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“It’s getting worse out there.” Her attention had turned back to the scene outside. “Whiter by the minute.”
“It sure is.” He shifted trying to ease the pressure against his zipper. Even thoughts of kids, something he’d never wanted, didn’t make him need her any less.
Charlee was his. She would always be his. No way in hell would any other man have her—as long as it didn’t involve having children.
She tipped her head up to meet his eyes again. “Something is bothering you.”
“Just focused.” He shook his head. “I’m thinking I need to win a game to take you hiking when we get back.”
“Not a chance.” She looked happy, relaxed, in a way he’d never seen her before. Did he do that?
And he was having crappy thoughts that would possibly hurt her feelings. But then he had to remember she was the one who didn’t want a relationship. Which, no doubt, meant she didn’t want kids, too—although she had mentioned something about the cabin being a good place for kids…
She stretched, her soft sweater pulling against her breasts as she raised her arms. She pulled her shoulders back when she tipped her head from side-to-side, making her breasts seem even more prominent.
His throat went dry.Damn, what a sight.
She lowered her arms.
He let out a slow breath and glanced at the clock before she could catch him staring again. “Dinnertime already?” He forced himself to slow his words. “What do you want?”
Charlee’s brilliant smile warmed him. “Steak, baked potato, and salad.”
“Girl after my own heart.” He smiled, too. “How do you like your steak done?”
“Medium rare.” She walked with him toward the kitchen. “Lots of butter and sour cream on my baked potato. I brought both.”
He tweaked her ponytail. “You’ve got it.” He couldn’t help but tease her. “Where’s your apron?”
“You’re not supposed to want the bet.” She frowned at him. “That was not a reward.”
“The apron is for you.” He grinned as she gave him an indignant look.
She put her hands on her hips. “I amnotgoing to get naked for you.”
Oh, yes she will.One of these days he’d get her naked—just for him.
“Who said anything about no clothes?” he asked innocently. “I just said the apron is for you. To protect that sweater.”And those beautiful breasts.
Charlee sniffed. “I brought a package of two sirloin steaks. I’d planned to put one of them in the freezer, but this worked out great.” She shooed him into the kitchen. “Baked potatoes, too.”
He pulled his shirt over his head and laid it over his shoulder.
Her jaw dropped and she stared at his bare chest, her face turning pink.
Charlee couldn’t stop staring.All those gorgeous muscles that she wanted to skim her lips over. Hard pecs, carved biceps, trim waist and a nice defined six-pack. His muscles would be hard and firm to her touch, and she would feel so good and secure with Ace’s arms wrapped around her.
She squirmed and met his gaze. “If you’re cold, you could leave on your shirt.”
He shook his head his lips still curved into a grin. “It’s hot in here.”
“I’ll turn off the heat.” She climbed on a stool at the breakfast bar. “Then it won’t be a problem for you.”
He looked amused. “Or a problem for you?”
She forced herself to meet his gaze head-on. “I’m hungry. More cooking and less talk.”
With a laugh, Ace started preparing the meal.
