AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’m super nice.” I playfully smack his arm and want to double check if his biceps are really that firm.
“So, I'm just your whipping post?” His eyes make a pass at my lips, and he pushes off the woodpile, retrieving the ax.
"I’d use you for no such thing.” The flirty tone leaving my mouth throws me off. I’m bouncing back into our banter too easily.
“I saved your ass yesterday at The Falls, and you greet me today by mentioning how you regret not pushing me into the water.”He sets a log on the bigger stump, and I watch the veins in his forearms flex.
“That was before you made me a display to show off my incredible treats.” I grin, watching the ax lift to his shoulder, and he slices the wood in a strong, quick swing. “You and Rhett seem to have a lot of business.”
“Yeah, we need to hire a few more people and a qualified interior designer next to keep up with everything.” The ax head rests on the chopping block as Ian leans forward, sitting his chin on the bottom of the handle.
“Choosing décor isn’t that difficult.” Though I have zero style when it comes to decorating or choosing fashion.
“You want the job?” His half smirk builds a slow arousal through me, and I silently curse it away.
“I have an award-winning job back in Aspen, thank you very much.” I feel the pride radiating off of me.
“I’ll take credit for that.” He stands to his full height and holds my eyes. Mine flicker to the movement of his thumb brushing back and forth over the top of the ax handle. I’ve never wondered what it was like to be an inanimate object until now. Or how his thumb would feel stroking the sensitive bud between my legs. If he’s being intentional, it’s working.
“Don’t make me come over there and swing that ax.” I raise my eyebrows, even though I would have lived off packaged food if not for him.
“You’re welcome to try.” He holds it out to me, and out of cocky spite, I walk toward him, ready to chop a log of wood better than he can.
“Jesus.” I manage to grip the handle, but lifting doesn’t happen. The weight of the ax head feels like it’s half my body weight.
“I know, I make it look effortless.” Ian chuckles as I glare up at him. “Want me to help you?” He steps closer, stealing the air from my lungs. I should say no.
“Sure.” He stands right beside me and proceeds to show me how to have a proper grip. My body buzzes with the suppressed need to explore him as I grip the handle tighter.
“There ya go. Now lift it and come down straight.” He helps get the ax into place, but as I swing, there is barely a crack in the log. “If you come out here every day, I’m sure we could train you to split one by the end of the year.”
“I’ll stick to cooking.” I let him take the ax back.
“I’m proud of you.” I look away as his eyes meet mine. “Go enjoy the rest of your day.” He dismisses me with a laugh. “I know you’d rather be with the girls.”Only because I’m not wondering what they look like hovering above me.
“I’ll see you around, Ian.” I walk backward for a moment, watching his thick hand grab a log and set it onto the chopping block. He lifts the ax and does a clean cut the first time. I quickly turn around and continue walking before he can see me gawking once again.
It’s going to be a long, torturous month here if I keep spending time with him.
Chapter7
Emery
“I’m excitedfor us to go out tonight.” I smile as we walk down Hallie’s hallway to the master bathroom. “Too bad Savannah is still out of town.”
“I know. How did the meet-up with Ian go?” Hallie replies, staring at me through the bathroom mirror before unzipping her makeup bag.
“Pretty good. He made me a food tier. I guess I really do need to make some goodies now that I have a fancy tray,” I hint, knowing Hallie told me she didn’t need me to cook up a huge assortment of food.
“Yeah, an extra dessert won’t hurt,” she gives in easily. “You make great food. Just be sure it doesn’t make you late for the ceremony and dinner.”
“It won’t.” I smile as she applies her makeup for tonight. “I’ll keep it simple and delicious.” I pick up a makeup brush and debate what to apply. I’ve always been amascara and call it a daykind of girl.
“Thank you for not tearing his head off.” She runs a hand through her blonde curls. “He’s even building me an outdoor altar and bar.”
“They’re beautiful, Hallie.” I meet her smile in the mirror. “The altar is going to look even better with all the flowers you’ve ordered for it.”
“I’m sorry if it’s painful for you to be planning my wedding when you were supposed to have one too.” Her green eyes hold mine, as if waiting for me to break down. Not happening.
