Page 23 of Claimed By 3 Mountain Men

“What? Strip?”

Mac’s cheeks turn a crimson shade of red, and she tries to stammer out a response.

I take several steps back towards the trail we haven’t been on yet. We’re deep in the forest, but I know it better than anyone. Almost better than my dad.

“Come on. It’s a few yards this way.” I wave for her to follow. “Believe me. You look like you could use a cool off too.”

7

MAC

Itake a deep breath.

What should I do?

Follow him into the forest to some lake? My heart thuds in my chest and I’m not sure if it’s because of the heat or something else.

I knew all three of them were gorgeous with clothes on, but without a shirt. Oh, geez. I chew on the inside of my cheek, watching as Ben starts off on a trail.

His tanned and toned back glistens with sweat from the hot sun, his muscles flexing with each step he takes. His defined abs practically glisten, a trail of sweat dripping down to the waistband of his jeans.

Maybe it’ll be okay. I mean... Itisbroad daylight and I can always head back if things got too... heated. Not that they will. The sun is just making my head spin.

The thought of him naked in the water makes me blush and I quickly dismiss it. No, I’m here to do a job and that's all.

It’s not like any of them would be interested in me.

But what if they are? The thought creeps up through me like some wishful idiot hoping for some sort of miracle to happen.

I chew on the inside of my cheek, deliberating. The heat is suffocating me and the thought of cool waterdoessound like heaven. I can’t really think of any severe negative consequences. Plus, the spring fed lakes in this area are rumored to be stunning.

Knowing where the location of the lake might also be useful in plotting the silver lynx’s travel through the woods. It would definitely be worth checking out.

I take a deep breath and follow him into the woods.

As promised, the lake isn’t far.

The path narrows as we descend into a small valley, the air growing cooler and fresher. I can hear the faint sound of water lapping against the shore.

As we break through the tree line, the sight of the small lake takes my breath away. The water is a deep, inviting blue, surrounded by lush greenery. The rumors weren’t wrong.

“Wow,” I breathe, taking in the beauty of the place. “It’s incredible.”

“Told you,” Ben says with a grin, setting his backpack down on the shore. “Perfect spot.”

My breath catches slightly as I watch him, mesmerized by the way his skin glistens in the sunlight. He kicks off his boots and unbuttons his jeans, stepping out of them with a casual ease. Then with surprising grace, he dives into the still surface like an expert, swimming away from the shore.

His massive arms cut through it the same way an Olympic swimmer might move.

“Coming in?” he asks, his eyes meeting mine, a playful challenge in his gaze.

I nod, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. “Yeah, just give me a minute.”

Awkwardly, I undo my shorts, sliding them down to ankles, my cheeks flaming. I turn away, peeling off my shirt to reveal myworn, black sports bra. At least both my underwear and bra are black.

I take a few tentative steps toward the edge, watching as Ben dives below the water, resurfacing with a contented sigh.

“Come on, Mac! The water’s perfect,” he calls out, floating on his back, looking completely at ease.

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