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Ford’s unasked question is loud between us. “You mean this isn’t something friends do for other friends?”
“Not in my experience.”
I smile, even though he can’t see it. “You need to get better friends.”
He leans in, and the air shifts behind me. “Why would I do that when I have you?” The deep voice in my ear makes me shiver. Brings the skin along my neck alive. I’m so overly aware of his closeness, drunk on the idea of him dipping his head, pressing his lips to my throat, scraping his stubble along my skin.
Huh. So apparently, the hypotheticaldoesdo something for me.
“Did, uh … didyouget sunburned?”
“Not a spot.” He abruptly pulls back, and I’m left cold. “Some of us have heard of sunblock.”
Fucking smart-ass. I gulp down a few breaths and try to get my dick kinda under control before I turn around. “If you want to turn down a free massage, that’s on you.”
“Nothing is ever free.”
“That’s a cynical take on things.”
His lips hitch at the corners as he checks me out again. “Everything comes with a price, and sometimes you have to work out if it’s a price you wanna pay.”
He could be talking in general, or about what’s happening between us, but I get what he’s saying. “So how much would you pay for a massage?”
“Haven’t worked that out yet.”
“You know …” I walk my fingers over his chest until I can flick that barbell that’s taunting me. “I’m shirtless right now, so it’s only fair that you are as well.”
His eyes are searching. “That so?”
“Quid pro quo.”
“Nah.” He grins. “Think I wanna make you work for it a little more.”
“You’re so mean.”
“Because it’s fun.”
“That so?” I echo him. Then I grab the bottom of his shirt and tug.
Ford works out what I’m doing a second after I move, and pins my hand to his side. We struggle against each other, shuffling and bumping around the small room as I try to lift his shirt, and he tries to stop me. We’re both half laughing, half panting, until Ford gets me in a bear hug from behind and slams me face-first into the wall.
“Oomph.”
“Feisty, huh?”
“I want to see it.”
“And you will when I’m good and ready.”
“Something tells me it won’t take you long.” I push back, but it doesn’t get me far. Ford’s strong arms have me locked in tight, his solid body boxing me in. “Invite me to stay for dinner.”
“Was gonna make some fried chicken and coleslaw. You hungry?”
“Starving.”
He eases his hold on me and steps back, letting me off the goddamn wall, and when I turn to take him in, his face is flushed, and his eyes are darker. It’s a fucking sexy look on him.
“Don’t want to know what I’m planning?” I ask.
