Page 25

“Nah, but ya like being bound. Helpless. A little damsel in distress who does nothing but put the male population under severe distress when you wear shorts like that, Adeline.”

“I fail to see⁠—”

“Shut up, AK, and stand still.”

His voice isn’t harsh, but he does sound slightly annoyed before he releases my hands to my utter disappointment. But then his hard body suddenly presses up against mine to keep me controlled and sandwiched against my greenhouse so I can’t go anywhere.

But it doesn’t explain the hard bulge that potently presses into my ass, causing a gasp to escape my lips because it’s the last thing I was expecting.

Or that he would do.

My heart races in my chest as the hair on my body rises on end with equal parts thrill and nervousness.

And, I swear, I hear the smile in Dodger’s voice when he says, “Too much?”

I try to inhale, but my lungs fail to operate properly because Henry Dodger Abbott has his hard cock pressed into me and expects me not to be affected in any way, shape, or form.

Or maybe he does.

“Of what?” My voice is shaky at best, and that only drives up Dodger’s amusement.

He shifts, his body rubbing against mine as he twists the last screw in, and I inadvertently hold my breath because I don’t know what to do.

Other than staying put.

“That’s a good girl.” He leans forward, and his face hovers between my neck and my shoulder. “I thought that fearless girl was in there somewhere.”

“I’m always fearless.”

“Not with me, you’re not.”

He steps away, then, creating a wave of frustration through me when the pressure of him is gone.

Not with me, you’re not.

Well, what does he want me to do?

Call him.

Has he been waiting on me this whole time? Have I not been clear enough?

Turning around, Dodger has my lemonade in his palm, and he’s in the middle of chugging half of the thing down as if he didn’t just challenge or call me out.

“Ya want me to stop callin’ ya, Dodger?” I prompt. “And figure out my own issue ’round the house?”

He crooks his finger for me to step closer, still drinking my damn lemonade, but I still move forward on his silent command.

I stop when I’m within arm’s reach, and he’s pulled the glass away from his mouth.

I’m fully aware I’m blushing like a schoolgirl with the way he hasn’t stopped staring at me like he can’t help it.

Aimlessly, he tosses the glass with a flick of his wrist to his side, and then he’s right there.

In front of me.

His hazel eyes dark and full of something I dare not put a name on because I think it’ll drive me crazy when he says, “Nah, AK. I want you to kiss me back.”

Then, with ease and confidence, he reaches up, cups the back of my head, and pulls me forward while he meets me in the middle.