Page 14 of Maddox: Wild Alaska (Hawke’s Ridge #1)
As Maddox ushers me out the door, I can still feel his touch on my skin. I meet Judean's flushed gaze, then look at Colton, who looks disgruntled. I hide my snicker behind a pleasant grin. "Judean, are you ready to get wet?"
Her eyes widen. Maddox huffs, trying not to laugh. Colton smiles as widely as he can.
"Oh my God! Get your minds out of the gutter!" I move forward and grab Judean by the elbow. As I move past Colton, I shoot him a glare. He snaps his mouth closed, but his eyes dance with mischief. "Keep walking," I whisper to Judean.
As we approach the end of the path, we see the others are already in the hot tub. I look back at Colton and Maddox, who are standing together with their arms crossed and grinning mischievously at us. I can't help but laugh as we reach the deck.
It's difficult to choose which hot tub to get into because Catherine is in one and Samantha in the other. I decide to go for Samantha's, as there is room for the two of us. I shake off my cover-up, step into the water, and sit down, sighing. "Whoever made the decision to do this, thank you!"
"That would be me," Samantha says.
"The water is delightful and just what I need." Of course, my mind wanders to Maddox, and I wonder what it would feel like to be in here alone with him. My skin tingles at the thought—not to mention, my nipples throb into hard buds.
Hearing disgruntled muttering, I open my eyes and see Samantha looking at Judean as she climbs into the tub.
“Judean, what are you wearing? You have too much weight to carry that off. It's not flattering on you at all."
Judean pauses with one leg in the tub. My brows must have shot up into my hairline at the cold, harsh words. I've never known anyone to be so hateful to another person.
"What the hell?" I finally hiss. "There's nothing wrong with Judean." I stand as Judean pulls away from the tub. "I can't say the same about you!" I snap at Richard’s sister.
I shiver on the deck, but I ignore it as I hurry to put my flip-flops on and grab the cover-up.
I set off the way Judean bolted. I'm furious at Samantha's cold-heartedness.
What the hell is her problem? Her mother is just as cold and evil.
Why didn't I ever stand up for myself back home?
Ugh! I know why. Being out here in this beautiful place and meeting Maddox has truly opened my eyes.
I've changed in the short time I've been here.
The fact that I'm relieved not to be here with Richard says it all.
I slow down and realize that I have no idea where Judean ran off to.
Once my heart slows, I hear sniffles. They're coming from the path that leads to the family cabins.
I quickly move in that direction and find Judean sniffling into Maddox's chest. A quick wave of jealousy hits me, but I shake it off.
There's no reason for that here. He spots me and his eyes plead for help while cooing to an upset Judean.
I place a gentle hand on Judean's back. "Judean, she's a bitch. Please don't believe what she said."
She lifts her tear-stained face, and I find myself pulled into her and Maddox. "I've never had a threesome before," I joke, trying to lighten the mood.
Maddox catches my gaze and raises an eyebrow.
I smirk and shake my head. My attention turns to Judean, who chuckles.
"She's jealous of you. You have gorgeous curves, while she's stick thin with a horrible personality.
" I waggle my brows. "And let's not forget how the very sexy Colton Hawke is trying to get into your pants. "
"Oh my God," Judean says, hiding her face in her hands and laughing.
Maddox glares. "You called my brother sexy!"
I roll my eyes. “You Hawke men are gorgeous, so get over yourself." I pat him on the chest. "You're the only one I imagine naked, if that makes you feel better."
“Can you not dirty talk your man while I’m within earshot?” Judean sighs and lets out a loud puff of air. "I always let her get to me. I was really looking forward to a soak."
“I have a hot tub on the back deck that you can both use.”
We turn to look at Maddox. My face lights up with excitement. “Are you sure you don’t mind?”
"You could join us, too," Judean suggests.
My face heats as I remember my recent thoughts about Maddox and me in a hot tub.
