Page 41 of Fire in My Heart

“There’s only one way to find out.”

Hope settled in my chest. “I appreciate you saying something.”

Wes’s eyes widened in surprise. “Don’t thank me. Do something about it.”

He walked away with a wave of his hand. “Have a good night, and don’t waste your time double-checking the gate.”

I bit down the impulse to go behind him and check it. It was hard to shake the feeling that I should be the one responsible for everything. Could I let go? Could I have someone for myself?

An image of Charlotte popped into my head in the barn. It seemed like she wanted to kiss me. But had I misread the situation?

CHAPTER 11

CHARLOTTE

I’d driven home and gotten into the bath like I always did at the end of a long day on the farm. This tub was spoiling me for my next apartment, which probably wouldn’t have a nice one.

I rested my head against the porcelain rim, luxuriating in the bubbles and the warmth of the water. The smell of lavender permeated the air.

My nipples were hard, and my core begged for my touch after that almost kiss in the barn. At first, his arm slung over my shoulder had felt casual, but then he’d shifted me in his arms so easily. We were facing each other, and my hand immediately went to his chest where his heart was racing.

He’d brushed a strand of hair off my cheek, and I anticipated him kissing me. I’d curled a hand around his neck and pulled him down to me. I wasn’t afraid to go after what I wanted, and I wanted him.

I needed to forget about the precariousness of my living situation and my business in order to lose myself in him. He was so protective and strong. I craved his attention. When wewere together the other night, I felt like the only woman in the world.

But I wanted more.

I circled a nipple with one finger, enjoying the goose bumps that erupted over my skin. I bit my lip as I tweaked the tip, wishing it were someone else’s hands. They’d be bigger than mine and calloused from work.

Would he be controlling in bed? Attentive? Tender? My mind was racing with the possibilities.

I slowly moved my other hand down my stomach and between my legs. I slipped a finger inside, my mouth falling open. It wasn’t the same as someone else’s hands, but it would have to do.

I was positive Teddy was berating himself for attempting to kiss me. He was probably relieved that Wes had shown up before we could.

I wasn’t happy about the interruption. I wanted to see how far Teddy was willing to take things. I never thought about sex on Santa’s chair before, but it had its appeal. Especially when I was positive Teddy was one of those guys who lived by an impossible code. One that wouldn’t allow him to relax and have fun.

I moaned as I slid in a second finger, pumping in and out, imagining I could replace it with Teddy’s cock.

I stilled when I thought I heard something outside. Panic flew through me. Was it Rick? Wes usually closed the gate after he left for the night, and he’d been talking to Teddy. Had Rick slipped down the lane?

There was pounding on the front door. I got out of the tub without bothering to empty the water, quickly rubbed myself dry, and then drew a silky robe over my body.

I shivered when I walked out of the warm bathroom into the chill of the hallway. I tiptoed downstairs, wondering what I was going to do if it was Rick. Should I call Teddy first?

My phone buzzed on the table by the front door. I snagged it, ready to call Teddy or 911 when I saw it was Teddy calling me. I answered on a whisper. “Hello?”

“Are you going to answer the door?” Teddy all but barked at me.

“Oh, I thought it was—” The panic subsided, making me feel weak.

“I’ve been knocking on your door for five minutes?—”

“Sorry,” I clicked off the phone and opened the door, clutching the robe at my chest.

Teddy’s gaze flew over me one time, as if checking to make sure I was okay, and then a second time, more leisurely.

I felt that one like a caress, heating every part of my body.

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