Page 75 of Hooking Up

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Chapter Twelve

Walker

Iwipe my brow as I step out of the car. Even in the shade, it's hot.

Iris presses her door closed. She slings her backpack over her shoulders and lets out a soft sigh. Her lips press together. Her eyes meet mine. "You're still wearing the shirt."

"I am."

"We have a deal."

I pull my t-shirt over my head and toss it in the car. This is also going to get on Dean's nerves, but he can kiss my ass. I put up with a truckload of his attitude and he can't tolerate me inviting someone on a hike?

Iris moves around the front of the car.

She slides her backpack off one shoulder and pulls out a tube of sunscreen. She's slow about popping the cap and squeezing it onto her fingers.

She was quiet the entire drive. She turned the radio on to the local rock station and stared out the window. Because of Dean's bullshit or because of something else?

"You okay?" I turn so she can get my back.

"Yeah. A little tired."

"Not enough coffee?"

"Never enough coffee." Her fingers glide over my right shoulder. She takes her time smoothing out the lotion and rubbing it in.

It's more sweet than sexual.

More domestic than carnal.

I shouldn't like it.

But I do.

She squeezes sunscreen on my other shoulder. Takes her time rubbing it in. "He's your friend. I'm sure you know him better. But I read people pretty well."

"Iris the shrink?"

"Yeah. And he doesn't want me here."

She's right. He doesn't. But I don't know why. "We invite people to join all the time. He's probably in a mood."

"Okay." She drags her fingers down my back. "You feel good against my hands."

I let my voice drop an octave. "Yeah?"

"That too. Later." She presses her palm against my lower back. "Turn around. I'll get your chest."

I do. "I'll return the favor."

Her lips press into a smile. "I'm already covered."

"Cruel."

She laughs as she spreads sunscreen over my pecs. "I do what I can." Her eyes stay on her work. She's thorough. Methodical. She finishes one area and checks it over before moving on to the next.

Her brow furrows. Her lips turn down.

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