Page 23 of Worth the Risk

Piper purposely takes a big bite of her steak, with her mouth wrapping around the fork. “You have exquisite taste.” Her reply is sultry, and I like the way she narrows her eyes at me.

I take hold of my wine glass only to realize that this may not be enough to keep me from leaning over and pulling her face into my hands to kiss her senseless. I’m attracted to this woman and so very curious about what I can unravel to get to know her more.

Thinking of a safe topic to discuss, my mind turns to work, only to remember that this temptress in front of me designs lingerie, and I’m envisioning it on her right now.

“Does your work also entail bikinis? We can go into the hot tub after dinner if you want.” There’s no point trying to avoid the million ways she could take that offer, so I sit comfortably in my seat, owning my question.

A smile plays on her lips. “Actually no, I don’t design swimwear, and truthfully my focus is on pajamas that you wear around the house on a practical level. My lingerie line is not my main business, but admittedly, since our encounter that one night, I may have had a little… inspiration.” She quickly takes her wine glass and downs a sip.

“I’m inspiration?” I must have a cheeky look.

“Maybe,” she says, playing coy. “But seriously, I got into lingerie because feeling beautiful when you go to bed is important, it’s your me time.”

I stand up from the table, grabbing my wine glass in the process. “You’re killing me, Piper.” My grin doesn’t fade. “We’re going to need more wine.”

She waves her hand and laughs. “Oh God, no, I’m already feeling tipsy, and I need to be sharp around you.”

It’s almost becoming insufferable, the light feeling dancing between us. Obvious flirtation and enjoyment.

I nearly growl to myself because I’m about to snap. Setting the empty bottle back down, I let my urge overcome me, and in a flash, I grab her wrists and pull her up and out of her chair, bringing her close, tight to my body.

My move startles her, yet her eyes are ablaze with excitement. Piper glances down to see my hands wrapped around her delicate wrists before her gaze returns to lock with my own.

“I’m going crazy not touching you,” I say huskily. I’m dying to slam my mouth onto hers, but I won’t. “Your smile every time you talk, I could stare at it all night. I’m completely fucked if you don’t feel this attraction between us.”

An almost sly grin forms on her mouth. “I would say so, considering I’m staying here for a few days.”

“So you’re not going to leave first thing?” I double check like it was even on the cards.

She gently shakes her head. “All indications are no. Depending if that pinecone incident turns out to be a concussion, but ya know.” Her playing it cool is killing me as much as it calms me.

I loosen my grip and set her free, our tense embrace now dispersing into the air, but our eyes never break contact.

“Come on, Hudson, we have steak to finish and a hot tub to get into.” She tilts her head in the direction of the table, even gently taking my hand and leading me back to my spot at a safe distance from her.

As we sit down and she grabs the bowl of salad, she highlights the obvious. “Hmm, I wonder if I packed a bathing suit, actually,” she says doubtfully, bringing a finger to her chin. “I might have to go naked.”

Damn, we lasted two seconds before she taunts me again, but that’s what I enjoy about her, the banter, or the fact she isn’t overwhelmed by me.

* * *

The rest of dinner,we talked about food, and travel, and just kept the conversation easy. She helped clear the table, but I told her not to bother too much, as my cleaning lady will come tomorrow morning. Piper disappeared upstairs to get ready for the hot tub, and I quickly threw on my swim shorts, started the tub, and got in to keep warm.

Luck is on my side, as the stars are out, and a half moon hangs above us. My head perks in the direction of the house when I hear the door slide open, and every step that Piper makes in the thick bathrobe that I left in her room just ups the ante of whatever in the world will transpire tonight.

“You’re curious about what I have on underneath, aren’t you?” She grins almost shyly, yet she has no problem being direct.

I stand in the water to offer her my hand, even though the tub is built into the ground and there is a sturdy railing to my side. Piper flashes her eyes at me and slowly unties the robe while I bite my bottom lip, trying not to be extremely turned on. She keeps the robe closed as the tie hangs loose at her sides, and she pauses to draw the thrill out.

“The options are all in my favor, you know.” Bikini, bra, naked… all possibilities I approve of.

“I’m well aware, Hudson Arrows.” The way she’s toying with me or the sound of my name on her lips is enough to make me want to get on my knees to beg her to let me worship her body all night.

Then she lets the robe slide off her shoulders and fall to a pool at her feet, leaving her standing before me in a dark bikini that does a half-ass job of keeping her large tits covered, but that’s beside the point—this woman is a goddess.

She throws me an appreciative look and takes my hand as she steps into the water. I lean in to mumble against her hair.

“You’re making the stars jealous.”

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