Booki Chapter21
His presence is getting closer. It’s just a feeling, a sixth sense that I can feel without having to look at him. As they pass by us, he keeps his face staring straight ahead. Her fingers are in the band of his shorts, dipping down slightly.
Kennedysmiles toward us. “Hello, ladies,” she says as she passes by. No words are returned her way. Her smile falters for just a second before she looks straight ahead at the lake without another word, passing the rest of the way in silence.
I watch them get into a paddle boat. They start making their way toward the little island that I was at earlier. I wonder if they are going to make love in the deep moss. I just can’t help the picture my mind conjures.
Once they are far enough away on the lake, the females start getting up, walking away from me toward their own mates. They must be so thankful at this moment for what they have.
I’m glad when Cora finally gets back, relieving me of my babysitting duties.
“Thanks, Rya.” She looks so beautiful at the moment, her hair still wet from a swim. I can smell love on her skin.
“No problem. If you ever need to get out, I can always watch her if I’m not busy.” I press a small little kiss to the pup’s forehead before handing her back to her mother. Walking away, I catch Dallas staring before he quickly looks away.
I refill my drink from the pitcher that sits on the table in the shade. The ice cubes are almost melted.
They still aren’t back yet. The light is fading in the sky, and the fire lighting the beach area up. Guitar music is playing, and wolves are swaying in their chairs. Dallas has his guitar in his hands as hemotions for me to come and sit at the fire. I take an empty seat just a few seats down from him. Noticing the way the fireflies start to flicker on and off,I try to predict when I might see where they might pop out next.
Rhythmic pedaling getting closer to the shore alerts me to steel my nerves for their approach. Putting my hands underneath my thighs, I hold myself down. The blue base is just above the water. She gets out, dressed only in her wet bikini and slightly damp hair. I avoid looking at him in fear that he can feel my gaze on his body. They take a seat at the fire with all of
- us.
“Clay, did you bring your guitar?” one of the wolves questions him.
“No.” That’s all he says, his gaze on my body again. I try to angle away from him.
It takes everything I have not to look at them. Instead, I watch Dallas start to strum his guitar. He smiles softly at mé. Fingers running along the steel
poetry. Firelight dances in his
strands, mournful music coming out the wooden belly. He makes the guitar sing. I just can’t help but be hypnotized by the
eyes. It’s a moment we’re sharing before a very low growl tumbles into the night. The music of the guitars barely covers it up.
“I should go. Thanks for today, Dallas. I appreciate it so much. You have no idea.” Giving everyone at the fire a little wave goodbye, I turn, walking away.
“Wait, I’ll walk you to your car.” We stroll side by side in silence until we reach the car.
“Really, Dallas, thank you for today. It’s the most fun I’ve had in a really longtime.” He steps slightly closer to me as I fumble with my keys.
“Anytime. You’re welcome here anytime.” He’s not looking away this time. He’s holding his ground. A fingertip touches the side of my face. It slides against my jawline. Ilean into it slightly, and his other hand goes on the curve of my hip, pulling me toward him. Our bodies are flush; everything is touching. Slowly, he inches closer to me, giving me time to pull away if I want to. His lips are so close to mine, so close, before I pull away from him. Feeling heat against my back, I can feel him watching this moment, this first moment I almost had.
“That was…I’m sorry, Rya.” His hand runs over his shaved head.
“I have to go.” I’m flustered, red–faced, breathing hard, heart hammering in my chest.
“That was stupid of me.”
“It’s okay, I need to go.” I close the door. I need to leave now.
He’s looking down at the ground, upset with himself. All I can feel are eyes burning into me as I drive away. They don’t leave me, not until I’m far away from his sight.
Book 1 Chapter21
