“I’ll make sure my sister gives you a food break.”
I pursed my lips. “I wasn’t fishing for a free meal, Trace.”
“I know you weren’t, but I am not going to sit by and let you starve while my snobby family chows down in your face.” He put his hand on mine. “Thanks for coming here tonight. We don’t get company very often.”
Clint trotted back over to us, and Trace chucked the ball again, sending it over the large pool and into the fenced-in yard.
“Why not?”
“I like my privacy, and most people in my circle annoy the ever-loving shit out of me. It’s nice to have a sanctuary, ya know?” His eyes softened as he looked at me. “You’re a breath of fresh air.”
“And you’re full of surprises,” I admitted.
“Come here.” He patted his lap, and I jumped at the opportunity to be closer to him.
Snuggling into Trace’s broad chest, I let my head roll back as we watched Clint traipse around the back yard with his tennis ball.
“This is nice,” I said as I breathed out, melting more and more with every passing minute.
“It’s moments like this that make me believe in fate.” The words rolled off of Trace’s tongue as he exhaled onto my neck.
When his lips touched my bare shoulder, I couldn’t help but want to find an excuse for a tour of his bedroom.
Don’t be too easy, Sawyer.
I reached up and rubbed the base of my neck, still feeling the effects of sleeping on Harper’s floor.
“You all right?”
I leaned back again, putting Trace’s arms back around my middle. “Yeah, just a little crick. Girls’ night turned into a slumber party in a closet.”
“What?” He chuckled.
“We’re weird. You’ll get used to it.”
Without prompting, Trace starting working magic on my neck with his fingers. “Better?”
I let out a low moan. “So much.”
“Good,” he whispered before kissing right under my ear.
“I think you’re too good to be true.”
“Believe it, babe. I’m a real boy,” he teased.
“Is that so?” I chortled, completely captivated by how amazing Trace was at working out the knots in my shoulders.
“I’ll prove it to you.” Scooping me up in his arms, Trace marched us into his master bathroom. Setting me down on the counter, he turned the shower on.
“Put your hair up and strip,” he demanded while pulling his shirt over his head.
I hugged my middle tightly. “I don’t know…”
His hands landed on my thighs as his eyes locked with mine. “The hot water is going to help loosen up your muscles. I’m not trying to fuck you, just trying to not get our clothes soaking wet.”
“Fair enough.” I let out a forced sigh, jumped down, and stripped.
“Holy fuck,” Trace gasped as he helped me into the scalding shower.