Page 16 of Timber's Girl

Maybe because he feels he has to around me?

I admit his stoic and strong presence has always made me feel safe, but this gentler side is endearing, too. It doesn’t detract from the alpha protective vibe he’s usually got going on. It adds to it.

"You've been doing fine so far, including this stop,” I say, licking my lips. His brown eyes drop to the motion. “I can't tell at all that you're new to this. Besides, I'm new, too."

A half-smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. “Which means you wouldn't know a bad date from a good one.”

“Trust me, Timber, I'd know. I haven't been living in a convent all my life.” And Dean’s dates revolved around him schmoozing at upscale bars or skiing resorts. Wherever he could go and have people fawn over his role as a ‘civil servant’—my eyes threaten to roll heavenward at the reminder—or build connections with the people who could advance his career.

Timber’s not like that at all, based on the way he keeps checking in to see how I feel.

This date is aboutme.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

GIDEON

I take her word for it. As long as Lindy is having a good time, that's all that matters to me.

“Call me Gideon,” I say, anxious to hear my real name on her tongue. Probably should have said something when I picked her up hours ago. Or mentioned it during one of the dozen times we were at the clubhouse together.

“Gideon. Like Criminal Minds.”

“Until he left.”

“That’s one of the few times a replacement character didn’t suck,” she says.

“You’ve got me there. Rossi’s a cool dude.” I’m impressed I’m able to hold up part of this conversation considering the distraction of Lindy wetting her lips.

The pretty shine begs me to have a taste, but I resist temptation, giving Lindy another onceover, instead, as we resume our posts watching the sunset.

She’s so goddamned gorgeous.

Her dress looks like it could blow away with a strong breeze, and her tits...Damn.They’re spilling over the top, eager for attention. Which I would gladly give if she didn’t have me so tied in knots wondering how far istoofar.

But that doesn't stop me from staring. I've been hard all evening—in perpetual discomfort—just by being near her. It’s like I’m a teenager who doesn't know how to control himself.

Do not ruin tonight by pouncing on her like a hungry wolf.

Night falls as the last of the sun's rays disappear. When Lindy shivers from the drop in temperature, I reluctantly suggest leaving, and we slowly make our way downstairs.

I keep one hand on Lindy the whole time, pretending to help her around the littered building. In truth, I just want a reason to touch her before our date ends.

Unfortunately, the return journey to the Reaper’s Wolves compound and her cabin takes less time than I want. Even after driving a little under the speed limit to prolong our time together.

"Tonight was fun," Lindy says, unbuckling her seat belt once I've parked. "Thank you for dinner and for sharing your special place."

I nod as she gets out of the car. Frozen. What do I do now?

Walk her to the door? Kiss her?

Would she even let me?

Scrubbing a hand down my face, I remain silent, not even a fucking good night.What the hell is wrong with me?I’m not this guy. Second-guessing myself. Not taking what I want.

Good or bad, I make a decision and call out to Lindy. She turns at the slam of my car door, and I don't stop moving toward her until she's in my arms.

“What—”

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