Waving her hand in front of her she shied from him. “It was just some childish prank my friend’s cousin pulled on us when I was eight.”
He scrunched up his brow with an unasked question.
Knowing he wanted more information she sighed. “I went camping for the first time with my best-friend Ella and her twin sister Amy. Her cousin told us that a man eating ape was living somewhere on the mountain that we were camping on. Of course we didn’t believe him until his friend started in on it telling us that the ape usually didn’t come down that far and that we were safe.” Taking a deep breath she continued waiting for Tristan to begin laughing at any time. “Late that night her cousin dressed in a gorilla costume started shaking our tent making monkey noises. He shook the tent so hard that he knocked over the lantern we had and set the tent on fire.”
“My, god! Did ye get out alright?”
She nodded. “Yeah, her uncle got the fire out before any of us got hurt.”
“Good. How old was the cousin?”
“Twelve.”
“Boys will be boys, but I hope that little shit got his ass whipped.” Tristan said with distaste. “No wonder ye didn’t want to come here this weekend.”
“How did you know that I didn’t want to come?” She asked intrigued.
His deep laugh lightened the mood. “Twas written all over yer face.”
“Oh. Well, I’m glad I did.” Taking in a deep breath of the earthy air she realized that he hadn’t laughed at her story. He had been concerned, and understanding to her reason.
“I’m glad ye did too.” The change in his eyes and the tone in his voice had the air around them shifting.
She wanted to kiss him. To taste his lips and be done with the whole fantasy. Only she knew it wouldn’t end there. One taste would not be enough, she would want more.
She was acting like a teenaged fool. Rolling her eyes at her absurd feelings she knew that she needed to bring the conversation back to the playful banter they once shared.
“I’m not worried about the bears.” She stated with a raise of her chin.
“No?”
“Nope. I think it’s because John’s fatter. They’ll go after the meat before the bone any day.” She teased.
He barked out a laugh. “I’ll agree with you there. Only ye smell as sweet as honey, and they love honey.”
“You’re so not helping.”
Leaning forward he brushed her lips with his. “Don’t worry,” He whispered across her awakened mouth. “I won’t let them get you.”
They rode for several more hours through magnificent scenery, taking each hill with vigorous authority. Many times he had stopped to allow her control over various terrains, until she took roads that she never that thought she could. Though the day past with friendly banter, her mind wouldn’t forget what happened in the privet meadow. It was a simple peck nothing more. Yet, she couldn’t help but question his advance. More importantly she couldn’t help but crave a deeper invite.
As he steered the bike back to camp she huddled closer trying to stay out of the now cold wind. He raced to beat the sun before nightfall. They hadn’t brought the proper attire for the ride and more the sun set the colder it was becoming. The thin jacket she wore did little to cut out the freezing breeze that was mostly generated by the speed over the bike.
Even as he brought the bike into the camp Sophia couldn’t pull herself away from the little heat his body was providing. While he shut off the engine she took a quick look around the camp and noticed that the tent had yet to be built. On better inspection she also realized that John was nowhere in sight. She thought he would be standing around somewhere awaiting her return with an earful.
“Where is Team Two?” Tristan asked the group around the enormous campfire.
“Haven’t come back yet.” One of the girls said without taking her eyes off of Sophia.
Knowing that Team Two was John’s team, she released a sigh of relief. At least he wasn’t there when she rode up on the back of his boss’s bike, clinging to said boss shamelessly. Although she figured someone would tell him.
“If they’re not back by the time we’re finished eating, then I need a team to go find them.” Tristan commanded one of the men standing by some expensive looking equipment.
“Yes, sir.” The man nodded, then went back to his work.
Jumping off the bike Tristan turned and smiled. “Hungry?” He asked while helping her off the bike.
She could only nod as he led her towards the fire. While she welcomed the warmth of the burning blaze she realized how chilly it had been the last bit of the ride, her arms were trembling as a result. Getting as close as she dared to Sophia consumed the heat from the tall flames.
“It gets pretty cold up here at night.” A woman she had not yet met said as she came to stand next to her. “Did you bring warmer clothes?”
Thinking over what she brought, she nodded. “I think so.”
“Good you’ll need them. Hi, I’m Angela. Kyle’s wife.” She clarified.
“Hi, I’m Sophia.” She acknowledged taking the woman’s hand in a small handshake. She was far prettier then she expected Kyle’s wife to be. By the fire her hair resembled a gold color and her eyes were as clear as diamonds. She looked like she belonged on a magazine cover not wandering the wilderness.
“Did you enjoy the ride?” Angela asked while she offered her a seat next to the wonderful heat of the fire.
“Yes, very much. I didn’t think I would at first.” She admitted.
The other woman nodded in agreement. “I know what you mean. But at least you had a good teacher.” She pointed to Tristan as he approached them with two plates of steaming food.
“I heard that!” Her husband called from the other side of the fire.
“You have no argument, Kyle.” Tristan teased as he handed her one of the plates. Taking a seat next to her, he chuckled at his friend’s hushed protest.
She looked over her dish never seeing anything quite like it before. “What is this?” She asked trying to sound approving.
