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Easton approaches me.
I stay still, not wanting to provoke that wolf that lives within him. The irony.
“I’m not sorry.” He grabs my chin in a firm hold and kisses me hard. “When I get back, be prepared to run.”
Chapter 18
Sadie
He wants to chase me. He wants to catch me, and he wants to do what with me? Kiss more. Make out? Have sex?
What do I want? All of it. But this has to move slowly. If we hop into bed, it will ruin the fun, right? The anticipation will be gone and then he won’t want me anymore. I don’t want that. But Easton isn’t the kind of man who takes a small bite and saves the rest for later. He dives in. I don’t want to disappoint him or cheat myself out of this player lifestyle I’m embarking on, but I don’t want to hit the gas full speed. That can lead to a crash and burn.
Ugh.
I need to stop stressing. The problem is that when I stress, I unwind by watching murder. Normally, I’d put on my comfy clothes, get a glass of wine, and binge some ID. I can’t do that now. I have to plan what to do when Easton returns. He’ll want to celebrate with me. I want that, too. I also want to tempt him as much as he tempts me. I want to be sexy and adventurous. This is my chance to be whatever I want. Easton would never judge me sexually. Hell, he’ll probably teach me a few things.
But I’m not going to run around this house. Knowing my luck, I’d slip and fall and pull a hamstring. We can’t mess around if I’m hurt. If he likes the chase, he might like a little hide and seek. Maybe a trail of breadcrumbs or instructions. Yes. I like this game. Excitement buzzes through me. I figure I have about an hour or two, if things go well, until he gets home.
I peruse the cabinets for something to use for the trail leading to me. A box of pecan crunch cereal triggers my memory. Dang it. I forgot I’m supposed to get muffins from Millie. I shoot Easton a quick text.
Sadie: Millie saved muffins for us at the café. I told Everleigh I’d get them, but I’m a bit preoccupied planning something titillating for when you get back. Could you get them from her before you come home, please?
Easton: Interesting choice of words. I’m tempted to cancel my meeting with Daire.
He won’t. He’s teasing. To be safe, I text him.
Sadie: Never mind. I’ll get them.
Easton: Not a chance. Keep doing what you’re doing. I’ll get the muffins.
* * *
Two hours later, I’m shaved in all areas and in a bathing suit in the hot tub in the backyard. After trying to find a creative place to hide inside and coming up with nothing, I considered the bed swing. It was a little too chilly for a sexy nighty, which led me to the structure. A large patio heater stands near the hot tub, along with a towel cabinet and a coat rack for robes. I made sure the heater worked before choosing this spot.
A hot tub isn’t an original hiding space, but it’s sexy, warm, and in nature. I have a feeling it’s one of Easton’s favorite places. He seems to like the outdoors as much as I do.
I get my glass of wine, which is set on a nearby table high enough to reach. It’s a Riesling that I happen to love. I don’t know why Easton has it. Does he like it? Was it a gift, or did he buy it for other women when they’re over?
Two glasses later.
I text him to see when he’s coming back.
No reply.
What if I’m ready too early? What if he doesn’t come back for hours? I’ll be a prune.
I wait. And wait. And wait.
I finish the third glass of wine. My body sinks lower in the water, my posture more relaxed. Even if he doesn’t make it to join me, I still got to enjoy the bubbling hot water and the lake view. I hold up my glass.
“To Easton. Sorry you couldn’t join us.”
“Us?” He appears to my right.
His hair is tousled, like he’s been running his fingers through it. He lifts up a small collection of sticky notes. “Found your arrows.”
I laugh, and it’s totally buzzed sounding. I set the wineglass on the table.
