Turn and Burn (Blacktop Cowboys 5)

“Sweet-talker.”

He hooked his foot around the plastic leg of the lawn chair, dragging it closer to the fire. “Have a seat.”

She plopped down, propping her feet next to his. “Now gimme a damn drink.”

He pulled out a cold bottle, twisted off the cap and passed it over. Clinking his bottle to hers, he said, “To the ass end of this day.”

“What did you do today, Dr. Fletcher, that made it so trying?”

Telling her that he got the smackdown from his office manager and father might give her the wrong impression, so he stretched the truth. “I wrapped up a few things before I closed down my office for six weeks.”

She choked on her drink. “Seriously? You’re taking six weeks off?”

“Yep.”

“Why?”

“Because I haven’t taken time off for an extended period . . . ever. My office manager wanted to book a long tour to Europe and I can’t run my practice without her, so I’m using the time to write a couple of articles for ag industry journals. Reading material that’s piled up in the last year. Resting up.”

“Is there a reason you didn’t share this tidbit when we were together this weekend?”

The look he gave her reminded her they’d had other things on their minds besides discussing schedules. Tanna blushed and he bit back a grin. “I wasn’t sure where I’d end up. This was just one of my options.” He bumped her knee with his. “And I didn’t want to get your hopes up.”

“Thoughtful of you.” She cocked her head and took a drink. “So, you’ll be here at the Split Rock the whole time?”

“If I stay at my place I’ll watch too much TV. Or I’ll head out to the bar. Or my clients will pester me. This place is a good hidey-hole. I can get my work done and if I have the hankering to get wild, well, I can always peg Tobin.” He locked his gaze to hers. “Or you.”

“I have to behave. I need this job.”

“I wasn’t suggesting we play strip poker in the main room of the lodge. Or go skinny-dipping in the new pool.”

“The cement pond is off-limits to employees unless there aren’t any guests around.”

He shrugged. “I prefer the lake, anyway.”

“Me too.”

“Yeah? I have access to a lake house. Rustic, but the fishing is good.”

“Bet the skinny-dipping is good too,” she said with a smirk.

“I haven’t tried it since I’ve only ever gone there with my dad. But if you’re interested, let me know and we’ll head up there for a day or two.”

“That does sound nice.”

Silence lingered.

Tanna glanced up and caught him staring at her, because he couldn’t stop. “You’re beautiful. The glow of the firelight looks good on you.”

She squinted at him. “Sweet Lord. Are you drunk?”

Tempting to laugh, but he merely shook his head. “Just observant.”

“You are surely tryin’ to rattle me.”

“Maybe.” He drummed his fingers on the arm of his chair. “You aren’t gonna get all indignant on me now that I’ve complimented you, are you?”

Tanna shook her head.

“Can I ask . . . were you upset that I left on Sunday morning?”

“It wouldn’t have done me any good to get upset and it just would’ve made you feel like shit. Lives are at stake in your job. Do I wish the day would’ve played out differently? Some. But you did give me a memorable good-bye.”

“There is that. But then, I didn’t call you.”

“So? You knew I was working.”

“You providing excuses for me . . . that’s novel.”

She tipped her bottle at him. “I try to be memorable.”

The perfect opening. “I want more than just a memory, Tanna.” His heart sped up. “I’m sitting here acting all polite like, making conversation with you, while my brain keeps flashing to the image of your naked body. I keep hearing those sexy sounds you make when I’m inside you. I’m remembering how you taste. So, gorgeous, I’m just gonna lay it on the line. I want to be your lover for however long you’re in town.”

“You wanna be f**k buddies?”

He shook his head. “I can have that anytime I want and I’m sure you can too. I want something different. I’d like to try”—he gasped with complete exaggeration—“dating.”

“Really? Why?”

“It’ll be fun.”

Tanna didn’t look convinced. “Can I think about it?”

“Sure. I’ll give you fifteen seconds starting right now.”

“You are such a caveman.”

“You seemed to like that side of me well enough three times on Saturday night and once on Sunday morning.”

“Lord almighty, you never give up.”

“Not when I’ve found something worth keeping.” Fletch reached out and twisted a hank of her hair around his finger. “You also oughta know I’m not the sneaking around type. If we’re sleeping together then we’re together in public and private.”

Tanna closed her eyes and ducked her head.

Since Fletch had kept hold of her hair, he didn’t have to tug hard to get her attention. “What’s wrong?”

She looked at him. “It’s just been a while since I’ve heard that. I’ve gotten used to bein’ the wild girl a guy wants in his bed, behind closed doors. You know, the dirty girl, dirty little secret, hidden away in the light of day.”