Page 44 of Wild for You
“Truth or dare … obviously,” I say, matching her posture.
“Orrr … we could play spin the bottle?” Her eyes light up at her suggestion.
Interesting. So she’s feeling horny. I was wondering—after I discovered dead vibrators lying around. I knew she’d eventually break, though now that that seems to be what’s happening, I’m not sure how I feel about it. I don’t know if it’ll mean the same thing to her as it will to me, but I suppose a little fun can’t hurt, especially considering how hard we’ve both been working.
I’d be lying if I said my body wasn’t screaming to feel her again, to be inside her again while I’m totally sober. I’ve never had such a strong pull toward anyone, but there’s something about how I feel when she’s near me. It’s like there’s this extra set of lungs in my chest and the weight of the world doesn’t feel so heavy.
Of course, I’m not telling her that … yet. I’m going to be patient, but I may as well torture her while I wait. Hell, it’d be great if I could get her on the same page, too, but I know in my bones that this fight will be one of the hardest in my life. I’m a cocky motherfucker, and I’ve never met a challenge that scared me as much as Gwen.
“You ready?” I waggle my eyebrows.
“Sure,” she sighs.
“Ok, I think you know how the game works. Gwen, truth or dare?”
“Dare,” she says, throwing me an evil smirk.
I see how she’s playing this. I tap my finger to my chin as I think of something exciting. I’ll play along for a few rounds.
“Gwen, I dare you to dance with me.” I stand and offer her my hand.
Eyeing me up and down, she obliges. “But we don’t even have any music—”
I pull her into me, not speaking a word, and place my left arm firmly at the base of her spine, answering her question with my body language. My palm almost covers the entire bottom half of her back, and I pull her in close, tucking her head to my chest.
She’s tense at first, unsure of what to do, so I caress the span of her small back with my hand as we sway to the rhythmic waves. Then as if my body has a mind of its own, I begin singing “Lady May” by Tyler Childers in the crook of her neck. My voice isn’t amazing, but I can carry a tune well enough, and I can’t deny how spot-on the lyrics feel. This woman captivates me, and I’ll spend the rest of my life chasing her until she realizes how much. I can only hope she feels the same way under her calloused exterior.
I finish the chorus and hum the rest of the song, finishing our dance with a twirl and dramatic dip. Gwen’s eyes close, and I gently kiss her lips. Then I lead her back to the fire.
“Well, that was interesting,” she teases. “I didn’t know you could sing. A triple threat. Your mother must be so proud.”
“She is actually. But I attribute most of my charm to my older sisters. I think I’ll always have the upper hand against most men because of them.
“I can see that.” She bites the corner of her lip as if she’s assessing me, and I can’t help the rush of hope that shoots through my body.
“Your turn. Truth or dare?”
“Truth,” I say, trying to fight back my laugh.
“Ugh, why are you so boring? Ok, let me think, what can I use to take advantage of you?”
I don’t want to take advantage of you, Gwen. I want you.I swallow the admission down because she’s not ready to hear it. I have to play fair … for now.
She quirks her lips to the side as she thinks. “Is it true that you think about me when you get off?”
I laugh because, of course, she’s going there. “You caught me.” I hold out my hands in surrender. “I think about my hands on you and how you whimper when you come.” I make the gesture of the shocker as I scratch my leg, and I see the moment her eyes hone in on the motion. She glances from my hand to my mouth, and when she tries to pounce on me, I have to hold my hands out to stop her.
“Come on, Jack. Just give it up already!” She grunts as I shove her flying hands back.
“Someone’s hormones are raging this evening.” I make a show of pulling away from her and straightening my t-shirt collar. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were trying to bait me into doing very naughty things to you, Gwenny.” I wink, and she throws her head back in frustration.
“Where is the neanderthal that I came here with, and why have you suddenly developed morals?”
I shrug. “I don’t know. Maybe I just need you to woo me before I give it up. I’m a sensitive guy, baby. You can’t just go straight for the groin.” I wink. “Maybe I need you to rub my back first, or at least buy me dinner.”
“You are insufferable!”
“And you’re only just now realizing this?” I laugh. “Truth or dare.” I lift my chin to encourage her.
