by Lily Graison
She gritted her teeth, stomped to the cabinets, and started opening them.
Finding the assorted boxes of cold cereals, she pulled one from the cabinet and slammed it down on the countertop before searching for a bowl.
She fixed her cold breakfast, a flurry of comments running through her mind like a tape recorder in fast-forward. If she hadn't thought him irritating before, this certainly qualified him for jerk-off of the year.
Sitting down at the bar, she made a huge production of chewing the hard, crunchy bits of cereal as she stared at him. He never looked up, just continued to eat in silence.
Why would he do that? What reason did he have to only fix one plate of food?
Because he's an asshole?
She nodded her head and glanced at his plate before shoving her mouth full, chewing with her mouth open to exaggerate the noise. The sight of his bacon and eggs made her own meal even less appealing.
How dare he? I would have made enough for both of us. Well, if I could cook, that is.
It was all Devin could do to eat as Holly stared at him. He knew he had pissed her off and truthfully, that had been his intention, but now, hearing each crunch of her cold breakfast, made him regret his actions.
He hadn't done it for spite. It was just harmless fun. She just looked so damned cute when she got all red faced and mad. Not that she wasn't cute when she wasn't mad.
He'd nearly choked on his toast when she rounded the corner. Simple jeans and a t-shirt and she looked mouth watering delicious. Hair still wet, the first thing that popped into his head was the image of her naked. He'd seen that but not with a generous lathering of bubbles caressing her flesh. He'd been half tempted to pick the lock on the bathroom just to get a peek.
He took another bite of his food, swallowing it with great effort. His plan had failed. She hadn't taken the bait. As sick as it was, he enjoyed their sarcastic banter, and thought this was a sure fire way to get her riled up but instead, she hadn't said a word.
Who knew the look on her face would make him feel like shit?
Keeping his eyes on his magazine, he had to force himself not to look up when the incessant crunching from Holly finally stopped. He did glance at her when she stood. He watched her walk to the sink, rinse her bowl, and turn to look at him.
He couldn't help the smile that automatically rose. Her face was almost red and her lips were pressed into a thin line. He couldn't stop himself.
"Problem, sweetheart?"
Her eyes narrowed and she spun on her heel, making her way to the stairs. He took a deep breath when she was out of sight. “Fucking brilliant plan, you ass."
Devin stood and walked around the bar, dumping his plate of food, before rinsing it in the sink. He stared out the window, looking at nothing in particular and thought of what to do.
They still hadn't spoke of their situation and he knew now wasn't the time. She'd probably kill him with the first uttered word.
Turning and walking to the couch, he picked up his guitar and tried to forget about the brunette upstairs.
* * * *
Holly finally took the time to unpack her suitcases while she contemplated her situation. She had fallen asleep with every intention of coming to a suitable arrangement for their predicament but waking to Devin's rude outburst first thing in the morning had completely sidetracked her. Now as she stood in the middle of her room, the only thing she wanted was him gone.
She was furious over his childish behavior. Why did he do that? Was he born an asshole or was it something he needed to practice on a daily basis?
The entire morning played again in her mind's eye in slow motion. It only took her a second to come to a decision. His ass was so gone. Rock star or not, Devin Shaw would pay for treating her like that.
Walking to the railing, she looked down, her mouth open to speak. The air left her lungs when she saw him on the couch. He was picking out notes on his guitar and she finally heard it. Her inner turmoil had completely closed off the outside world.
She recognized the song he was playing. It was one of the few she didn't mind hearing. It was soft, hauntingly beautiful, and even though Roxy played it countless times, she had to admit, if only to herself, that she liked it.
She liked the sound of his voice when he sang it better.
The smile that crossed her face surprised her. She had to admit the thoughts of him really being here were just incredible. She knew Roxy would freak out when she learned she had met, and slept under the same roof, as Devin Shaw.
Seeing him glance up at her, she watched the same irritating smirk he had thrown her too many times to count cross his face before she rolled her eyes and stepped back from the rail. She sighed deeply, shaking her head, and trying to clear her thoughts.
Glancing out the window she wondered what to do. Without her phone charger, her cell phone was useless. His apparently wasn't working either. That only left two options. Walk the ten miles to the resort or tough it out for the next two weeks.
She frowned. How in the world would she be able to put up with him for that long? He was smug, irritating, rude, arrogant, cocky...
And completely mouth-watering.
She growled in frustration. If she had to spend the next two weeks with him, she'd have to learn to play by his rules. If he wanted to be an ass, then fine. She could too.
A smile bloomed across her face at the thought flitting through her head. If Devin wanted to play games, then so be it. It was highly apparent from the magazine articles she'd seen he would sleep with anything that moved and he'd come on to her how many times already?
Grinning, she walked to the dresser and grabbed her bathing suit, throwing it on the bed. When she started to close the drawer, the suit Roxy had bought her last year for their trip to Cancun caught her eye. It barely even qualified for a bathing suit. More like three scraps of material strung together and held by string. The only reason she'd brought it was for maximum sun exposure.
