“Thanks.” She wrapped her arms around her waist, her fingers brushing the bare skin in the cutouts.
Georgia focused on Paul, doing her best t
o pretend Eric didn’t command her attention just by standing nearby, towering over them. “How’s your family? Is your mom still raising llamas?”
“She is,” Paul said, his face transformed by a boyish grin. “My sister moved home and is helping her.”
“Georgia,” Eric said tightly. “You might want to check on Nate. I need you to make sure he stays away from the pond.”
She looked past Paul, scanning the open grass for her charge. Since she’d taken refuge in the trees, Nate had moved closer to the house, and away from the pond.
“Before you take off,” Paul said, stepped forward, reaching for her. But a quick glance at Eric and Paul dropped his hand without touching her. “I heard you’re into outdoor sports. I’m off tomorrow night and was planning to hike the Columbia River Gorge, see the waterfalls, maybe camp out. I’d like the company if you’re interested.”
“I—”
“She can’t.” Eric moved to her side, placing his palm on the small of her back. It felt as if every nerve in her body rushed to greet his hand and beg him to stay, to keep a hold on her. “She has plans. I need her tomorrow. To work.”
Georgia reached for anger. He didn’t have a right to claim her, to steal her away from an adventure and demand that she work overtime on a Friday night. But his hand on her, and her body’s needy response, said otherwise.
She struggled to find her righteous indignation. But it wasn’t there. She walked into his space the other night. She’d invaded, demanding that he pay attention to the desire burning between them. He was fighting hard against it. But in this moment, he’d let it rise to the top.
“Sorry,” Georgia said to Paul. “Maybe some other time.”
Eric’s fingers pressed into her back, a silent hell, no.
Paul backpedaled, moving out of the trees, his eyes darting back and forth between her and Eric. “Sure thing. I’m going to grab another beer. Take care, Georgia.”
Paul disappeared into the crowd, and Eric’s hand fell away. Georgia grabbed it, holding tight to keep him from vanishing into the open space.
“I have plans?” she asked. “Is that true or were you just trying to save me from an adventure?”
Eric frowned. “A long walk uphill through the woods doesn’t sound exciting.”
Georgia looked over at where Paul stood, fresh beer in hand, talking to his buddies with his broad back to them. “He’s a firefighter. He works search and rescue in these mountains. I bet he could have carried me up the gorge.”
“You’d never let him.” His tone was clear and decisive.
Georgia opened her mouth to object and then closed it.
“You’re right,” she said finally. “I wouldn’t. Not when I’m perfectly capable of reaching the top on my own two feet. And I think a climb sounds like fun.”
“Georgia—”
“Maybe I should find a sitter for tomorrow and take him up on his offer.” She released him and stepped toward the cleared, fresh-cut grass.
Eric grabbed her arm and she froze. “Find a sitter and I’ll take you out. Hiking, climbing, whatever you want.”
Georgia looked down at his fingers wrapped around her bicep and then up at his face. His blue eyes burned intense and unwavering, making her feel as if she were the only person for one hundred miles. She saw darkness and desire—as if she were seeing another part of the career-focused, do-the-right-thing man she’d known forever.
The corner of her mouth lifted, and her pulse sped up a notch. “Why?”
“Just being a good friend.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure about that? I think you crossed the line.”
“Not yet, Georgia.” He let go of her arm, turning toward the group of men gathered around the beer. “Not yet.”
Chapter Five