Page 49 of Mountain Dreams

“I see that, but why the quilt?”

If only she were a tad less observant. He went with the first thing that came to mind, which wasn’t too far off the truth. “I was about to take off my pants when I heard you coming up the stairs.”

“Oh. Well, good thing the stairs creak, huh?”

He chuckled, but it sounded forced. “Yeah.”

“I just came up to get a glass of water, and then I’ll get out of your way.”

By now, his erection had gone down, and he tossed off the quilt and started to stand.

Her eyes went wide, and she spun around and faced the other way.

This time, he laughed for real. “It’s okay. It’s safe to look.”

She slowly turned as if she didn’t quite believe him. In the meantime, he crossed the living room and stood in front of her, his bare chest on display. Her gaze roamed over him, starting at his neck and shoulders, drifting down the middle of his chest, and pausing at the waistband of his jeans. She sucked in a breath as her gaze traveled back up, shifting to his arm muscles and finally landing on his face, which suddenly felt hot and itchy.

If it had been anyone else, he would have made a suggestive comment, but this was Maddie. His friend Maddie.

“From now on, I’ll keep my clothes on unless I’m behind closed doors.”

Her chest heaved, and she licked her lips, just like he’d envisioned earlier. “That’s probably a good idea,” she said, her voice sounding strained. “And I’ll do the same.”

She was wearing pajamas and a robe in a darker color this time, and he wondered if she’d purposely tried to camouflage her body. If she only knew that she could wear a paper bag and he’d still find her attractive.

“Water,” she said as if she’d just remembered why she’d come upstairs.

“I’ll get it for you.”

“No!”

He furrowed his brow. “Why not?”

“I can get it. Besides, I interrupted your movie.”

What movie? He’d hardly paid attention to it, and anyway, he knew it by heart. He, his dad, and Jax had watched Clint Eastwood films together all the time. If asked, he could recite every line.

“It’s okay. I could use some water too. I was hot, remember?” This time, he wiggled his eyebrows at her, and she laughed.

She followed him into the kitchen, and he took out two glasses and filled them with water and ice. Then he handed her one, and they both took a long drink like they’d just returned from a hike through the desert.

“So, how’s the book?” he asked, casually leaning against the kitchen counter.

“Book?”

“The one you were reading downstairs?”

“Oh, that book. Yeah. I couldn’t really concentrate.”

“How come?”

She shrugged. “I have a lot on my mind, I guess.”

They both drank again, and he eyed her over the rim of his glass. “I’m here if you need to talk.” And for anything else you need.

“I’ll feel better after I get the rest of my things from Wyatt’s house.”

He nodded. The less interaction either of them had with Wyatt, the better. “I’m going with you, remember?”