She chewed her lip, looking over her shoulder, and wondered if she had the guts to put it on and let him see.
He needed to pay for that stunt at breakfast and he made it no secret he'd screw her silly given the chance. He was a guy, after all. Most would fuck anything that moved and according to the trash papers, Devin did.
What was the harm in tempting him a little? It would certainly serve him right.
Grinning, she grabbed the tiny scraps of red cloth from the drawer and clutched them in her hand. Devin Shaw would pay ... she'd make sure of that.
* * * *
Devin wrote down the next string of notes and tossed his pen down, staring at what he'd written. He played it again, satisfied with the way it sounded.
He looked at the page again, shaking his head in disgust before laying his guitar down. Half an hour and he'd written a whole two lines. Every time he got a good rhythm going, thoughts of Holly would sidetrack him and he forgot everything he'd just played.
This is exactly why Curt wanted him alone. Any distraction, especially a woman, and his time would be wasted. Curt may be an ass at times, but he knew what he was talking about.
Thoughts of Holly still rattled through his head. He didn't know what to do about their current situation. She hadn't mentioned it this morning but he assumed his little stunt at breakfast might have been why. She'd barely spoken three words to him.
He still didn't know why he felt the need to irritate her. Maybe because he was used to fucking girls blind and leaving them right where they lay? The last woman he actually talked to was his ex and she turned out to be just another groupie trying to find a free ride. Holly was far from groupie material.
Movement out of the corner of his eye caught his attention and he looked to the stairs.
His mouth watered an instant later.
Holly was at the top of the stairs in nothing more than tiny scraps of red material. The bathing suit she wore had to be the most sinful thing he'd seen in years.
He loved it.
Two small
triangles placed over her breast were just big enough to cover her nipples, which were pebbled to perfection and clearly seen through the thin material. Round, firm, golden breast met his gaze; he licked his lips involuntarily as she took the first step down.
Her stomach was taut; a slim waist gave way to full hips and tantalizing thighs. He wanted nothing more in that moment than to have them wrapped around his head while she rode his face.
She reached the bottom of the stairs, never once turning her head to look at him, and he nearly moaned out loud when she passed the sofa and he saw her backside. The g-string bottom made her ass look delectable. The sun had definitely kissed this goddess in places he wanted to explore himself. Her wiggling little ass begged him to touch it ... and he would before the week was out.
She was out the front door before his brain could process the fact she was leaving.
He blinked, turning his head to stare back at the unlit fireplace and a slow smile curved his lips. His cock twitched and he looked down, an obvious erection straining against the material was almost uncomfortable now that he noticed it.
He grinned and stood, his new song forgotten as he walked around the couch. How could he work when tempted like that?
Someone wanted to play and he liked the sound of this game.
* * * *
Holly sank into the pool, letting out the breath she'd been holding. She practically ran all the way to the hot spring, hoping to burn away her embarrassment.
It took every bit of courage she had to parade around in front of Devin like that, but she'd seen him out of the corner of her eye. The man was all but drooling. She grinned at the thought. Innocent little Holly Baker had caused a man to gawk at her like she was a sex goddess. And not just any man. Devin Shaw ... a rock star.
She sighed as the warmth from the hot spring and the noonday sun relaxed her muscles. She straightened her legs, reclining back into the molded rock she rested on.
The morning had been less than pleasurable but now she felt vindicated. Sure it was just a little flaunt down the stairs in a barely there bikini but the look on his face was revenge enough.
She still wasn't sure what to do about him. Could she spend the next two weeks under the same roof with him and not go completely insane? Less than twenty-four hours and he had already brought on thoughts of violence.
They needed to find a solution to their problem, but seeing how he hadn't mentioned it, she figured he was as determined to stay as she was.
A loud crack of popping branches startled her. She looked toward the path, holding back a smile when she saw Devin standing by the side of the spring.
Just as suspected. She knew he would follow her.
He grinned at her before starting to remove his boots. She didn't know how long he had been standing there but from the smile on his face, it was longer than she would have liked. “What do you want?"
"Just a little peace and quiet,” Devin smiled, reaching for the bottom of his shirt.
Holly watched the thin material of his shirt uncover hard, toned muscles, inch by inch, and she swallowed heavily when she realized she was staring.
The smirk was back on his face and she mentally shook herself to regain focus. “I'm using the pool at the moment.” She winced as her words came out in a breathy whisper and the smile on Devin's face only increased.
"Don't mind sharing,” Devin said, tossing his shirt aside.
"Well, I do. I came out here to get away from you."
"Oh, I'm crushed,” Devin laughed. “You can always just leave."
She watched him reach for the buttons of his jeans. “I don't think so and you better have a bathing suit on under those."
"And if I don't?"
He smirked at her and she knew in that moment he was wearing nothing but skin under those jeans.
The game had just taken a major turn. She upped the stakes by parading around practically naked. And what did you really expect? Did you honestly think he'd just smile and let you walk away? Of course he wouldn't.
He locked eyes with her and Holly met his gaze. Her earlier bravado diminished with every passing second but she was determined to play the game anyway he wanted to.
