Page 22 of Adrift

“Thank you,” Gage tells me with remarkable dignity.

“Uh huh.”

I bite my lip as I turn around, waiting for his footsteps to slap up the porch stairs. I’m going to need more than a minute myself. I’m wearing my tightest, show-off-my-ass underwear, but it can only go so far to restrain my natural reactions. I’m just trying not to think about how great the view of his ass would be right now.

“I’m not usually a naturist, by the way,” Gage says as the door creaks open. “I thought I was alone.”

Feet planted, Kieran.The sound of his voice almost made me turn around just then, so I bounce on my toes to stay distracted.

“You’re never alone here.”

“Apparently,” Gage laughs, his voice echoing like he’s inside. I didn’t hear the door close, though.

I blush furiously, awkwardly pressing the back of my wrist against my face to try to cool it off without losing hold of my umbrella.

I’ve already seen him being vulnerable with me in a way that seemed to take him by surprise. I don’t think he wears his heart on his sleeve that often. And I definitely don’t think he lets it all hang out like this on a regular basis. What a lucky coincidence for me.

But he didn’t invite me inside.

Huh. I’m kind of surprised, actually. Most guys would have.

By now, I ought to be on my knees and getting to work. But I’m not worried that Gage isn’t interested. He’s not deflecting me—he even keeps encouraging me. He just wants to take things slower than I’m used to.

Fair play. My only speed with guys is breakneck fast, because I know the more time I spend around a guy, the more likely I am to catch feelings. And that’s the last thing I want.

Or is it?

My thumb slides along the bottom of my ring finger as I look down at my hands, remembering the sharp ache in my chest just this morning.

Like the thing I’ve been running from is catching up to me, but I’ve spent too long running and I’m out of breath to keep going now. I’ve never been into a guy the way I am Gage. All I want is to find out what this could become, and I don’t want to stand in my own way.

Come on, Kieran. Don’t screw it up now.

It’s been awfully quiet in the cabin. Has he done a runner out the back window into the woods to escape the crazy Irish stalker boy?

I’m really glad I didn’t text the whole Sunrise Brothers gang to come surprise him. Not just yet, anyway.

For tonight, I want him all to myself.

Chapter

Nine

GAGE

My cheeks are burning,my palms are sweaty, and my stomach wants to crawl out of my throat. I can’t tell if it’s from embarrassment or… well, arousal.

Even thinking the word makes me blush all the harder. And that’s not the only thing getting harder.

Fuck. Quit it, Gage.

As my eyes adjust to the darkness inside the cabin, I hastily grab my towel to start scrubbing myself dry in big, hasty swipes. Nothing too slow or sensual—the downstairs department doesn’t need any more help.

I know it’s raining outside, but there’s no way can I let Kieran in yet. I need to get dressed in more than just a towel. The boner danger is still way too real.

“Shit,” I mutter, groping around on the counter until I find my bag. On top of them are the boxers I was planning to wear to bed on top, but they’re my oldest pair. Stretched-out waistband, several holes, and most embarrassing of all, they’re a garish cartoon apple print.

Damn it, why’d I go and bring them, of all things? I don’t want to scare Kieran off, and first impressions are important.But the flutter in my stomach, the way I can’t quite catch my breath… it’s more than just wanting to impress him.

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