Page 19 of Auctioned to the Mountain Man

I empty my glass and carry it to the sink, rinsing it out. “You make it sound so simple.”

“The way I see it, your buddy wouldn’t have tasked you with protecting his sisters if he didn’t think you were worthy.” Grandpa Eddie joins me by the sink, setting his empty glass next to mine. “I don’t know exactly what you two are trying to pull, but you have an opportunity here.” He claps me hard on the shoulder, the force of his hand almost as jarring as his confession. “So make it count.”

CHAPTER

ELEVEN

ALIDA

When I wake with my head on Fox’s chest and my leg draped over his, it’s clear the pillow wall I built last night failed.

Despite how frustrated I was with him when he ran out of the room, rejecting my offer to have sex with me, I couldn’t stand the thought of him sleeping in that damn stiff chair again. So I built a wall down the center of the bed made of pillows so he’d know I was offering him half the bed.

As frustrated as I am with the man, I can’t seem to hate him.

Which became apparent when I scaled that wall in my sleep and crawled right into his arms.

My thigh is dangerously close to a pitched tent, and I gasp. The bulge in his pants last night led me to believe he was big, but damn. This is so much bigger than I thought. Maybe it’s a good thing Fox didn’t unzip his pants and plunge into me. He’d have split me right in two.

You’d have liked it.

For the briefest of moments, I consider climbing the rest of the way onto him. Maybe Fox just needed some air last night. I’m sure this whole thing has to be a little confusing. I was prettysure I hated him. Until I suddenly wanted him to give me a Big O. Maybe if I returned the favor…

But the possible sting of another rejection stops me.

I slip out from beneath the dead weight of his arm draped over my shoulder and tiptoe to the bathroom so I can take a much-needed cold shower. It’s not until I’m wrapped in a towel that I realize I didn’t bring in a change of clothes. “Dammit.”

My plan to sneak back into the room and grab my bag is thwarted the second I open the door and discover Fox on the other side. He’s missing a shirt, allowing all those glorious muscles and tattoos to be on full display. “Good morning,” he says, smiling.

“I’d say you’re happy to see me, but last time you ran out the door like your ass was on fire.”

He glances down at the tent still firmly pitched in his boxers. “About that,” he says rubbing the back of his head.

“Save it,” I say, trying to maneuver around him. But the jerk cages me in against the doorframe. “What is it with you and doorways?” But the retort comes out strangled and raspy. He’s not touching me, but the heat radiates off him like a furnace. Reminding me how effectively he pleasured me with little more than his breath.

“I’m sorry I left like that.”

“Well, you had your chance.” I try to dip down beneath his arm, but he drops a hand to my hip.

“Please, Alida.”

His grip is gentle, promising he’d let me go if I wanted to move. It’s the only reason I stay, allowing myself to be pinned in place by those dangerously sexy whiskey brown eyes. God, I could get lost in them. What is happening?

“Let me make it up to you,” he offers.

“How?”

His gaze rakes up and down my body, a half smile playing at his lips. “Dealer’s choice.”

“You’re offering me control, just like that?”

He traces his thumb along my jaw. “Sometimes I like to be bossed around too.”

Dammit, what am I doing? I should say no. I should put an end to the physical stuff before it gets any more out of hand. Before I do something stupid like fall in love with the guy. Which is a total ridiculous leap considering this is just sex. But I’ve already fallen for his entire family. And his magical ability to take me to alternate universes. Would one more orgasm really be so bad before I get my head on straight?

“ItisChristmas Eve.” And it’s just sex.Right?

“It is.”

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