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I would think after the day we had, he would be sweaty and probably smell bad, but instead, it's the complete opposite.
Paxton Ramsey smells divine.
Leather and sandalwood mixed with salt and sea. An intoxicating aroma that has my knees weakening further.
Despite my better judgment, I inhale, leading my body to relax against his embrace.
“Careful, princess, get any more comfortable, and I'll think you still want me.”
That comment knocks me back to reality with a proverbial slap to the face.
I struggle to get out of his embrace, but he just chuckles behind me.
“You do that, and you'll most definitely fall flat on your face,” he warns. “Let me help you.”
I look over my shoulder, and our gazes lock. He wears an interesting expression on his face, but I can't read it from the way he has me positioned. His shirt, a.k.a. my makeshift dress, has risen up my thighs, nearly exposing my panties that have finally managed to dry.
“While I'm holding you, I'm going to need you to bend down and move your foot.”
“Won't I fall?” I breathe out.
“You're going to have to trust me.”
A huff escapes my mouth. “Well, that is unlikely, seeing as—”
“Stop that line of thought. The only thing you need to know right now is that I am going to help you out of this.”
“You are?”
Dear lord, I sound like some idiot damsel in the arms of her knight.
This man is no knight. A nightmare, maybe.
“Yes. So be careful, because you don't want to cut yourself. Nor do you want to get any splinters out here in the wild. You'll likely lose a foot.” He lifts a brow, indicating that too many things could go wrong, and he's right.
I nod in agreement.
“Now, with me holding you, wiggle your foot gently.”
I attempt to dislodge myself, but I'm having absolutely no luck.
He shuffles behind me, then his hands lower. I stiffen at the touch of his hands on my exposed thighs. This is not the time for butterflies and tingles, but they're there anyway.
It can't be helped. His hands on my skin bring too many memories.
Our time together may have been a blip, but I can still remember the feel of his fingers working me over. The way my body ached for him.
OMG. Stop it right now.
His other hand leaves my skin, and my body cries out in protest. He pushes out the wood and manages to dislodge my foot.
When it's free, he helps me back up, all while still holding me.
I need to breathe, but all the oxygen has left me.
His hands haven't moved, and they are warm against my skin. The feeling of his touch has the butterflies fluttering in my stomach even worse than before.
Breathe, Mallory.
I place my hand on his and push his fingers off, desperately needing the distance.
“Thanks,” I mutter, and then look down and take another step.
I fling the door open, and the moment I do, the smell of stagnant air hits my nostrils.
Gagging, my hand flies to my nose.
“Oh, God,” I moan.
I'm going to have to air this place out.
Wait. Bugs.
Maybe that's not a good idea.
“Let me show you where everything is,” Michael says from behind me.
“Not sure that's necessary,” Paxton deadpans.
I step into the hut, knowing I don't have a choice. I move aside, making way for Paxton and Michael to follow me in.
Paxton drops my suitcase on the floor. He peers around as Michael steps forward and points out various things.
“There is electricity. The island does have internet, but I must warn you, both are temperamental.”
“Good enough for me,” I say with a forced smile.
It might not be ideal, but I've gone camping before. At least this has internet, I tell myself.
“Over there is a bathroom, and you can unlatch the windows if you need air. You can also drop a bug net from the ceiling. That way, nothing gets in. I know it seems a bit much, but when you've worked with Stefan for as long as I have, you know he is a genius.”
“Everything will be fine. This is perfect.”
Lies. Lies. Lies.
“Okay, Pax, let me show you to your hut,” Michael says.
“You're leaving me?” The words are out before I can think better of it. “I mean . . . yeah. Okay.”
Paxton's eyebrows are both lifted to his hairline, but he doesn't say anything. I'm sure he can see the unbridled panic all over my face, and thankfully, he takes pity on me.
“I'll be nearby if you need anything.”
I'm not sure why those words comfort me coming from him, but they do.
I offer a tight-lipped smile and nod, watching as the two of them leave.
It'll be dark soon, and I'm exhausted. I had every intention of going back down to the fire, but I think I'll cash out for the night and get an early start the next day. Something tells me I'm not ready for what tomorrow brings.
