Page 51 of Force of Nature

“You don’t have to do that,” I immediately object, fearing that his quick volunteering might raise some red flags.

“That’s very kind of you, Thad,” my mom talks over me. “I’m sure Laken appreciates that.” She gives me a look that tells me to say thank you and move on, no doubt because she doesn’t want to have to fight with one of my brothers to do it.

I have half a mind to kick him under the table but I resist the urge given that the part of me not worried about what my family thinks is actually quite excited. It’s nearly an hour and a half drive to the airport which is an hour and a half I’ll get to spend alone with Thad without the worry of what someone might see or hear.

“Of course I do. Thank you, Thad,” I say, feeling heat flood to my cheeks.

“It’s really no problem. It’s the least I can do,” he tells my mom before turning his attention back to his food.

—-

“Are you not the leastbit worried my family is going to start catching on to what’s going on between us if you keep volunteering to do things for me?” It’s the first thing that leaves my mouth when I find Thad lounging in a chair outside the camper, his face turned up toward the star speckled sky.

“And what is going on between us exactly?” His eyes dart up to mine and a slow smile spreads across his full lips.

“Don’t play coy with me.” I cross my arms in front of my chest as I stop directly in front of where he’s sitting.

“Relax. No one cares if I drive you to the airport. In fact, I think they were all too thankful to not have to do it to really care much. Besides, me offering to drive you should be the least of your concerns.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I arch a brow, confused by his statement.

“You weren’t so worried about someone finding out last night when you climbed into my bed in the middle of the night,” he reminds me.

“That was different. Everyone was asleep.”

“So you hope,” he counters.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you had a problem with it,” I snip, suddenly worried that I’m coming on too strong.

“Oh, I don’t. I was just simply pointing out that I’m not the one making people suspicious.”

“Who am I making suspicious?” I tense, a ball of nerves forming in the pit of my stomach.

“You seem to forget you have a brother who lives right there.” He points to the garage–a light shining brightly from the second story window where Chris lives.

“Did he say something to you?” My face flushes and I take a full step back.

“Not straight out. But if I had to guess he definitely knows something is up.”

I think on that for a long moment, wondering if Chris knowing is really the worst thing in the world. He’s the sibling I’m the closest too and he’s never ratted me out to Mom and Dad for anything, ever. I can’t see him starting now.

“Does that bother you?” I ask, realizing it really doesn’t bother me.

“That he suspects something, no. But I’m also not going to confirm it for him either. He knows what you’ll find out soon enough.”

“Which is what?” I ask.

“That I’m not good for you.” He stands abruptly, causing me to take a step backward.

“I would argue that you’re wrong there,” I tell him, quickly following behind him as he heads toward the camper. “In fact, I think you’re very, very good for me.” I press against him as he reaches the door, my arm wrapping around his middle as my palm spreads across his rippled stomach. It’s dark next to the camper so I don’t worry that someone might see.

“Laken.” Thad says my name almost painfully as my hand slowly moves downward to cup his already growing erection pressing against the material of his jeans.

Thad turns so abruptly that I nearly lose my balance. One minute my front is pressed against his back, the next my back is pressed against the camper and Thad’s face is an inch from mine, his body caging me in.

“You really should go,” he tells me, his breath hot on my lips.

“And why would I want to do that?” I pant out, so turned on that I’m physically aching for him.

“Because with you, Laken, I’m finding my control is very limited.”

“Then let go of it,” I tell him, wrapping my hand around the back of his neck. “Lose control with me,” I whisper, pressing my lips gently to his.

He groans into the kiss just as my feet leave the ground. Climbing the metal stairs that lead to the door, Thad pushes us inside moments later, and shuts the door seconds before we hit the bed.

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