Page 275 of The Donovan Dynasty

Cade sat on a rock, stuck a blade of grass in his mouth and watched them.

“This really is perfect,” she said.“There are so many possibilities for you to keep your privacy, but also let others enjoy it.”

“I’m enjoying plenty right now,” he said.

She waded for a while and Loopy splashed over to say hello.Sofia’s pants, as well as her shirt, got wet.

“You might as well take your clothes off.”

“What?”

Not for the first time, he’d totally scandalized her.With a frown, she looked at him.

He was stretched out, legs crossed at the ankle, relaxed and grinning devilishly.

“Out here?”She glanced around.“Skinny dip?”

“Why not?As you pointed out, it’s quiet.None of the ranch hands are on this section of land this evening.It’s just us.”

“But…”

“I have towels.”

“You were hoping this would happen,” she accused.

“I considered the possibility.”

“You really are a shameless voyeur.”

“Guilty.Feed my addiction?”

That husk, that timbre in his voice toppled her resistance.Whether he was being demanding or entreating, she was unable to deny him anything.But still, the idea appealed to her.Not necessarily because it meant she was naked, but because getting wet in this heat had definite appeal.

She went back on shore near Cade and pulled off her tank top.He reached up a hand for it and she gave the material to him.Her nipples beaded and she felt sexy, a feeling that was new for her.

Since they were already damp, the jeans were a bit more of a challenge to get out of.He offered no assistance as she wiggled and slithered the denim over her hips and past her thighs.

He captured the jeans that she tossed and folded them nicely.Sofia was reminded that he believed in taking care of things.She appreciated that it extended to her belongings as well.

She peeled off her panties, and said, “My undies don’t go in your pocket.”

“I’d hate for them to get lost,” he replied, ignoring her words and her scowl.

Once she was naked, she stretched.It was more liberating than she ever would have guessed.

Loopy was in a shallow part of the watering hole and Sofia joined her, aware of Cade’s heated gaze.

She picked up a twig and threw it in the water and Loopy plunged after it.She snatched it up and returned it, dropping it in front of Sofia.Sofia tossed it at least half a dozen times, even as the dog’s tongue hung out of her mouth.

Finally tired, Loopy tromped to the sloping bank then shook before finding a patch of shade where she could cool off.

Sofia wandered in deeper, up to her thighs, before succumbing to temptation and holding her nose before plunging beneath the surface.She came up quickly and pushed hair back from her face.

“Didn’t know if you were brave enough.”

“I could become a convert,” she said.“This skinny dipping is pretty invigorating.”She rolled to her back and floated, feeling the sun’s rays and gentle breeze.Since she kept so busy in her professional life, this total relaxation was a treat she treasured.

When a massive cloud gobbled the sun, she went under for one last soak before emerging.