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"So tell me, compadre, what's your big plan for charming our little spitfire once Kat gets back?" I ask Wyatt with an easy grin, knowing it'll get under his polished skin.
Wyatt's eye twitches but he keeps his tone civilized. "Don’t presume to know me."
I have to laugh out loud at that, because he bothers me for some reason. Irks me in a way I’m not used to, and it’s pissing me off. "Now we both know that ain't true. You’re dull. A woman like Kat–she needs a man who's willing to break the rules, walk on the wild side with her, and show her a good time between the sheets. And I sure don't see you fitting the bill there, slick."
At that, Wyatt finally abandons his gentlemanly mannerisms. He levels me with a thunderous look. “Oh, and what she needs is an insolent flirt who has absolutely no self-control or sense of decorum?”
Oh I've struck a nerve now. I lean back and fix Wyatt with my most cocky grin, even if it is all for show. The asshole just makes me feel like…like I have to try harder. Like I have to actually try and measure up to him.
Shit.
"No need to get your starched boxers in a twist, amigo. I'm just making conversation here. Unless you're afraid she really would prefer someone more exciting?"
Normally I’m not such a dick. What is it about him?
Wyatt opens his mouth for what's sure to be a scathing retort when voices nearby announce Kat and Emrys' return. In an instant, Wyatt is composed once more, while irritation still burns through me.
Fine, let Wyatt play it cool. But I'm through sitting around watching from the sidelines. Time to turn on the charm and remind our sassy leading lady who really lights her fire. Kat won't know what hit her once this cowboy turns up the heat.
"There you two are!" I exclaim loudly as Kat and Emrys approach arm in arm. "How was trompin’ around out there in the untamed wilderness?"
Kat's cheeks pink up. Interesting. Something happened out there between those trees. But Kat quickly shrugs it off. "It was an adventure for sure."
Her eyes sparkle with that reckless light I find so irresistible. Damn it all. I swallow down bitterness and plaster on a grin. No use showing my cards yet.
"Well you'll have to tell us all about it!" I drawl, guiding Kat over to the bar. "But first...I believe I need to buy you a drink. It’s the gentlemanly thing to do."
Kat laughs, the sound easing some of the knots in my chest. "I suppose it is."
Her hand fits so easily in mine as we walk, soft and delicate yet with hidden strength. I sneak a subtle whiff of her warm, vanilla scent mingling with the earthier aroma of the rainforest still clinging to her sun-kissed skin and hair.
Desire coils hot and urgent inside me. I've never ached for a woman the way I do for this maddening, captivating creature. And I don't care how many silent Neanderthals or dapper gents try to stand in my way. She's meant to be mine and I play to win.
At the bar, I flag down the bartender with a raised hand. "A rum punch for my darlin'." I give Kat a playful nudge as she rolls her eyes at me knowingly. God, she's cute when she's exasperated.
I wait until she's sipping her fruity cocktail, lips wrapping temptingly around that tiny straw, before I make my move. Leaning in close, I brush back a silky lock of hair that's fallen into her face.
"Now how's about you and me get out of here?" I murmur low in her ear. "You still owe me a rematch for our beach volleyball defeat yesterday."
Kat inhales sharply at my proximity, her heartbeat visibly fluttering at the base of her elegant neck. But she doesn't pull away.
"Trying to get me alone, Cowboy?" She retorts, but her eyes spark playfully.
"Maybe I am." I feather my fingers down her arm, unable to resist touching her. "A little one-on-one could be fun..."
Kat worries that plump lower lip between her teeth, and as much as I want to toss her over my shoulder and carry her off like a caveman, Kathryn Sharpe bows to no man. So I bide my time and let that reckless light in her eyes make the decision. And when her lips part to answer me, my heart kicks into a gallop.
“Kitty-Kat! There you are!” Her dad’s voice booms across the room before she can answer and I grind my molars at another interruption.
Not that I hold it against the man. He’s a good dude–dad–whatever. I can see how much he means to Kat. And this is a family trip after all.
“Dad?” She turns in her seat, a frown tugging at her lips. I catch sight of both Emry and Wyatt grinning at my thwarted attempt and suddenly I’m thinking a lot more violently than I have in a long while. Now I’m feeling real thankful that Roger is here, otherwise there might be a full blown brawl happenin’.
“Did you forget what tonight is?” Roger pulls Kat into a quick bear-hug that has her giggling before placing her back on her stool.
“Apparently so.”
He gasps exaggeratedly and takes on the appearance of being wounded. “It’s board game night in Annabelle’s penthouse. Food, fun, and fruity cocktails for the ladies. How could you hurt me like this?”
