The sun was making its way closer to the mountains when Faith pulled in behind Chase’s truck. When she came to a stop, Harper noticed the time on the dashboard. Dammit! She only had an hour to get ready and make it to work on time. Hating how little she’d seen Chase today, she turned to Faith and said, “Please don’t tell Brody where you dropped me off, okay? He’s tolerating all this with Chase, but let’s not push it.”
Faith pretended to zip her mouth shut. “My lips are sealed. Thanks for coming with me today. Sorry that took so long.”
“I’m happy I got to be here for this.” Which suddenly made her understand why Brody wanted to rush the wedding. This time in his life was important. She did not want to miss it either. She undid her seat belt then hugged Faith. “I can’t wait for Friday.”
Faith squeezed her tight, heady emotions in her voice. “Me too.”
They had never been very close over the years, maybe because of the four-year age gap between them, but Faith was kind-hearted and good for Brody. Harper leaned away and asked, “So, if it’s okay, can I cook for the reception?”
“Oh, of course.” Faith nodded. “I would love that. Right now, we’re thinking of doing a sunset ceremony, so I’m thinking it makes sense to stick to appetizers. Nice and easy.” Faith smiled, turning down the radio a little. “My mom and a few others are bringing stuff too.”
“Perfect. I’ll come up with some yummy apps.” Harper opened the door and got out quickly, giving Faith a wave, watching her drive off.
In a heartbeat, the air seemed to change around her, making her aware that she wasn’t alone.
She glanced over her shoulder, discovering Chase standing in the open doorway, wearing his work shirt and jeans. “Hi,” he said, voice low.
“Hi.” She smiled and approached.
He met her halfway on the porch, gave her a good and proper kiss, then said, “Dress shopping took a while.”
Harper nodded, heading past him and entering the house. “The time restrictions made things insane. She had to find a dress that fit her without having to do any alterations. Needless to say, that was challenging.”
Chase followed her inside, shutting the door behind him. “I take it she found something?”
“She did.” Harper kicked off her flats. “And honestly, her dress is stunning.”
Before she could even move, Chase wrapped an arm around her waist, tugging her in close to him, infusing the air with his citrusy cologne. “Have you eaten dinner?”
“Yup. We grabbed a burger after dress number twenty-five.” Feeling the heat building between them, she stood on her tiptoes and dropped a quick kiss on his lips. “Sadly, though, I need to get ready for work.”
He sighed, dipping his chin with a look of lust mixed with longing. “I need to get back to the ranch tonight for a final look.”
“Inspection day is tomorrow?” She slid her fingers against the trimmed hair at the back of his neck.
“It is.”
“Are you ready? Excited? Nervous?”
“All three sound about right.” He smiled, sliding his hands down to her bottom, giving her a squeeze. “And yes, we’re ready.”
She smiled, stood on her tiptoes again. Right before she pressed her lips against his, she said, “You’re going to blow this inspector away tomorrow.” His hands squeezed tighter, bringing her up against him, revealing his erection. “Oh, nope, I can’t fall in that trap. I need to get to work. Remember?”
His dark, smoldering eyes were the last thing she saw before she scooted away, heading for the bedroom. She grabbed her red Kinky Spurs T-shirt and tiny jean shorts from her bag and hurried into them before she headed into the bathroom to freshen up. She really hoped for a shower, but there was no time for that now. She tossed her hair up into a messy bun, then reached into her makeup bag for her face wash and made quick work of removing her old mascara. She was drying her face with the hand towel she’d used earlier that morning when Chase appeared.
He leaned against the doorway, eyes still smoldering, voice still low. “When is your last night at the Spurs?” he asked.
“Tuesday night.” She swallowed, somehow finding that way harder to say than she thought it should be. She ignored the funny feeling in her belly and bent toward the mirror, beginning to apply fresh mascara.
“Do not move.”
Her breath hitched, becoming trapped in her throat when Chase entered the bathroom, his stare focused on her ass. That weird feeling in her belly turned into delicious heat slowly pooling low in her body. “I need to get ready, Chase.” Even she heard the weakness in her voice. “I’m going to be late.”
“I told you not to move, Harper.” He stepped in behind her, sliding his hands down her hips. She froze, trapped in her desire, as his voice deepened. “Do you have any idea how many times I’ve thought of you in these damn shorts?” He grabbed the crotch of her tiny jean shorts. “How many times I’ve imagined doing exactly this?” He slid his hands down over her bottom, then looked at her in the mirror, his eyes alert and steady. “Bend over.”
She slowly bent more at the hip, keeping the mascara applicator in her hand, watching him step in behind her. Heat touched every part of her so very easily at the lust burning through his expression in the mirror. She shivered, her eyes fluttering when he slid his hand over her bottom. He slapped one cheek before moving on to the other, following up with two more slaps on each cheek.
“Chase,” she rasped, melting into his powerful touch.