“Really?” Austin was surprised and relieved by the news. “She looks way younger.”
“I know. Lucky little bitch. What I wouldn’t give to have her genes.” Gina laughed before hurrying toward Nate Grayson, holding an empty mug at the other side of the bar.
What I wouldn’t give to get her out of them.
Filthy fantasies crowded his brain. Austin took another drink, hoping to cool himself down, but cold brew was no match for the fiery desire searing his system. He turned his head toward the cause of those flames and caught Paige watching him with a smoldering stare. His eager cock scraped his zipper while a wolfish grin tugged his lips.
So, you want to play games? Fine, but we’re gonna play by my rules, little girl. Rule number one? I’m in charge of your pleasure and mine.
Austin returned her simmering stare with one of his own, one that promised hours of carnal pleasure she couldn’t begin to fathom. As if reading his mind, her cheeks turned rosy, and Paige swallowed tightly.
That’s right, little girl. I’m going to reach inside your soul and bring every naughty fantasy you’ve ever imagined to life…and then some.
The song ended before a romantic Keith Urban tune filled the room. Cody wrapped his arm around Paige’s waist and pulled her against his chest, stealing her focus off him before their bodies began swaying to the music.
Envy sliced deep.
Austin wanted to cup his hands around the flare of her hips and hold her close. Wanted to feel her slender thighs meshed to his while her full breasts raked his chest. Wanted to lean in close and breathe her in while whispering all the sensual things he was aching to do to her.
Frustration clawed through him. The only thing standing between his fantasies and reality was an idiotic fight over fifty paltry acres of land.
When Cody pressed a hand at the base of Paige’s spine and tucked her in against his hips, Austin gripped the handle of his mug, clenched his jaw, and bit back a howl.
Long, agonizing seconds later, Paige’s profile came into view. Austin watched as she turned her head and pinned him with a look of longing. He could palpably feel the heat and sparks igniting between them. The discovery that his obsession wasn’t one-sided sent satisfaction blasting through his veins. But right on the heels of triumph charged the icy reminder that Paige was totally off-limits.
“Fuck me,” he muttered.
As Cody continued pivoting, trying to guide Paige from Austin’s view, she planted her feet and simply rocked back and forth. Clearly the EMT wasn’t ready to show her his Dominant side. Cody might be willing to allow her a morsel of control, but Austin wouldn’t.
Holding her with a penetrating stare, Austin began climbing deep inside her soul. Paige’s brows wrinkled slightly as if she wasn’t sure how to respond. A flicker of determination fluttered over her hazel pools before she swiped her tongue over her glossy bottom lip. The little vixen was trying to take the upper hand. It was time to show her who was in charge. Refusing to lose their sexually charged chess match, Austin narrowed his eyes. As he held her with a feral stare, visions of drowning Paige in pleasure—in his bed, against the wall, and bent over his kitchen table—prowled in his brain. He drank in the smoky arousal glistening in her half-lidded gaze as raw, ball-churning hunger replaced the innocence etching on her face. Austin instantly branded this vision of her to memory while his cock incessantly throbbed against his zipper.
Swiveling her direction, Austin slumped back against the bar and purposely glanced at the bulge straining his jeans.
Look what you do to me, little girl.
Paige’s eyes flared and she sucked in a gasp that he would have paid a million dollars to hear as Cody leaned back and shot her a quizzical stare.
With their connection severed again, Austin inwardly growled while fighting the urge to storm the dance floor, toss Paige over his shoulder, and leave. Clenching his jaw, he turned and faced the bar.
When the song finally ended, he watched Cody press a kiss to her cheek.
Austin’s hands instinctively balled up into fists. He wanted to knock the prick out.
She’s not yours and never will be.
Cursing the voice in his head, Austin tried to drown his jealousy and useless desires with a gulp of beer. But when Paige’s throaty laughter spilled from the dance floor, he was right back where he’d started…pining and praying for the impossible.
I gotta get out of here before I lose my shit.
Tipping back his mug, he drained it dry, as Paige appeared beside him.
“Hi,” she said in a soft, shy voice as she leaned her elbows on the bar.
Austin clenched his mug to keep from dragging his fingers down her rosy cheeks and slender neck before getting lost in the inviting valley of her cleavage.
“Need another rum and Coke?” Gina asked, gliding to a stop in front of them.
“Nope. One’s my limit tonight. Grandpa and I are fixing the chicken coop in the morning. I’d rather not do it with a hangover. But I will have some water, please.”
“Finally gonna get that damn thing fixed, huh?”
“Yeah.”
“Good. I’m sure killing those cocksucking coyotes must have been terrifying, especially all alone.”
Bowing his head to hide his grin, Austin slid a sidelong glance at Paige, now blushing profusely.
“You’re a hell of a lot braver than me,” Gina continued, passing Paige her water. “I don’t even know how to shoot a gun. Those things scare the nipples off me.”
“It was…scary. But I-I had to save Grandpa’s chickens.”
“Of course you did, honey. I heard Raymond’s home now. Is he feeling better?”
“Yeah.” She nodded and forced a smile, but Austin could see the worry in her eyes. “He still won’t tell me what the doctors said. I guess that proves he’s back to his ornery self again.”
“He’s probably just trying to keep the gossip guild from getting all up in his business. If the doctors sent him home, I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about. He’s damn lucky to have you here taking care of him.” Gina smiled as she eyed Austin’s empty mug. “You ready for another?”
“Why not. I don’t have a chicken coop to fix in the morning.” He flashed Paige a wink and drank in her crimson blush.
Gina brought him a fresh beer, then raced away to help other customers.
As he lifted the mug, Paige raised her glass toward his. “Cheers.”
“What are we celebrating?” he asked, tapping his rim to hers.
“I don’t know. Nothing, I guess.”
“Works for me. After all, it’s the thought that counts.”
“Right.” She nodded, suddenly nervous. “Thoughts…count.”