Page 6 of Protected By the Surly Carpenter

Her eyes dance as she reaches up to rub the scruff of my short beard teasingly. “Is that the only reason you want to kiss me?”

I growl at her gruffly. “You know it isn’t. You’re…” My somewhat limited social interactions haven’t taught me what the hell to say at a time like this. What do girls want to hear? The only thing I know for sure is that they usually want the truth.

Fine. That’s what she’ll get.

Reaching out, I scoop her over the railing as she laughs, swinging an arm around my shoulders. Then her eyes widen as I breathe in her ear, “You’re kissable as fuck, okay? I can’t stop thinking about you.”

From the huge mushy grin on her pretty face, I know I’ve said the right thing. She nods quickly.

I don’t want this moment to have an audience. Turning my back to the crowd, my lips brush hers softly again, teasing us both for just another moment before the kiss overtakes us.

Our bodies move together, her fingers clutching my shoulder as her legs stiffen. Then her lips part, welcoming me inside, letting me delve deeper. Damn, this girl can kiss. My hand cradles the back of her head and instantly she presses against me, her arms winding around my shoulders as we hold each other tightly, ignoring the laughter from the guys on the patio.

“Get a room!”

“Whoa, didn’t know we got a free show with our dinner!”

I really should pull away and be a gentleman. I can’t. Instead, the hand farthest from the group on the patio slides down to grip her luscious ass. I feel a tiny sigh against my mouth as her breasts press against my chest, our lips pressing harder as we begin to lose our breath.

Finally I manage to get my lust under control and break the kiss. “Er, are you ready to go?”

Her head tilts back as she laughs. “Yeah. Where to?”

My eyebrows wiggle up and down. “To the dark, mysterious center of the forest.”

I scrutinize her expression for the slightest hint of apprehension. There’s none there. She heads for the truck. “Great, let’s go!”

We drive about ten minutes out of town, chatting about her various jobs and my many projects. We reach a lookout thatfeatures a particularly striking part of the valley. There’s more vivid contrast between the trees here, showcasing the many different species. Plus, the river catches the light and sparkles, which makes Elena chirp with glee. She races to the very edge of the rocky outcrop, making me want to yank her back a few feet. “This is so pretty!”

“Yes. And steep. Maybe you could step back just a bit?”

She turns, pouting. “Okaaaay,” she huffs.

Standing behind her, my arms slip around her waist as we stare out at the beautiful landscape for several minutes. I’m glad that she can be quiet and appreciate the stillness with me. Her hands cover mine as she leans into my chest with a soft sigh. “You’re so warm,” she murmurs, her head tipping up as she looks back at me. “Plus, you’re strong as an ox. I feel there will be no unopened pickle jars when you’re around.”

Although she’s teasing, her joke touches something deep within me. Elena isn’t tiny – around five foot six, and from the way she carries those massive trays of food, she’s clearly relatively strong. But still.

“Speaking of strength,” I say as casually as possible, “you mentioned you’ve been a server at a variety of places. Drunks can get handsy. Have you ever learned self-defense, just in case?”

She turns to face me, her delicate hands on my chest. “Nah. I mean, I’m pretty good at keeping a bit of distance, or keeping the tray between myself and the drunk guys. And I’m quick to call security if anyone is really being a jerk. Which, thankfully, hasn’t been that often.”

“Glad to hear it. But the severe lack of women up here in the mountains does make some guys a bit…desperate.” Taking her hands, I step back a few feet. “Do you at least know how to throw a punch? Show me.”

She balls up her fists. She’s completely, adorably wrong. I correct both of her hands, then shift her hips into a fighting stance.

I spend the next few minutes teaching her proper form, and explain how for someone her size, a real punch has to come from her back heel and use every single muscle in her body. Elena is a quick learner, and I admire her attention to detail.

“That’s great.” I step back. “Now – punch me in the chest.”

Her lovely eyes fly wide open. “Whaaat? No!”

“You’re not going to hurt me, don’t worry. I want to see form, not full power.”

She’s so cute when she smirks. Her hair ruffles in the breeze as she takes up her position. I love that she’s up for a challenge. Her small fist moves through the air slowly and with perfect form, brushing the front of my t-shirt barely enough for me to feel it.

“Excellent. Now harder.”

Her luscious bottom lip puffs out. “What if I bruise you?”

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