Page 17 of Broken Mountain Man

"I can see why. So..." Her expression takes on a sly edge. "Are you planning to join me for a dip?"

I stiffen instantly at the suggestive implication, "I'll give you some privacy. Just holler when you're done."

Turning on my heel, I start to retreat towards the cover of the tree line. But Lyla's voice stops me.

"Oh, don't be dumb. We're both adults here. I think we can manage. You can just close your eyes while I undress. Then I'll get in first and let you know when it's safe to strip down, too."

My jaw ticks as I try not to react to her casual words.

"You already got one free show courtesy of yours truly, remember?"

Lyla's cheeks instantly flush a brilliant crimson, "That was completely unintentional, and you know it!" she sputters indignantly.

Despite my inner turmoil, I can't quite resist cracking a faint smirk.

"If you say so."

"Just turn around and shut it already," Lyla huffs, though her tone lacks any real bite.

I do as instructed, pivoting on my feet to put my back towards the lakeshore. The telltale sounds of her undressing echothrough the quiet forest air—the soft thump of fabric hitting the ground and her slow footsteps across the rocky bank.

It takes every ounce of willpower to keep my eyes averted as vivid imaginings of her naked body assail me. I clench my fists hard enough for nails to bite into calloused palms, fighting the overwhelming urge to whirl back around and simply look upon her in all her glory.

What I wouldn't give to be able to openly drink in those lush curves glistening with droplets of water, to stride forward and yank her flush against me without shame or restraint...

A loud splash jolts me from my spiraling fantasies.

"Alright, the coast is clear!" Lyla's voice rings out, slightly distorted by the rippling surface.

I exhale a shuddering breath before cautiously turning to face the lake once more. True to her word, Lyla floats casually in the center of the glassy waters, everything from her collarbones down obscured beneath the pristine liquid. She flashes me a cheeky wave.

"You just going to gawk all day, or are you coming in?"

Chapter 9 - Lyla

"Are you just going to gawk all day, or are you coming in?" I can't resist taunting him further.

The memory of glimpsing Russell's muscular, dripping body the night before is seared into my brain. I try not to dwell on it, but the curious part of me aches to get another eyeful now that the opportunity presents itself.

He arches one eyebrow, "You're not going to give me a moment's peace until I join you, are you?"

I flash him a shameless grin.

"What can I say? I don't like being all alone out here."

Russell huffs out a breath, but to my delight, he finally starts peeling off his flannel overshirt, exposing the hard planes of his tanned chest and ridiculously defined abs. My gaze instantly zeroes in, hungrily drinking in every grooved crevice and valley highlighted by the dappled sunlight.

Feeling a rush of warmth between my thighs, I'm suddenly extremely grateful for the cool lake water preserving some sense of modesty. I squirm a little to try and relieve the building ache as Russell tosses his shirt onto the grassy bank.

"Alright, your turn," he rumbles, hooking his thumbs into his waistband. "We're not doing some kind of peeping Tom situation here."

I quickly avert my eyes with an impish giggle, swiveling in the water until my back faces the shore where he stands. The sound of him shedding the rest of his clothing filters through, each rustle of fabric and clink of his belt hitting the ground making my heart skip faster.

I hear Russell's heavy footsteps rapidly approaching from behind before a huge splash signals his entry into the lake.

"Okay, you can look now," his gruff voice permits.

Turning back around, I openly drink in the sight before me - water sluicing down his broad shoulders and chiseled chest as Russell emerges from beneath the surface.

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