Page 14 of His Hawaiian Heart (Stateside Doms #26)

For the first time I didn’t hear the annoying voice, instead, I imagined her rolling her eyes.

“Speaking of sandwiches, I also wanted to thank you for bringing me dinner. I know I didn’t deserve it after rudely shoving the plate at you, but I appreciate it. The extra cookie just went above and beyond.”

He chuckled. “If a simple cookie is all that’s required for you to elevate my status from serpent to something a little less despicable, I’ll make sure you are never without one.”

Knowing what I knew now, I really felt bad about the serpent comment, but wasn’t quite ready to forget why I’d thought it in the first place. “I’m afraid a thousand simple cookies won’t work. Cookie’s the most sought after chef in the field for a reason.”

“Then I’ll remember to stay on his good side, starting now.”

I looked up and was surprised to see we’d reached the outskirts of the camp. Riding had definitely been faster than walking as I’d done that morning.

A half hour later, he was lifting me back onto the horse.

I’d been anticipating watching the interchange between Cookie and Sam, hoping for some clue as to what had occurred between them after I’d stomped away the night before.

Instead, I’d had to check the permits and discovered they were pretty much all-inclusive, and then I had to visit the porta potty.

When I got to the mess tent, it was to find them putting a bunch of wax-paper wrapped items into a flimsy plastic bag.

“Is that supposed to be our hamper?”

Sam shot me a look and then said, “I assured Cookie we didn’t expect a wicker basket and actual plates.”

Wow, either he was trying to cozy up to the chef or else he liked those cookies as much as I did.

What cookie? He gave you his, remember?

Oh, right. Still… “I just meant that unless we’re not planning on taking anything to drink, that bag isn’t going to work.

” When they just looked at me, I shook my head.

“Good grief, I’ll get my backpack.” By the time I returned, several bottles of water had been added to the pile waiting to be transferred to the backpack.

Not only hadn’t I learned anything about their dynamic, I didn’t even know what we were having for lunch!

The only thing I’d packed was my father’s magnifying glass and the vest Sam suggested I remove as it would make riding more comfortable.

And now, once again sitting astride McNut, I listened as the man I’d introduced as the serpent shrugged into the backpack and then shook Cookie’s hand.

“Thanks again, Cookie. We appreciate this,” Sam said.

“You’re welcome.” Cookie graced me with a brief look before returning his attention to Sam. “She tends to forget everything when she’s found some little bug that interests her. Make sure she eats and stays hydrated.”

“Really? I’m right here, you don’t need?—”

“I will. And I’ll have her back in plenty of time for dinner.”

“Hello? I can hear you, you know.”

“Make sure you have her back at least an hour before then. There’s a mandatory meeting before supper to make sure everyone has checked in and gives a rundown of what they’ve found.”

“Thanks for letting me know. She’ll be here on time even if I have to yank her nose out of some rotten log or stagnant pool of water,” Sam assured him.

I put two fingers to my mouth and blew. The sharp whistle had both men snapping their glances at me as if they’d just remembered I was there, which had been my intention.

Of course, I hadn’t thought about the reaction of the third male in the group.

As McNut made a leap forward, I had to grab handfuls of mane to keep from sliding off.

His sudden, jarring halt had me clamping my thighs as tightly as I could against his sides to avoid flying over his head.

So much for my grand gesture. While Sam’s hand was wrapped tightly around the reins to stop me from injury, the surprised expression on his face at my whistle had changed into a clenched jaw, furrowed brows, and eyes that expressed disapproval.

The funny thing was that Cookie was wearing the exact same expression.

“Sorry, I shouldn’t have done that.” Nothing.

Not a single thing changed on either man’s face which reminded me why I’d resorted to whistling in the first place.

“I don’t like being discussed like I’m not even in the room—” McNut’s snort reminded me of where we were.

“Field, jungle, clearing, whatever. Pick one, but the point is I’m not some vacuous teenager and this isn’t a date. ”

“Does that mean you don’t want to go?” Sam asked.

I rolled my eyes. “No, it just means I’m perfectly capable of not only showing up where I belong at the appointed time but can actually take care of myself. I already have a dad and am not looking for another.”

The men looked at each other. I swore that if they came back with anything even close to sounding as if they were placating the “little lady,” I was going to scream.

“Chip, chip, chip,” Cookie said and Sam just chuckled.

While I was trying to decipher that cryptic exchange, Sam swung up behind me and I stiffened.

He must have made some silent signal because McNut began walking, his gait smooth instead of lunging.

“Relax,” Sam said from behind me. “Cookie cares about you. Instead of getting your panties in a wad, be grateful he does.”

He was right but he didn’t need to know that. Instead, I huffed, “To be wadded, I’d have to be wearing panties. And while I am grateful, what makes you think I was talking about Cookie? Seems to me you were also auditioning for the position. You were being just as bossy as he w?—”

The tightening of his arm around me and the jerk backward to notch me more snugly between his thighs shut me up. “Believe me, Sam, when we are in the position requiring I give directions, there will be no doubt of my role.”

The only thing to decode in that was the fact he’d definitely said “when” not “if”.

As if to bypass my brain and cement the statement in my core, he pulled me back another inch or so until I felt a distinct bulge where one had not been before.

The vision of me naked and kneeling at his feet, his fingers fisted in my hair as he gave those directions while I had his cock deep in my mouth had my cheeks burning.

He leaned down and spoke softly. “And about your lack of panties, that makes two of us.”

Forget burning, if he so much as loosened his hold, I was going to ooze right down the velvet sides of McNut and become a big puddle of submissive goo on the forest floor.