Page 36 of Rugged Fox

"You ready to go?"

Kati's tongue flicked out and traced along her lips. My cock took notice and wished that tongue had something else to lick.

Patience. One step at a time.

Even though the plan was for Kati to spend the night at my place, if she had changed her mind, I would respect that decision. We were taking things at her pace.

"I just need to grab my purse and bag from my bedroom."

Damn, I could watch her walk away any time. An ass like that was meant to be cradled in a man's hands. Preferably mine.

"Now do I need to go over some rules for the night?"

I turned around to see Lyla watching our interaction with a smirk on her face.

"Rules?" I lifted my eyebrow but gave her my full attention. "Go ahead. Lay them on me."

"Rule number one: Be a gentleman. I shouldn't have to tell you that, but let this be a reminder that if I find out you weren't, I will make your life hell. Not a hard feat in a town this small. One rumor and every woman within a twenty-mile radius will steer clear of you and your red, pimply, swollen, infected dick."

I didn't allow my hand to reach down and cover myself like I wanted, but I did fidget at the mental image Lyla painted. No wonder the woman was an artist. She had a way of bringing an image to life.

"Rule number two: Wrap it up. I know we've already had the ‘wanting kids’ discussion, so make sure you protect the two of you. We don't need any more accidental pregnancies for our girl. The first one turned out amazing and there's no topping Lucien."

It was good to know Lyla thought that. From what I've seen, Lucien was an amazing teenager. Kati had done a good job. But even so, I wasn't looking to add more kids to the mix. Intentionally or accidentally.

"Done. Anything else?"

"Yes, one more. Rule number three: You better return my best friend happier than when she left me."

Well, damn. Lyla knew how to lay on the pressure.

"I'll do my best." I wasn't wearing a collared shirt but suddenly I felt like I couldn't breathe. I cleared my throat and stepped back into the front entryway to wait for Kati.

She didn't make me wait long. When she walked straight up to me and placed her hand on my arm, all the noise bouncing around my mind quieted down. Just like that. A simple touch and my worries floated away.

I knew without a shadow of a doubt I had what it took to make this woman happy. I just needed to let myself be me and to stop overthinking every move I made.

"Let me take that for you."

I grabbed the bag and wrapped my other arm around her waist. We said good night to Lucien and Lyla before making our way out to my truck. As soon as Kati was settled into the passenger seat, I leaned in and gave her a kiss.

It wasn't like the one we shared last night. It was a sweet promise of what was to come.

"I've been waiting to do that all day," I told her as soon as I pulled away and met her eyes. I let my hands skim up her neck and just held her face for a moment. I wanted Kati to see the sincerity of my words.

"You can kiss me anytime you want."

"Good to know." I smacked another quick peck on the corner of her mouth before stepping back and slamming the door shut. I moved around to my side and climbed in. I could feel Nolen's eyes on me, as well as Lyla's. I was sure there were probably a few of the neighbors too, but I paid them no mind. I was taking Kati out and there was no one who was going to stop me.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Kati

Well, this wasn't how I expected our date to start, standing on the side of the road as I watched Easton change the tire on his SUV. Luckily we were just outside the town lines for Willow Creek, so we wouldn't be stopped and hounded by one of the many gossiping residents. I could see the newspaper article now.

Date night gone wrong? Flat tire interrupts Kati Whitlock's first date in over fifteen years.

Sometimes nosy neighbors sucked. I shook the thoughts out of my head and focused back on the nice view in front of me. And what a view it was. There was something sexy about watching muscles strain with hard work.

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