Page 14 of One Scorching Summer

“Yes you do. We’re going to get together because you’ll regret it if you don’t. So will I.”

“I will not regret it.”

“The way you kissed me last night says otherwise.” Rake chuckled as he adjusted the umbrella so that it blocked the sun. “You’ll be in direct sunlight in minutes.”

His tee rode up during his efforts, treating Jorja to a mouth-watering view. Good lord. She glanced away and was drawn back, riveted to the flat planes of corded muscle. Her heart pounded like a jackhammer. Damn, the man was fine.

Delicate tongue clicking in the other direction, drew her attention. She turned her head and her eyes widened in alarm.Shit.An elderly woman, another customer, grinned widely andwinked. “You’re not wrong for staring. That’s some of the most captivating scenery I’ve experienced in some time.”

“I wasn’t.” She argued.

Rake laughed softly. “Enjoy your day, Jorja.”

Sadness filled her as she watched him go and rejoin his date.

Heads turned when Jorja and Nettie made their entrance at the barbecue in the afternoon. Jorja wore sandals and a floppy hat in black, dark sunglasses, and carried a black mesh bag stuffed with a turquoise towel, a change of clothes, and extra sun protection. The top of her black crocheted bikini was fully uncovered. Its matching bottom was hidden by a long floral sarong in red, turquoise, and yellow tied at the waist, exposing one leg all the way to her hip with every sauntering step.

Nettie’s proactive and playful black plunging halter one-piece with mesh inserts looked amazing on her tan, toned body. The short wrap skirt in black, natural broad brimmed straw hat, and large black-and- khaki striped tote completed her blonde friend’s ensemble.

The summer season was young, but the first Texas heatwave had arrived, as promised, and was expected to hang around until late tomorrow afternoon. Give her a float or a noodle to enjoy the pool, something ice cold to drink, and music, and Jorja was a contented woman.

The pool party was in full swing. Country music poured through the speakers and delicious smells wafted from the huge outdoor kitchen and dining area where a small cluster of men barbecued. Long tables were laid out with stacks of plates, condiments, and baskets of linens and utensilsplaced intermittently, leaving space for the featured meats and accompaniments.

Most of the women converged in the water in the shallow end with frou-frou drinks topped with colorful straws. Jorja was sticking with water.

Beyond the pool area, on the sweeping lawn, a large group of shirtless men in swim trunks drank from large cups and loudly egged each other on in a friendly game of frisbee. A half-circle of women reclined in chairs shaded by trees, chatting, drinking, and spritzing themselves while watching the activity.

“I’ve got to go see a man about a horse.” Nettie’s grin suddenly broadened, and she made a hasty exit.

“Jorja.”

Her body became traitorous, turning her knees to jelly when hearing that smooth deep voice laced with notes of authority and sensuality. She slowly faced him. He was shirtless, wearing coral-and-light-blue geometric-patterned board shorts and a navy snapback. Breathtaking. His swoon-worthy physique on full display. He slipped off his sunglasses. The full brunt of his smoldering look engulfed her, sending her heart skipping. She fought to regulate the lightheadedness he brought out in her.

Recapturing any semblance of professionalism was impossible. First, there was the mishap and fireworks at the farm. Second was getting caught ogling him, twice—yesterday in Eagle Creek and this morning at the bakehouse. Then there wasthekiss. And now, both of them were grappling with a great deal of fleshly exposure, and she with vulnerability. Did he like what he saw?Why do you care?

Flustered, she gulped. “Rake.” Her body hummed under his leisurely perusal.

“Nicesuit. I’m thinking the rest of it is just as, mm … pleasurable.” He twisted off the cap and offered her the bottle ofwater he held. “You look thirsty.” One corner of his lips tugged upward, smirking suggestively.

If that smirk could talk, he already had her naked and they were fucking each other senseless.

“Thanks.” She reached for the proffered water and—wrong thing to do—touched him. A spark ignited and kindled, setting her blood on fire. Her hand whipped back, splattering both of them with most of the water.Dammit to hell.

Chuckling quietly, he placed a broad hand on her shoulder. “That cools us off for now, but you and I need to address this thing between us. I feel it, too. I’m?—”

“Excuse me.”

Rake lowered his hand.

The young woman looked like the same person who was with Rake this morning. Closer, it was obvious that she was a teenager. She wore an athletic buttery-colored bikini that showcased her young lean feminine form and deep bronze skin.

“Are you Miss Ogden?”

“I am.”

Her smile turned bashful. “I’m Skye Alamilla. I got your name wrong, Ms. Ogden. I’m deeply sorry for the confusion and the unreceptive welcome you received. Uncle Rake handed my ass to me for that.”

Rake cleared his throat.

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