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The other two gents bristle as I make myself comfortable, kicking off my shoes. That uptight Wyatt looks fit to swallow his tongue while our wild-eyed friend, Emrys, just stares unflinchingly at Kat. But it’s Kat’s reaction I’m watching closest.
Her jaw drops so hard I reckon I can hear the thunk from here. Those captivating turquoise eyes of hers widening into the perfect picture of outrage.
“Absolutely not!” She sputters, neck flushing in that pretty way she does whenever I rile her up.
“Why not, baby? You scared?” I waggle my eyebrows her way, delighting in the way it makes her eye twitch. She’s just too easy to wind up.
Wyatt steps forward, ever the diplomat. “Kat gets the bed. The rest of us will take turns on the couch,” he suggests reasonably. More like orders.
But I don’t do reasonable and I’ve never been great at following orders.
“Where’s the fun in that?” I ask with an exaggerated stretch. “May as well make the most of this lucky break and have ourselves a slumber party. Ain’t that right, Emrys?”
Emrys just grunts, clearly more man of action than of conversation.
“You—” Wyatt begins, puffing up, reminding me of one of those banty roosters trying to protect their hens. But just then, Kat’s phone lights up with another text. She checks it and sighs heavily, her lips pursing into a pretty little moue of resignation that does funny things to my insides.
“I’ve got to get ready for dinner.” She arches one flawless brow at us. “Do try to behave yourselves in front of my family tonight.”
Her stern tone sends a bolt of heat straight through me that no proper gentleman should acknowledge. But luckily for her, I ain't no gentleman.
I shoot her a wink. "No promises there, darlin'."
She turns on her heel and practically runs away, leaving me and the other two men awkwardly lounging together in a room. I surreptitiously take them in from the corner of my eye as I maintain my relaxed, gives-no-shits attitude.
The silence that settles around us is thick as molasses as Kat makes her escape to the en-suite bathroom. The sound of running water soon follows, letting us know she’s getting ready for this shindig of a welcome dinner.
I’m not too concerned about it. I can charm the bark off a tree if need be, and Kat’s folks seem amiable enough. Her dad though, based on Kat’s reaction earlier, might take a bit more finesse. Good thing my mama raised me to be a man that you want to take home to meet the parents.
Wyatt stands abruptly, clearing his throat as he neatly folds and stows his discarded suit jacket. “If you…gentlemen will excuse me, I believe I’ll take a look around the resort before dinner.”
Emrys grunts again but makes no move to follow as Wyatt lets himself out. Interesting that he doesn’t consider us gentlemen at all. I reckon I should be offended, but fact is, he’s got the right of it. Still, I bristle a bit at the dismissal.
“Just you and me now, compadre,” I drawl to Emrys, testing the waters. Strong silent type he may be, but a man’s boundaries can tell you a lot about him. “Cozy.”
Emrys just looks at me, unimpressed, then he heads for the door without a word. Guess that tells me all I need to know.
With the room to myself, I get a little more dressed up than I currently am. A button up and slacks should do. Then I’m merely standing about twiddling my thumbs like an imbecile. The shower is still running, and boredom is quickly setting in, making me twitchy. Glancing around and seeing no witnesses, I take the chance to snoop around a bit. Never know what secrets I might uncover about the enigmatic Kat. I find her luggage piled neatly near the front door and can’t resist taking a peek. Unzipping one of the cases slowly, being careful not to make too much noise, my eyes widen at the sight of satiny and lacey unmentionables folded pristinely inside.
Well, well, well. Someone has a naughty side after all. I pick up a particularly racy red number, picturing her curves in it, when suddenly a throat clears behind me.
I whirl, shoving my hands behind my back, to find Kat standing there, fresh from the shower with her curves just barely covered by a plush towel.
“See something you like, Cowboy?” She asks, arching a brow.
I grin, caught red handed but unwilling to show it. “Just getting acquainted with the place, darlin’.”
Her pretty eyes narrow, arms crossing over her chest. “I’d say keep your paws off what doesn’t belong to you, but seeing as you’re a hired prop, nothing here does belong to you.”
Ouch. She’s a spitfire when riled. But her claws just make her that much more appealing.
I drop the pile of lace in my hands and saunter closer, enjoying the way her breath hitches as I do. “No need to get your spurs in a tangle, doll. I promise to be on my best behavior from here on out.” I reach out and brush a stray tendril of hair behind her ear before I can think better of it.
Kat sucks in a sharp breath but doesn’t pull away, her eyes dilating. Oh yeah, she feels this spark between us too. No denying it. I lean in just a fraction more, drawn like a moth to her flame.
Before I can push her even further, the sound of the door opening has her springing away from me like she’s got ants down her pants. Saved by the bell or cockblocked by Wyatt? I shoot him an irritated look as he raises one brow in silent admonishment.
Clearing her throat, Kat grabs something from one of her bags and retreats towards the room again. “Time to get this circus sideshow over with,” she mutters before shutting the door.
