to her. "If you think I am going to let you walk back to the main house this late, you are sadly mistaken," I growl .
"Fuck off, Cowboy !" She takes a few more steps and stops immediately.
I heard it too. Fuck .
"Brynn, I need you to walk back to me slowly. Do not make any sudden moves. Walk slowly toward my voice," I say in a quiet voice.
"I can't."
"Yes, you can." My eyes scan the area around us. "C'mon Brynn."
She takes one step, and the sound of a twig snapping makes her run full speed toward me. So much for slow . Her strong body leaps in the air once she is close enough to reach me. Her hands come around my neck and her long legs wrap around my waist. I feel her breath against my neck as she buries her head in my shoulder.
I look around to see if the danger has passed. A deer darts out of the tree line and toward the field. A fucking deer. I rub my hand down her back. "It's okay, no bobcat, just a deer."
She immediately jumps down from my body like she is repulsed at the thought of touching me any longer. That doesn't help the ego one bit.
"Ss sorry," She stutters as she looks around to see if there is anything else lurking in the dark.
"It's fine. Let's go back in the cottage so I can get my keys, and I can take you back to the main house."
"Okay. That would be good. It has been a long night."
I nod and start walking toward the cottage porch when we hear the distinct scream of a bobcat. Brynn flies past me in a sprint and is the first one in the house. Leaving me outside as the sacrifice, I guess.
I shake my head at her antics and make a mental note to tell Blake that bobcats might become a big problem. We will need to be vigilant and keep both animals and humans safe.
"Were you leaving me out there to get attacked?" I ask, trying to hide my smile.
"Well, I figured if one of us was going to be eaten, might as well be you."
"I know something I'd like to eat," I mumble as I look around the living room for my truck keys.
"Careful, Cowboy. Your appetite might get the best of ya."
"Or the best of you, " I say as I walk out the door and head to my truck.