Wild (Wolf Ranch 2)

I could.

I would.

9

MARINA

* * *

I woke up to the scent of meat on a grill.

Looking at the bedside clock, I saw I’d slept until dinnertime. Between the sex and the talking, I hadn’t slept much the night before. And then this afternoon… wow. I guessed that was what a good orgasm would do to you. My body was purring, still languid, warm and satisfied. And yes, a bit sore in some places, but I didn’t mind a bit.

Thank you, Colton.

I slid out of his bed and pulled on my clothes to find a shower. I was sure I looked like a holy mess—and well fucked—since Colton met me. Last night, a drowned rat. Today, a flour covered baker. It was silly, but I wanted to put a little effort into my appearance for him. He’d seen more of me naked than dressed. I giggled.

I made it quick, though, since I heard the clamor of voices in the kitchen downstairs. I didn’t want to miss dinner entirely. I ducked into the bathroom down the hall, showered, then slipped on a short, strappy sundress that showed off my legs and shoulders. There was no time to blow dry my hair, but I rubbed some lip gloss between my lips and put on some sparkly sandals before I ran down the back stairs.

I’d been right, a whole crew of people had gathered in the giant kitchen, and most of them turned when I came down. I swore a few of the men lifted their noses in the air and sniffed, but that wouldn’t make sense. Colton had done that the night before, but I mentally shrugged it off as crazy.

“Hey everyone.” I threw my arms wide as a greeting. “I’m Marina, Audrey’s little sister.”

“Yes, you are,” Colton rumbled. I hadn’t seen him because he’d been standing in the corner, but he immediately moved forward to flank me. He started to reach one hand toward my lower back but then retracted it, as if he didn’t want to touch me.

After what we just did, I wouldn’t think it would be a problem. Maybe he was against PDA or something.

His large body blocked everyone else out. He whispered, “Do you ever wear a bra?” I don’t know why he sounded grumpy about it.

His gaze dipped to my chest, and I shook my head.

“You’re wearing panties under that little dress, right?”

I pulled my lips to the side and shrugged my shoulders, playing coy.

He growled.

God, it felt good to know I affected him.

I’d fallen asleep on him, too worn out from his dominance and skill to remain conscious. He should feel proud of himself because even hours later, I felt well fucked. Still, my doubts flared. This was a fling. I had to remember that. Getting too hungry for this man’s attention was a bad idea. The last guy I’d been with had done a number on me, fucked me and moved on. Then there was dear old Dad, never showing any interest at all. Ugh, I had issues. And yet, Colton seemed like he wanted to offer… more. Did he? I couldn’t read him.

Audrey was at the other end of the kitchen, nestled against her fiancé. She smiled broadly and waved at me. A stab of guilt went through me, remembering how I’d pretty much abandoned her and the unfinished wedding cake. She must have cleaned up while Colton and I had been… busy.

“I’m sorry about abandoning the cake,” I said to her.

She waved her hand through the air. “I put it all away for later. No worries.”

I was here for her, not to spend all my time in bed with a hot military man. He’d changed out of his cargo pants and t-shirt for jeans and a plaid, cotton snap shirt. He wasn’t just a military man but a cowboy, too.

I looked Audrey’s way once again, realizing I was again distracted by virile manliness. Ugh.

I’d make it up to her tonight for the surprise bachelorette party. Becky, one of Audrey’s friends from the hospital, had contacted me about planning Audrey’s last hurrah as a single woman. I told her by email Audrey wouldn’t want anything fancy, so we were just going with a night at Cody’s, the local—and as I understood—only watering hole in Cooper Valley. The surprise part was a limo Becky managed to rent that would be picking us up in a couple hours.

I had told Audrey I wanted some sister-time with her tonight, so she shouldn’t have anything scheduled. Well, at least I was rested up for the fun.

“Sleep well?” Colton asked. He still sounded grouchy. Still wasn’t touching me.

“So well.” I rotated to face him, tipped my chin up and grinned. “I guess I have you to thank for that.”

Something flickered in his expression, but I couldn’t decipher it. His brown eyes almost glowed gold the way the light from the windows hit them. He took one of those strange deep breaths. “You washed off my scent.”