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“Well, I’m certainly not as fit as a SEAL, but I am enjoying the run.” That wasn’t a lie. The view of the forest surrounding the lake and the body of water itself was glorious, but the rising sun starting to peek over the horizon was nothing short of breathtaking. The sky was awash with oranges and yellows, and the forecast for the day was perfect, temperature wise.
Wyatt bent over to pick up a large stick, which he waved at Freya. She barked a couple of times and jumped around in place, ready to pounce as soon as he threw it. Pulling his arm back, he tossed the stick as far as he could, a distance which impressed Beth. She watched as the dog raced after it, only stopping long enough to pick it up between her teeth and trot back to her owner.
“Good girl.” He rubbed her chin. “Ready to go again?”
He indulged Freya a couple more times, laughing as she pounced on the stick and then proudly presented it to him for another throw. Beth knew he was giving her time to catch her breath, and she appreciated it.
“Ready to keep going when you are.” She gave him a smile and he grinned back, causing something she hadn’t felt in a very long time to flare up inside her.
Desire. Oh, the way this man looked when he smiled at her made her body tingle all over. Made her want to do things to him and with him she had no business thinking about. But she couldn’t have such thoughts because she wasn’t going to be in Silverbell Shore much longer. Once her car was fixed, she’d be gone, putting the town in her rearview mirror for good.
She’d never see Wyatt Kincaid again.
That thought strangely left her feeling empty inside, but before she could think more about it, the man in question started jogging again.
Beth kept up with him and they chatted a little as they ran. He didn’t pry in any way; his questions were light and trivial. She did learn he enjoyed listening to jazz music, and when she confessed she knew little about that particular musical genre, he promised to play her some of his favorite songs.
Songs she suddenly wanted to hear very much. She wanted to know everything about Wyatt, even though that knowledge would amount to nothing. Even though he’d only soon be a memory, she wanted whatever he’d give her. It would be enough to sustain her once she’d moved on.
It had to be because there was no other choice. She couldn’t risk hanging around in Silverbell Shore any longer than necessary. Putting as many miles between Arizona and wherever she ended up was crucial. She suspected Miles would try to find her; not because he wanted her back, but because he’d want to punish her for leaving him and not giving him the money her mother had left her.
She’d die before she’d ever let him get a penny more of it.
Wyatt suddenly stopped again. They were more than halfway around the lake now and the sun had broken through the trees to light up the sky above them. Beth had never been much of a morning person, but this view had been worth getting up for.
“Everything okay?”
Her question turned his head, and he dazzled her with another beaming grin. He was finally showing signs of the effect the run was having on him; a fine sheen of perspiration covered the bare skin she could see outside his tank top, which was now damp. His corded muscles were on display, and they were most impressive.
“Yep. Just giving Freya time to grab a drink.” The dog had her snout in the lake and was lapping up the cold liquid greedily. Wyatt went over to where his pet stood and bent over to scoop up a large handful of water, which he drank down in seconds. “Want some?”
He cupped his hands once more and filled them with water, which he held out to Beth. She hesitated only a moment before dipping her head and drinking. The cold refreshment was a welcome one, and she drank until his hands were empty.
She hadn’t realized she’d curled a hand around his until she was done, and although she knew she should pull her hand away, she couldn’t. Just touching him made her body burn up, greedy for more. And when he slowly began rubbing his thumb across her fingers back and forth, she froze, unable to move.
His touch was gentle, but she felt it in every fiber of her being. She wanted more. More of his hands on her skin, caressing her everywhere.
Beth pulled away suddenly, breaking the fantasy. She was stupid to think of such things because they were never going to happen. Couldn’t.
“Thank you.” She gave him a brief smile. “Are you ready to keep going, Miss Freya?”
The dog barked in response and the three of them continued on. By the time they got back to the cabins, Beth was exhausted but had no regrets. It had been an exhilarating run and she was now full of energy for the day.
Wyatt climbed the couple of stairs leading up to the porch and opened the screen and front door for Freya, who disappeared inside. “Want to join us for breakfast?”
Beth hesitated for a few moments. “That’s very kind of you, but you don’t have to keep feeding me.” She’d barely touched the groceries she’d bought soon after she’d arrived in town, having shared all her meals with Wyatt and Freya instead.
“It’s no bother. I’m cooking for myself anyway, so I can easily add enough for you too.”
“If you’re sure?”
“I am.”
She nodded. “Okay, yes. I’d love to join you, thank you. I do want to go shower and get dressed first though.”
“No problem. I’ll do the same. Just come on over when you’re ready.” He went inside without looking back at her, and she stared at the space he’d just vacated. What was it about his presence that was so overwhelming in the very best way possible? He had such an aura around him. He was strong and masculine yet had a gentleness she’d not experienced in many men before.
Wyatt Kincaid was an enigma. A puzzle she very much wanted to solve.