He popped the first button open on the button-fly jeans and Holly swallowed loudly. With each popped button more skin was exposed. If possible, the smile on his face only brightened.
A thin patch of fine hair that ran from just under his navel and disappeared into the confines of his jeans came into her line of sight. Holly's pulse quickened and she had to force herself to not look away.
He was definitely not wearing anything under the jeans. Slim hips gave way to long, toned thighs, and she almost screamed when he pushed the pants down to his knees.
Lord help her, the man was beautiful!
His cock was impressive. She could tell he wasn't completely hard but even in this semi-hard state, it made things low in her belly clench. She swallowed the sudden lump in her throat, her gaze sweeping up his torso and landing on his face.
The look he gave her caused her stomach to clench again. She licked her lips, inhaling deeply, and tried to look disinterested.
He kicked his jeans away, gave her his trademark smirk, and climbed into the pool.
A small chuckle from him was all it took for her face to burn hot. She felt heat run down her neck, her throat tightened, and her heart raced in her chest.
Holly knew she had to move. She'd make a fool of herself if she didn't. She turned her head, looking at the surrounding mountains and could feel Devin's eyes on her.
Her flesh burned because of it.
Taking a deep breath, she stood and turned to look at him.
The smug look on his face made her instantly regret it. She rolled her eyes before taking the few steps to the edge of the pool and climbed out.
"Don't leave on my account."
"Drop dead,” Holly mumbled as she grabbed her towel and wrapped it around her. Devin's laughter had her biting her tongue as she slipped her feet back into her sandals.
"I have to admit, sweetheart, that little scrap of material gave me the best hard on in years,” he told her as he leaned his head to the side while he stared at her. “Although you without it ... Are you going to give me another show like you did last night?"
Holly rolled her eyes before she turned around to look at him. She grinned before securing the towel at her waist. “Well, I'm glad you like it,” she said with a wide smile. “I guess I can just live out the rest of my life knowing that bad boy Devin Shaw found me attractive. How fortunate I feel to have met your approval."
Devin continued to smile and the fact that he didn't say anything caused Holly's temper to flair. Why couldn't he be back at the cabin, panting like the dog he is, and wishing for something he couldn't have? Because that's not how Devin works. He takes what he wants and at the moment, judging from the leer and the forming erection, he wants you.
She almost growled in frustration, grabbed her things, and turned, stomping off into the forest.
A low chuckle was the only response Devin could come up with. As he sat there in the stillness of the forest, the appeal of the hot spring wasn't as attractive now that the fiery brunette wasn't anywhere in sight.
Standing, Devin climbed from the pool, slipped his jeans back on and grabbed his boots and shirt, running up the trail after her.
* * * *
The evening light was fading and Holly stared at the fireplace wondering if she should light it or just wait for Devin. He'd been gone for hours now and she half-expected him to follow her back to the cabin as soon as she left the spring.
She tried to convince herself that his little stunt of stripping down to nothing had upset her but to be honest, her pulse quickened every time she thought about it. She could still see the hardened muscles that defined his body in her inner eye and the thoughts of it caused a slow ache to form in the pit of her stomach.
It had been months since she had had any physical contact with the opposite se
x and even though she knew nothing would ever happen between the two of them, her mouth practically watered at the thought.
"Come on, Holly, you're being stupid,” she said out loud. “He's a famous musician who probably has a girlfriend, not to mention more girls than he knows what to do with draping themselves all over him. Why would he be remotely interested in someone like you?"
She sighed heavily and glanced at her watch. Her brow furrowed as she realized exactly how long Devin had been gone.
The last of the sun had disappeared behind the mountains and for the first time since arriving at the cabin, she was truly alone.
She panicked.
Walking to the front door, Holly opened it and stepped out into the darkness. She let her eyes adjust, looking back toward the path that led to the hot spring.
"Devin?” The only thing to greet her was the sounds of small animals that scurried along the shrubs. No sign of Devin anywhere.
Walking to the path that led to the spring, she stopped. She peered into the darkness of the forest. The cool mountain air caused her flesh to cover in chill bumps. “If this is your idea of a joke, I'm not amused,” she yelled.
She listened for any sound, when none came, she turned and walked back to the cabin.
As she made her way back inside, the stillness of the room engulfed her. Her confusion to his whereabouts gave way to fear. Where was he? Why wasn't he back yet?
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Chapter 5
Devin opened his eyes, blinking into the blackness of the forest. His head was throbbing and the smell of dirt surrounded him. Hearing a sound off to his right, he turned his head to the noise and smiled as he recognized Holly's voice.
She was calling for him.
Sitting up, his head began to swim. His vision blurred, the entire right side of his head throbbing with every beat of his pulse. He raised his hand to where the pain seemed to be concentrated.
Wet, sticky blood coated his fingers and he growled in frustration as he slowly remembered falling. “Stupid fucking animals,” he mumbled, remembering the brown furry creature that had darted out into the path. He had screamed like a girl and he hoped Holly hadn't heard him. Seeing how it was dark, he assumed she hadn't.