He catches my gaze. "I'm not sure that's a good idea.
" He chuckles, captures my hand, and then grabs hold of Judean's.
He leads us through the kissing trees and out to the area where the family cabins are.
I glance at Judean, who looks delighted at the sight.
Maddox clears his throat and says, "In case you're wondering, Colton lives in the cabin with the yellow Yamaha parked outside.
He rides in the forests and on dirt tracks. "
"Is that so?" I say, though Judean stays silent, her eyes linger in that direction. I nudge her and smirk. She rolls her red, swollen eyes.
There was no need for Samantha to treat Judean the way she did. The more I think about it, the more I wonder if what I said is true—that Samantha is jealous of Judean. I mean, my friend has a great body, with dips and curves. I'd love to have her breasts for starters.
Inside Maddox's home, he squeezes my hand before releasing me and striding toward the glass doors leading to the deck.
He slides them open. "Here you go, ladies.
Total privacy with an awesome view." He looks out toward the mountains while I take in his towering form.
My heart kicks into overdrive at the sight of this delicious man.
"I agree," I say huskily, meeting his gaze.
"The view is awesome." I smile as a slight blush coats his cheekbones. That's a surprise.
Judean clears her throat. "Is it okay to get in?"
"It is." Ever the gentleman, he holds out his hand to help Judean climb in. Turning to me, his eyes darken as they rove over my bikini-clad body. He doesn't offer me his hand. Instead, he wraps an arm around my waist and clamps a hand on my hip.
By the time I get into the hot tub, I'm sure my face is as hot as my body. I avoid Judean's knowing look and turn to Maddox. "Thank you for this. It's kind of you."
He snorts. "What guy wouldn't want two hot women in his hot tub?"
"Hot women!" Colton shouts.
My gaze shoots to Judean, who frantically tries to hide her face.
"Bro, are you holding out on me?" Colton appears in the doorway. Maddox puts a hand on Colton's chest to keep him from coming out to the deck.
"Don't you ever knock?" Maddox grouches.
"Not when I see my woman heading in here. No, I don't fucking knock." He shoves Maddox's hand away and strides toward us. He stops in his tracks when he sees Judean's tear-stained face. "Why have you been crying?"
"Colton!" Maddox hisses. "There's something called tact."
"She's been crying. Why?"
I watch the younger Hawke brother, noting how every part of his body is coiled to attack, anger seething from every pore. Every inch of him tells me that he has a serious thing for Judean. I thought so but seeing him this way after she cries confirms it.
"One of the other guests made some horrible comments," I say.
"What would you like to drink? Tea? Coffee? Water? Beer?" Maddox asks, redirecting the conversation.
"What other guest?" Colton stands with his arms crossed and his legs slightly spread. I must admit, he looks good in black pants and a white shirt. His name tag, which is attached to the breast pocket, tells me that he's about to start work because I didn't see him thirty minutes ago in the lobby.
"Coffee would be nice," I say.
"For me as well. Thanks, Maddox." Judean smiles, and I notice Colton's frown deepen.
These brothers are intense.
Maddox grabs his brother's arm and moves him inside. I finally let out a breath and look at Judean. I can't help but smile and giggle a little. I smother it behind a hand.
"I need a cold shower after that," Judean sighs. "Something tells me not to let Colton know who upset me."
I snicker. "I totally agree with that."
The water is lovely and warm, and I feel the tension slowly melting away.
Judean sighs and rests her head back against the side of the tub.
I lean back as well, but I stare out at the view.
"Peace and quiet," I think, just as I hear more than two male voices from inside.
Judean glances at me, startled, but I shake my head.
"There are eight of them, plus a silver fox of a dad, so just enjoy the view. "
"Hey, bro, did you know you have two babes in the hot tub? Sophie called Dad a silver fox." Spencer shouts, and I inwardly groan, feeling my cheeks heat.
"I like being called a babe," Judean whispers.