Chapter 2

By the time he comes back in with his arms loaded with wood, I’m just putting away the last of the canned food. It’s an open floor plan, so there’s nothing hiding his powerful body from my view. I lean against the counter that separates the kitchen from the living room and rest my chin in my hands, watching as he stacks the wood in the fireplace. His movements are unhurried and confident and within just a few minutes, there’s a nice crackling fire started.

He turns around to see me staring at him and lets out a laugh. “Are you already so bored without a TV that you’ve decided to watch me?” “I’m never bored when I’m with you,” I say with a grin.

He studies me for a second, but I can’t tell what’s behind those gorgeous eyes of his. He breaks the silence by saying, “What time did your parents say they’d be here? It looks like it’s going to start snowing soon.”

I stand up and give a small shrug. “I’m not really sure. I’d call but there isn’t any service up here.”

Wanting to get the focus off my parents, I suggest we go for a walk. He hesitates, so I quickly add, “Come on, it’ll be fun. We can take the path that leads to the creek. Maybe we’ll even see some wildlife!”

He smiles at my growing enthusiasm. “All right, but wear a jacket. It’s starting to really cool off out there.”

When I run back to my room to grab my jacket, he yells after me, “And a hat and gloves!”

I smile to myself, loving how damn protective he is. When I’m all bundled up, we start down the path that leads from behind our cabin to a small trail in the woods. As we weave our way through the tall pine and birch trees, I wrap my arm through his, pretending that I need it for balance. He doesn’t stop me, but I can see the amused look on his face.

We’re almost to the creek when Erik stops me and motions for me to be quiet. Gently pulling me down, we both squat as he smiles and whispers, “Look” while using his free hand to point down to the water.

There’s a pack of deer on the opposite side of the creek. They bend their graceful necks and drink from the clear water, ears flicking as their eyes scan around for any signs of danger. They’re so beautiful. All I can do is stare and grip Erik’s arm tighter.

When I turn to look at him, I’m surprised to find him staring at me, our faces only inches apart. I lick my lips and watch his eyes follow the movement of my tongue. There’s a heat to his eyes that has my nipples hardening and pussy clenching.

I can see the exact moment he decides to not take this any further, and I stifle my infuriated groan. I sense that he’s about to pull away, so I lean in quickly and kiss his cheek. The feel of his stubble against my lips sends a rush of pleasure through me. Wrapping my arms around him, I hug him tightly, nearly making him lose his balance.

There’s a soft splashing sound, and I know my sudden movements have scared off the deer, but the only thing I care about is the man I’m holding onto. I nuzzle my face into his neck, breathing in the scent of him, sighing when I feel him wrap his arms around me.

“Hey, Gemma,” he says softly. “Is everything okay?”

“It is now,” I whisper against his skin before licking a line up his neck.

His whole body freezes at the feel of my tongue, but I can’t stop. My body has a mind of its own, and it wants Erik buried balls deep inside me. I kiss his neck, holding him tighter against me, and for one amazing second I feel his arms tighten their grip on me. I think I’m in heaven until it all ends just as suddenly and he’s pulling me away.

“Gemma,” he says, and his voice is firm but kind.

I’m so embarrassed I can’t bring myself to look at him. He cups my cheek and lifts my head so I’m forced to stare into his gorgeous face.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m sorry,” I whisper, but not for the reasons he thinks. I’m not sorry I licked and kissed his neck. I’m just sorry I didn’t wait until I was sure he wouldn’t push me away. I got impatient and fucked everything up.

The feel of his thumb stroking my cheek brings me out of my thoughts. His blue eyes are a mix of desire and restraint, and, unfortunately, I know which one is winning this round.

“You’re my best friend’s daughter,” he reminds me as if I need the reminder, “and you’ve just turned 18.”

“Yes, which means I’m legal,” I say.

He gives me a small grin. “Barely.”

“Still counts.”

That earns me a bigger smile, but he still says, “It’s a bit of a big age gap, don’t you think?”

“You’re only 41,” I say, which makes him laugh. He stops when I add, “I think it’s sexy. I like that you’re so much older.”

The heat is back in his eyes, and his look is so damn intense I have to fight the urge to look away.

“We should get back,” he finally says.

He stands before helping me up. I’m feeling pretty depressed about the whole thing, but all that changes when he doesn’t let go of my hand. He keeps mine enveloped in his much larger one as we walk back to the cabin.

Maybe I didn’t fuck that up as much as I thought I had!