Page 22 of Trail to Trouble
His grip was soft, yet firm enough to guide her out of the tippy canoe without falling. The second she gained her footing, he released her, taking the security of his hold with him. She felt disappointed.
“This way,” he said with the gesture of his hand toward the evident trail.
She nodded and followed closely, within two steps. So close that she could smell his rich, earthy scent with a hint of chocolate. Though she had to wonder if the woodsy scent was him, or the woods itself. Either way, it was a relaxing scent, and her senses couldn’t get enough of it. She raked her gaze over his backside. Broad shoulders, slim waist, muscular legs. There was no doubt this guy worked out in addition to getting cardio exercise during his guiding trips. Inhaling deeply, she took in the aroma that followed him. That fabulous fragrance she enjoyed had to be from him. They were among cedar trees along this shoreline, yet there was a hint of pine in the air. It was definitely his scent. He was one with the woods.
Hunter stopped, turned to look at her, and grinned.
“Isn’t this great?” he asked as he whisked his hand through the air.
“Yes.”
“I knew you’d like it here.”
“It’s beautiful and peaceful. Just what I needed.”
His gaze held hers for a few moments before he cut her loose.
“It’s none of my business, but whatever it is that’s causing so much tension in your shoulders...well, I just hope it eases soon.”
Her gaze landed on the ground. She was uncomfortable talking about her situation with Sebastián, especially with a man she hardly knew.
“Sorry. Like I said, it’s none of my business and I wasn’t asking to pry. I was just making a statement.”
Believing him, she nodded and returned her gaze to him. She reached back and rubbed the base of her neck and left shoulder as far as her right hand would reach. If only the tension would disappear, she would be thrilled.
“Come here. Let me work that out for you.”
“What?”
“Let me massage that for you.”
She flinched as if physically struck by his words. Yes, she’d kissed him earlier and thoroughly enjoyed it, but the split-second thought of being touched by him caused her to recoil. She hated this involuntary reaction.
Hunter lifted his hand in the air, holding them submissively. Concern laced his gaze. “I just want to help. It’s all good.”
After a couple of seconds, he lowered his hands and then pointed ahead. “The trail just circles back now.”
He turned away from her as if to lead her down the trail again.
“Wait!”
He spun around.
She stepped up to him and then turned her back to him.
The warmth of his large hands seeped into her skin as he placed his hands on her shoulders and used his thumbs to work out the knots in her shoulder blades. His magic touch was nothing short of amazing.
She closed her eyes and soaked in the feel of his exquisite touch. The pads of his thumbs firmly, yet soothingly, rubbed her shoulders in a circular motion, slowly easing the tension from her. With as good as his touch felt through the barrier of her clothing, she wondered how good it would feel for his hands to touch her skin directly. No doubt, she’d probably melt with direct contact from his fingertips, like she’d nearly done earlier in the day when their lips met. She eased her head back just a smidge, and the pads of his thumbs crept up to the base of her neck. Skin on skin. Excitement shot through her.
“I want to kiss your neck. Can I?” he asked softly.
She was shocked he asked, but then recalled he knew how jumpy she was around him and was doing her a courtesy to make sure she wanted that. He was so aware and kind.
“Yes.”
She tilted her head to the side to give him better access.
Her heart rate jolted up another notch when his lips pressed to the side of her neck. His mouth skimmed lightly toward the sensitive point behind her earlobe. She leaned back and melted into him.
