Southern Playboy (North Carolina Highlands 4)

People.

My people.

Time spent with them. Putting them first. Doing fun things with them. Making them a priority instead of work.

It’s always, always been work that’s ruled my life.

“I think I’m re-learning what being happy feels like,” I say. “What happiness really is. What if . . . I don’t know, what if I’ve been chasing the wrong things?”

Her expression softens, and the impulse to kiss her punches me in the gut. “What do you think you should be chasing?”

“I’d like to chase you, if you’d let me.”

The words feel dangerous, and for a split second, a warning—a premonition—catches inside my head. Am I making promises I can’t keep? There’s still so much we haven’t talked about. So much to decide. But here I am, holding out my heart like it’s available for the taking.

And here she is, looking like she might want me to take hers too.

Be. Careful.

“Let me think on it,” she says, but there’s a smile in her eyes.

A smile I haven’t seen on her as an adult. It’s not reserved. Cautious.

This is the smile of a woman who feels safe and seen.

Fuck careful.

“You’re getting me all hot and bothered.” I stand and start unbuttoning my shirt. “I’m gonna go for a swim.”

Amelia looks up at me, brow furrowed but eyes still smiling. “You didn’t tell me to bring a suit.”

“Way I see it, that leaves you with two options. Swim in those clothes”—I nod at her dress—“or take ’em off.”

She bites her lip. “How about you take all yours off first, and then I’ll decide?”

Rolling back my shoulders, I take off my shirt. Then I get to work on my jeans. “Honey, I think you’re gonna like what you see.”

“I’ll be the judge of that.” She picks up her wineglass and sips. “Now strip.”

Chapter Twenty-Four

Amelia

I don’t miss the way Rhett’s eyes darken at my command. “Yes, ma’am.”

Standing on the bed of his truck in the fading light, he looks like a mirage. The skin on his bare chest and thighs shimmers, the hair there catching the last rays of amber and orange from the sun. He kicks off his jeans and his ab muscles tense. If I didn’t appreciate his insanely beautiful body before, I sure as hell do now.

And then there’s his dick.

My eyes catch on the impressive erection that tents his briefs. He’s making no effort to hide it now, and my skin throbs at his confidence. There’s an earthiness and a steadiness to his desire, his acceptance of it.

His eagerness to share it with me.

I can just make out the soft curve of his crown. There’s a wet spot there.

Heat floods my pussy. He’s leaking.

“I’m going full monty if that’s all right with you,” he asks, hooking his thumbs in the elastic waistband of his briefs. “Speak now or forever hold your peace.”

I swallow, clenching my thighs. I am soaking wet, and hot, and indescribably thrilled at the prospect of having this man tonight.

Who am I kidding? I knew we’d get naked the moment I opened my door and saw Rhett standing there, looking like a goddamn snack in his checkered shirt and scruff.

“Rhett, if you don’t take those undies off right fucking now, we’re gonna have a problem.” I finish my wine. “Do it already.”

And he does.

Oh, Lord, does he, and I’m left staring, mouth watering at the sight.

Rhett’s not huge, just the right side of satisfying. His shaft is smooth, marked by a thick vein that forks toward the broad, pink head. The slit there is wet with pearlescent fluid. His pubic hair is dark, the same shade as his scruff, neatly trimmed but still lush.

My body responds fiercely, my pussy smarting and my nipples firming at the suddenly erotic sensation of rubbing up against my dress. I wince.

Rhett frowns. “You okay?”

“You’re delicious.” I get up on my knees and scoot over to kneel in front of him, looking up to meet his eyes. “Can I? Taste you?”

His nostrils flare. The ridges of the truck bed dig into my knees through the blanket.

The pain just makes it hotter.

Was it ever this hot when we were kids?

Eyes locked on mine, he takes his dick in his hand and gives it a long, slow stroke.

“Just for a second,” he says, taking half a step forward. “Otherwise, I’m gonna come, and that can’t happen because you come first. Open your mouth.”

I do as he tells me, anticipation ricocheting inside my skin as he thumbs his head down a little, lining it up with my mouth.

Reaching up, I put my hands on the hard planes of his hips. His skin is hot to the touch.

I burn, knowing he’s burning for me.

I extend my tongue and lick up the length of his slit. His stomach caves. He sputters fuck, and I smile at the salty taste of him on my tongue.