He couldn’t remember the last time he’d genuinely smiled. He might strain something if he tried.
“You can’t hide from me forever. I see you. I’ll always see you.”
“Careful, you’re starting to sound like a stalker.”
Hmm, if only she knew. . .
“I think the song has changed; you can put me back down now.”
“No.”
“No?” She tried to pull back but he held her tight.
“Easy, princess. Just settle down.”
“Settle down? Do you remember who you’re talking to?”
Ahh, there was her prickly side. He enjoyed both her softness and her bite.
“Oh, I’d never forget you. The person who torments me night and day.”
“I do not torment you.” There was a hesitant note in her voice.
“You keep me up at night, with thoughts of what it might feel like to have you touch me, kiss me, wrap your hand around my—”
She reached up and placed her hand over his mouth. “Zeke!”
He turned his head, dislodging her hand. He had to laugh as she glared up at him. “I was only going to say my bicep.”
“No, you weren’t. If my brothers hear you. . .”
“What? Will they get out the shotgun?”
“Probably,” she muttered. “You’ve seen how overprotective they are.”
“Not protective enough in my opinion.” Not nearly as protective as he would be once he got her in his bed, under his roof, subject to his command.
“What does that mean?”
“Nothing that we need to discuss right now.”
“Urgh, you’re infuriating. Will you please set me down?”
He stepped back into the shadows of the trees until they were completely hidden. He leaned her back against a tree and slid his leg between hers so she was riding his thigh. He kept hold of her hips, not wanting to risk her falling. She’d never fall with him around.
“If I had my way; I
’d never let you leave my arms.”
“Zeke, why are you saying these things to me?”
“You haven’t guessed yet that I want you?” How could she have missed it?
“How would I have guessed that? You’re always snapping and snarling at me. Calling me a brat. Telling Clint that he should be stricter on me.”
“You are a brat. And he should be stricter on you. That doesn’t mean I don’t want you.”
“What are we? Five? Were you the sort of boy to pull girls pigtails because you secretly liked them?”