5. Chapter Four
Chapter Four
Murphy
“ G ood show, Sailor.”
The raspy voice, combined with the cold water, startles me, and I whirl toward the sound with my rapidly softening cock still in hand.
“What the fuck?” I snarl, not bothering to correct her. I’ve never been a Sailor; I’m Air Force through and through, but that’s not the reason for the irritation lancing through me. Snatching the towel off the rack, I sling it over my waist, throwing her a murderous glare.
Who the hell does she think she is?
“Did you break into my home? ” I’m honestly shocked that anyone would do something like that—people here in Sweetheart Falls respect each other’s privacy. Even an open door isn’t an invitation, and I know I didn’t leave any doors open.
“No, the dog invited me in,” she replies with amusement, dancing on her lips.
“I don’t have a damn dog.”
“Oopsie.” She giggles. “You left your door open, and I was worried about you?”
The little brat widens her eyes, playing at an innocence that is all kinds of bullshit, and it fans the flames of my rage and desire. The need to throttle her pulses through me, but I rein it in. She’s not a threat to me physically—mentally is something else—but I can get a hold of my instincts.
“Nope. Try again. I know all my doors were closed.”
She shrugs. “Open, unlocked. Same difference. You practically asked for it.”
The odd little beauty backs out of the doorway, and I follow in pursuit—unsure whether I’m going to kick her out or kiss her. Blyth tucks her strange blue-tipped hair behind her ear, allowing the several tiny earrings to shine against her soft skin. Then she plops down unceremoniously on my bed and rumples the perfectly smooth, tucked comforter I made with military precision this morning.
“If you’re gonna muss up my bed, you best spread those legs and give me a good time.” My cock takes notice, twitching and coming back to life when she mock-gasps at my dirty words.
“I’m not here for that,” she replies, crossing her arms under her chest. The movement pushes her breasts up until her cleavage threatens to spill out of her top.
Do it. I beg the thin material as all the thoughts in my brain melt into slush.
“My eyes are up here, buddy,” she huffs, but I don’t stop gawking at the perfect mounds before me. All my blood rushes to my cock, causing it to stiffen and rise, jutting through the opening of the towel.
This time, her gasp is real, and my eyes fly to her face to see her gaze cloud over with lust. Blyth’s little pink tongue darts out to wet her lips, and her thighs press together hard. Electricity zips between us, pulsing in the air in a way I’ve never experienced before.
Without rhyme or reason, I’m drawn forward by the desire to touch her skin, lick between her smooth breasts. Her breathing picks up as I get closer, and her pulse flutters tantalizingly in her neck. I get so close that I can breathe in her shampoo, a soft floral scent that makes me bite my tongue to keep in the moan that wants to escape.
“It’s not your eyes I want Trouble. Now open that mouth wide for me.” Although she’s clearly interested, my dirty demand brings back her sass and her lips flatten with a hiss. I hadn’t really thought she would blow me right here, but it was worth a shot. With a chuckle, I back away and snag a pair of grey sweatpants from my drawer.
“Damn. You think you’re special, don’t you?” she asks with a snort. But I’m not rising to the bait.
“Why the hell are you here, Trouble? I already told Tilly and Drew I wouldn’t be able to make it to their wedding. So, there’s no reason for this unpleasant visit.”
Although I like how she fills out a top, I’m not interested in having a woman. I’m not looking to complicate my life, so she needs to leave now before I do something stupid like kiss those rosy lips.
I figure the best way to get her out of my bedroom is to leave, so I wander down the hallway, heading for the front door. Without bothering to put on shoes or a shirt, I open it, barely feeling the chill with how heated my blood is.
As predicted, she trails after me like a lost puppy, walking right out of my sanctuary and back onto the porch.
“Well, you may have told them. But you being there really means a lot. And Tilly and Drew are always there, taking care of everyone. It’s important their day be perfect—and I’m here to make sure you come,” she blathers on, and I wonder why they can’t just leave well enough alone. Yeah, at one time, Drew and I were tight. Hell, the man saved my life. But he’s happy with a woman who loves him. It shouldn’t matter if I’m there or not.
“Look. I’m not sure why you all can’t let this go, but I don’t fly; I hate weddings, and I’m not interested in being there. Now it’s time for you to leave. I don’t care what you do, but do it elsewhere.” With finality, I slam the door in her face.
Her eyes bulge with rage, and she stomps her foot before whirling around, jumping down the steps, and taking off toward the back.
Damnit. Not again.
My legs eat up the length of my house as I head for the backdoor. The slapping of my feet echoes in the quiet, but fortunately, I have less space to cover and reach it before she’s even rounded the corner. I fly through the mudroom to find the door swinging in the breeze. Of course, she left it open.
Leaning on the doorframe, I smirk as she runs up, panting hard. Her face is flushed from the exertion, her cheeks rosy from the fall chill. The sun is setting behind her, giving Blyth an unearthly glow. The pretty oranges and pinks light her just right. Her hair is wild, just like the woman. A force to be reckoned with—and not for the first time, I wonder if she could be mine to tame.
No. She’s only here for one thing.
“Wrong way, Trouble. Get back in your car and get off my mountain.”
“You can’t make me, Murphy,” she declares, full of fire and stubbornness. “You should just give in now. I always get my way.”
“Good luck with that, sweetheart,” I smirk and slam another door in her face with a satisfying thud, making sure the lock is engaged this time. Curious, I head to my studio window and slide it open just a fraction so I can hear her muttering as she heads back to the front.
“Infernal. Insufferable. Impossible man,” she complains, talking to herself. “Think you’re getting away from me. Not a damn chance.”
The sound of her voice becomes muted as she heads toward the front, and I shimmy the window closed and engage the lock. I wouldn’t put it past her to try breaking and entering through a window, and my art studio is strictly off-limits.
Like a stalker, I slink through my house toward the vast glass windows, intent on watching her leave. My heart feels light, and for the first time, I realize that I’m having fun. The whole situation is hysterical, but I’ll be damned if her brand of crazy doesn’t speak to me.
It won’t change the outcome, but it could still be entertaining.
I stand behind the reflective glass, prepared to watch as her taillights disappear down my road. But low and behold, Blyth has yet another surprise in store for me. She stands at the trunk of her compact sedan and begins pulling out a multitude of objects.
What the hell? Is that a…
With expert precision, she quickly erects a small tent before scooping out a sleeping bag and other necessities. Guess she came prepared.
My gut clenches at the idea of her spending a night on the ground, but I push the feelings back. She’s a grown, pain-in-the-ass, woman who can do what she wants. Of course, I could call the cops and have her taken away for trespassing. But what fun would that be?
Oh, Trouble, you’re in for it now.