“It’s like a tinfoil dinner, only it’s made in a Dutch oven.” Angela answered. “It’s not bad.”
Stabbing a forkful of what looked like ground-beef and a potato, she cautiously placed the bite in her mouth. Surprisingly, she liked it.
“When ye are finished, you can use my trailer to freshen up. There’s warm water and fresh towels. Ye played hard today, I’m sure ye want a nice shower to end the night.” Tristan offered.
“Thank you. That does sound fantastic. I would like to go to bed smelling like a woman.” Giving him a worried look, she teased him with a pout. “No, wait! I don’t want to smell like a woman. You said the bears like that.”
He laughed at her good-natured joke. “I think ye’ll be alright tonight.”
Tristan listened for the shower to turn on, before he went back outside. Though he wished he hadn’t. Images of her naked body being caressed by very lucky streams of water had him inwardly moaning. God, what he would give to be in that shower making sure every inch of her was cleaned thoroughly.
Shutting the door to his trailer, he gave himself a moment before he turned to face his friends and employees. The taste of her incredibly sweet lips still lingered on his own. He knew he crossed a major line when he leaned into her. But he couldn’t help it. He had to taste her. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough. It only made it worse. Now, his craving for her was unbearable.
“She seems like a real sweetheart. I can see why you like her.” Angela’s voice came from behind him. “But you know when I told you to move on and find a good woman? I meant one that didn’t belong to someone else.”
Turning to face his best-friend’s woman, he scratched his chin trying to play oblivious to her comment. “I doona know what ye’re talking about.”
Folding her arms she eyed him unfooled. “Sure you don’t.”
Shaking his head he tried to walk away from her. Unfortunately, she was very good at calli
ng his bluff. “I saw the way you looked at her tonight. I’ve never seen you look at anyone like that before. Never.”
He forgot how perceptive she was. Giving her a teasing grin, he lowered his voice. “Please, don’t bring the ‘you and me’ conversation up again. Ye’re married now.”
“Oh, Tristan. I think after what I witnessed this evening the whole ‘you and me’ conversation is long over.” She laughed timidly.
It was nothing more than friendly banter between the two of them. Even though he had some small feelings for her while her and Kyle dated, he couldn’t deny how perfect she was for his best-friend.
Changing the weight from one foot to the other, Angie glanced at the trailer door as if Sophia might emerge at any second. “Tristan, she’s engaged. Her and John are getting married next year.”
That took him by surprise. He didn’t realize they were that serious. “I didna see a ring.” He defiantly stated without dropping his gaze from her accusing one.
“Just because there isn’t one doesn’t mean they’re not.” Stepping closer, she placed her hand on his arm. “I don’t like John. In fact I was shocked to find out that she would even agree to marry him. But, trying to take his woman out from under him isn’t right.”
Of course she was right. Sophia was forbidden territory. But he didn’t know what stunned him more; that he was going against everything he was raised to believe or that he was more than willing to do it. He knew that her being engaged didn’t change anything. Though it should have; it didn’t. He wanted her. Now, more than ever. And now that he knew that John was playing for keeps; he needed to act fast.
Sophia climbed out of the shower refreshed. Changing into her flannel pajamas, she marveled over the spacious bathroom one more time. His employee’s said Tristan’s trailer was the Hilton on wheels, and as promised it was nothing less. The entire fifth-wheel was nicer then her apartment, maybe even a little larger.
She toweled her hair as she exited the bedroom and descended the short staircase to the main area of the vast trailer. Tristan stood behind the dark mahogany counter, preparing something that smelt wonderful.
“Hello. Feel better?” He asked with one of his trademark smiles.
“Yes, very much so. Thank you, again, for letting me use your shower.” Whishing she had chosen something different to wear, she expressed her gratitude with a shy smile of her own. She felt rather silly in her extra-large, flannel pajamas.
“Ye’re verra welcome. Would ye like a cup of tea?” He placed a mug of great smelling liquid in front of her.
“I can’t turn down something that smells this good. What kind is it?” Taking the warm mug into her hands she inhaled the rich aroma of spice.
“Brodies Tea. My mom sends it to me every year. She says it’s so I won’t forget Scotland.” He chuckled softly.
Taking a careful sip, she savored the taste. “Oh, this is good.”
“I grew up on this stuff.” Shaking his head he arched one eyebrow. “My brother told me that it will put hair on my chest. Which made me wonder about my sister.”
Laughing, she nearly choked on her tea.
“Don’t worry. She’s a model now, without a hair on her chest.” He assured her.
“That’s good news. I was worried for a moment.” She grinned over the rim of the mug.
Catching a glimpse out of the side window she could tell that the tent was still down. She walked over to the blind and slightly opened it for a better look. From the light of the fire and several lanterns she was able to see the flat area where the tent should be standing.
“Is John back?” She asked as she turned to Tristan, who had moved up behind her.
“No, they’re having trouble with some of the equipment. I sent a few men out to bring them back.” He explained while he studied her face. “It might be awhile. His team went high up this time.”
Releasing a sigh, she set her mug down. It was up to her to put the tent up. She doubted it will be that hard. If only she had more light. “Umm…I hate to ask you after you’ve done so much already for me, but do you have a light I can use?”
