Page 10 of The Edge of Intensity

Strangely enough, I crave his closeness and I like touching him in return. Whenever I touch his skin, it feels like I get a slight current of electricity. I’m sure it’s only my imagination or my reaction to him, but it feels nice.

In a matter of days, he’s managed to jump from a complete stranger to friend status. That’s not the scariest part, though. It’s the longing deep inside me where curiosity burns. I want to step over the fictitious line and kiss him. Feel his lips against mine…and more.

I close my eyes, tip my head back, and growl out my frustration. “Why am I like this?”

“Like what? Sexually frustrated?” my sister says and snickers when my eyes turn in her direction to give her a death glare.

“What?” She shrugs. “You’re easy to read. Besides, you going over to the Iron Hot Blood ranch every day this past week is a good indication that Rourke has slipped under your skin. And if you need my advice? Let him slip under your sheets, way more fun.”

“I don’t need your advice,” I snap. “Besides, it’s all your fault, you go and get under the sheets with him.”

There’s a stabbing pain inside my chest, and a load of anger filling my veins, as soon as those words tumble over my lips. The thought of Rourke with anyone else makes me…angry? Jealous? Ugh. This is insane.

“You should see the look on your face.” Cosima laughs and pats Fletch. “I’m not into Rourke, sis. He’s cute, I’ll give you that, but not my type.”

“A tattooed, rough, cowboy biker who is a gentleman deep down is anyone’s type,” I mutter.

The corner of her mouth twitches. “Ah, but it’s the gentleman deep down part I have issues with. I want the dirty, rough, tie me up, spank my ass, choke my neck bad boy instead.”

“Oh. My. Fireflies. You did not just blabber that stuff out to me.” I shake my head. “Whatever you do in the bedroom is so not meant for my ears, Cosima.”

Cosima snorts. “I prefer it outside of the bedroom. A little outdoor action never hurt anyone.”

I’m about to put my fingers in my ears to stop the oversharing when my sister points at something. “Someone’s early.”

Turning, I notice the stunning creme, golden-colored horse trotting toward us. Rourke explained how Colt, one of the older generation, breeds these rare horse coat colors. It’s called Cremello and with their pink skin and blue eyes, they are definitely a sight to behold. The man riding the horse, though? Just as freaking stunning.

Fletch gives a loud, high-pitched neigh which Rourke’s horse instantly returns.

Rourke chuckles. “Evenin’, ladies.”

“Hey, Rourke, nice to see you again.” Cosima turns to me. “Why don’t you two go out riding since Rourke is all saddled up. I’m gonna head for my bed, early day tomorrow morning and all. Have fun you two.”

She’s striding in the direction of the house before I can utter one single word. My gaze bounces to Rourke. He’s leaning with his forearms on the horn of his saddle and is piercing me with his blue eyes.

“I like your sister, she has great ideas,” he states.

Great ideas, right. “If you think outdoor action is better than in a bed, then yes. ’Cause that’s her idea of having sex along with it being dirty, rough, tie me up, spank my ass, choke my neck–”

I abruptly stop rambling when his gaze turns heated. My cheeks are flaming when I realize what my screwed-up mind just threw out in the open.

“I hate her,” I grumble. The anger and frustration I feel about myself makes me add, “It’s all her fault. Cosima’s the one who said you weren’t her type. When I told her that a tattooed, rough, cowboy biker who is a gentleman deep down is anyone’s type, she started spouting about having issues with that and then threw out those…those–”

The corner of his mouth twitches before he finishes for me, “Things she enjoys.”

I wave my hand dismissively. “Yes. That.”

“Mind telling me the reason why you described me to your sister the way you did?”

“Yes,” I snap. “I do mind. In fact, I just remembered I have things to do. You should leave.”

He swings his leg off his horse, ties the reins to the fence, and jumps over it to come to a stop in front of me. “The description you gave of me has flaws, East.”

My breathing picks up and he leans even closer to whisper in a husky tone, “I’m not interested in your sister, darlin’.”

I swallow hard and my voice becomes all strangled when I ask, “Why does my description of you have flaws?”

His smile becomes almost feral. “The only times I’ve been a gentleman deep down is when I’m with you. Believe me when I say I’m anything but. Once you don’t get spooked easily anymore? Then all bets are off.” He moves his mouth right next to my ear to add on a low growl, “I’d bet my horses to prove you’d also enjoy all the things your sister mentioned when I’m the one doing it to you.”

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