Page 34 of Mountain Daddy (Mountain Men #2)

Kendra

Holding the little plant to my chest, I walk up the steps of the deck ahead of Luther.

He brought me a plant.

It’s not flowers. Not even potted flowers. But a little green bubble-looking plant in a pretty blue pot.

It’s kind of bizarre. And oddly perfect.

“There she is!” Dad calls out as we pass. “Enjoy your succubus!”

I pause. And blink.

Luther’s warm hand presses into my back again. “It’s a succulent, you fool.”

Dad nods. “That’s what I said.”

I look up at Luther and mouth, Wow .

He sighs. “Men.”

A laugh bursts out of me, and I feel Luther’s fingers flex against my back as his gaze drops to my mouth.

I press my lips together, trying to bite down on my wide smile.

My dad didn’t specifically say Luther was coming today, but I assumed he’d be in attendance.

And with that assumption, I dressed with Luther in mind.

Then I waited.

And waited.

And about ten minutes ago, I accepted that maybe he wouldn’t show up.

He has a life. Businesses. A kid of his own. Maybe he was busy.

Which was fine.

I’d almost convinced myself that it was for the best.

That without Luther nearby, I wouldn’t feel so… riled.

I wouldn’t be drenched in sexual tension.

Wouldn’t be distracted with thoughts of ripping his clothes off.

But then I turned my head. And he was there.

Luther was there with his eyes locked on mine.

And my body lit up.

Inhaling, I focus on the spot where his thumb is touching the bare skin of my back. And I focus on not tripping.

I reach for the door handle, but Luther leans past me, wrapping the fingers of his free hand around the pull.

I watch his forearm flex as he pulls the sliding door open, and I drag my eyes away from the sight as I step into the house.

The kitchen is empty, and when Luther shuts the door behind us, silence fills the room.

I turn to face him.

“Thank you for the succulent.” I lift the little pot. “You really didn’t need to.”

“You’re welcome.” He takes a step toward me. “It reminded me of you.”

I lift a brow, glancing down at the interesting plant. “Oh?”

He dips his chin. “Matches your nails. Kind of.”

I look at the pale blue ceramic and then at the periwinkle paint on my fingernails.

I smile. “It kind of does.”

The shade is close enough. In the same color family, at least. And honestly, it shows that—in the two times we’ve met—he’s paid closer attention to me than… well, all my past boyfriends combined.

Not that he’s my boyfriend.

And not that I want him to be.

No. I just want to fuck him again.

My inner self rolls her eyes at me. But I ignore her. What does she know?

Luther takes another step closer, putting us inappropriately close. But his size hides me from anyone outside looking in.

“Luther,” I say quietly.

He lifts a hand toward my cheek. “Baby?—”

Down the hall, the bathroom door opens.

I step back.

Luther drops his hand.

“Thanks for the plant.” I speak louder than necessary. “I’ll put it on my desk.”

“Ah, yes, your new work-from-home office.”

“It’s coming together.” I turn my head, hoping the move looks casual, so I can see who’s coming down the hall.

The woman spots me as she enters the living room and beams. “Oh, I’d love to see your setup. I was tempted to go in there and show myself around, but that felt rude.” She laughs, and I can’t recall her name, but I think she owns a few of the stores that sell Dad’s furniture.

“Hi, Susan.” Luther smiles at the woman, drawing her attention.

Her smile grows even wider.

Okay, Susan. Settle down.

Bristling just a little, I let the two of them chitchat while we all walk into my office together.

Susan remarks on the pieces my dad made for the room.

Luther makes a comment about how it’s a better use of the space than the clutter my dad had in here before.

Susan throws her head back with a laugh, and when she places her hand on Luther’s arm, I use a little more force than necessary to set my new plant on the corner of my desk.

Luther clears his throat. And when I lift my gaze to meet his, I can see the humor in his eyes.

Oh, he thinks this is funny?

Well, there are way more men than women here, and I’m wearing the flirtiest thing I own.

I roll my shoulders back.

Susan is still talking, eyes all over Luther, so she doesn’t notice.

But he does.

With his eyes on my cleavage, I take a deep breath, stretching the fabric to its limit.

His lids lower.

The cups of my dress are padded, pushing my tits up even more. The padding also makes it so no one can see my nipples. Which is good. Because even if Susan is annoying, my body is still reacting to Luther’s nearness.

I take another breath, this one to calm my inner bitch. Susan doesn’t deserve my shitty thoughts. She’s reacting like any straight woman would around Luther.

Doesn’t mean I won’t pay Luther back for this.