“A light for what?”
“It looks like I’m putting a tent up for the first time.” She laughed nervously, trying to sound confident. “Do you think I can get away with a teepee? I can do one of those.”
His mouth tilted upwards in attempt to laugh at her joke, but another emotion was tapping it down. “I can’t let you put that tent up in the dark. Even some of my men couldna accomplish such a goal. Why don’t ye just wait in here until John gets back? Then I can get several men to help. Okay?”
“Are you sure I’m not imposing? I kind of feel like I’m in the way.” She admitted.
Shaking his head he tsked. “If you feel that way, then I’m not doing a good job as yer host.”
“You’ve been wonderful.” She said with a shy tilt of her head.
“Thank you.” His voice was as thick and uneven which caused heat to fill her from head to toe.
She had never felt such a substantial amount sexual sensitivity. The air was suddenly dense; she seemed incapable of talking or breathing. Who needed a tent? She had been in his bedroom. His bed was by far big enough for them to share or do other activities. She knew that he was thinking the same thing without a single word being expressed.
Backing away she felt her face redden at the realization. “I think y-you’re right.” With a hard swallow she tried to steady her voice. “I should wait for John. I doubt I would even get a teepee out of it.”
“Ye’re more than welcome to wait here.” He gestured to one of the large, plush recliners that looked like heaven.
Taking a seat, her body automatically slid into all the right comfortable places. After a moment she found that her eyes couldn’t stay open. Falling asleep there was not a good idea. Turning her body more towards Tristan, who had taken the opposite recliner, she knew she had to keep talking.
“What part of Scotland are you from?” She asked trying to get as uncomfortable as possible.
“Aberdeen. It’s more North.”
“My grandfather is from Scotland.” She yawned. “I need to find out where. He moved back there after he sold the ranch.” Yawning again she leaned back more into the chair.
“Maybe I’ll take ye there, so ye can visit him.” He offered quietly.
“That would be nice. I would a highly appreciate it.” She mumbled slightly incoherent. Realizing that she needed to get out of the way to comfy chair, she tried to move. Her muscles refused to cooperate.
“Tired?”
“Yes.” She confessed. “I can’t seem to move. I blame the chair.”
“Riding takes more out of ye than you’d expect.” He grinned.
“I guess so.” She replied as the chair suddenly glided into its reclined position making it even harder to stay awake. She was pretty sure she hadn’t been the one to recline the chair, but at that moment she didn’t care.
“Go ahead and rest.” He whispered as he placed a soft blanket over her.
She wanted to say no, though at that point her body didn’t really want to hear what her mind had to say. Snuggling deeper into the warm, cozy recliner she let sleep take over. To her pleasure she let some wild fantasies about Tristan and his four-wheeled beast take over as well.
Sophia awoke to John’s voice. Her eyes flipped open expecting to find him standing over her. Blinking quickly she took a moment to take in the morning rays that filled the lush trailer. She had slept in Tristan’s chair the entire night. Oh, man. She could only imagine what John had to say about that.
When she realized that John was right outside she pushed the chair into a seated position and listened carefully. The walls of the trailer muffled most of the sound enabling her to hear anything clearly. Getting up from her chair she listened for the direction of his voice. Out of the small window over the dining table Sophia could see John speaking to one of the other men in the camp. He looked irritated.
She cou
ld see Tristan on the other side of the camp hunched over a laptop. Realizing she had the trailer to herself she scrambled up the stairs, and quickly changed into a new pair of jeans and a heavy sweater. She ran a brush quickly through her hair, then pulled it back into another ponytail. Without giving herself another glace she hurried outside.
As she stepped out of the trailer her eyes connected with Tristan’s. With a quick wink and an amiable smile he went back to work. It was strange that a simple gesture from someone that she knew for only a short time would have more of an effect on her than someone she had promised herself to.
Shaking off the thought she walked slowly up to John. He was assembling the tent with jerky movements and frustrated grunts. She tried to picture him in his tux and what her wedding dress would look like. What flours did she want? Lilies. Calla Lilies would be very pretty. Maybe she should get orange ones for the fall. She liked the purple ones better, though John thought they would look better at a funeral. She bet Tristan would look good in purple; it would bring out his eyes.
Oh, man! She reprimanded herself. She couldn’t even think of something sacred without thinking of John’s boss in an unsuitable way.
Watching her fiancé, Sophia stood silently unsure of how to approach him. He kicked some of her belongings out of his way and let a few profanities fly. A quick glance in her direction let her know that he was aware of her but could have cared less. She remained motionless allowing him to make the first move. Sadly, he continued to build the tent without another look in her direction.
“So, you’re mad at me?” She asked in a small voice.
“Damn right I am.” He grunted harshly.
“Why?”
Dropping what was in his hand he came at her. He took her arm and led her away from the ears of the camp. “Do you have any idea how stupid you made me look? Instead of putting the tent up you went off with my boss leaving the tent down and making me look like a total fool.”
Glancing at the tent she felt the rush of guilt. “I’m sorry he asked me to go for a ride.”
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