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“Why?”
“Hiking is hot and sweaty work.”
She reads the double entendre and rolls her eyes. “Maybe we should just stay and have sex? I wouldn’t have to put my hair up.”
“Don’t tempt me.”
“Alec, are you saying no to sex?”
“Never opposed to sex, but let’s get out there. Have an adventure. It’s a beautiful day. The temperature’s great. We can stop and get something to eat on the trail.” I gesture for her to go to her room. “Go. Get dressed. Grab a backpack if you have one. If you get an overwhelming urge to jump my bones on the trail, I won’t resist, but I think you’re going to have fun.”
“And how vigorous of a hike are we talking?”
“A simple day hike.”
“I’m in.” Barbi heads down the hall and disappears into her room. I take a deep breath, feeling a little nervous, which isn’t like me.
This is different from our spontaneous bathroom encounter, and I want to make sure today is special. Sex is fun, but I barely slept last night because all I could think about was Barbi. Not fucking her, but getting to know her.
I figure a hike is fairly safe. Out in the open, in a public space, sex is off limits.
It’s the perfect way for me and Barbi to get to know each other. Put us in a room with nothing to do and our clothes fly off and we get down and dirty.
For the first time in my life, I want more than dirty, sweaty sex. Barbi intrigues me and I need more.
After a few minutes, Barbi emerges from her room, looking phenomenal in a pair of skin-hugging, black biker shorts and a tank top that draws my eye. Her hair’s pulled back into a ponytail and she carries a small backpack.
I take a look at her shoes, approving her sneakers. Hiking boots are preferable, but I’m not planning on taking her on anything strenuous until I know what she can handle.
“Ready to go?” I rock back on my heels and sift through several of my favorite hiking trails close by.
“Absolutely.” She steps close and lifts on tiptoe, lightly brushing her lips against mine. “And good morning.”
“Love…” I wrap a hand around the small of her back and pull her in. “Don’t think for a second a tiny kiss like that is good enough.” I bend her back and swoop in for a devastating kiss guaranteed to sweep her off her feet.
When I release her, Barbi takes a step back. “Dayum. Sure you don’t want to…” She points back down the hall.
“Thought Kaye is sharing your room?”
“She is, but…”
“Nope.” I take Barbi’s hand and lead her outside. “You’re not distracting me with sex.” Tipping my head back, the sun heats my face. “We’re not wasting a beautiful day staying inside.”
And yes, I can’t believe those words spill from my mouth.
ELEVEN
Alec
After makinga quick stop at the corner market to pick up provisions for the trail, I lead Barbi to my Jeep, parked two doors down from her townhouse.
She pauses and cocks a hand on her hip. She gives my Jeep a look, then swings her gaze toward me.
“What happened to the rest of it?” Barbi gawks at my ride. “You’re missing bits and pieces of your Jeep.”
“Not missing bits or pieces. That’s what I love about my Jeep. I can strip her down, or button her up. She’s infinitely flexible and rough and rugged.”
“Taking the doors off?” I love the way she cocks her head. She’s an inquisitive person. “Why’s that?”