She suddenly started laughing. “Obviously you’re as unschooled on romance writers as I am on football players and extreme sports guys. Those are all clean romance authors.” She grinned impishly.
Gunner realized she’d been teasing him. He should’ve expected it. She was mischievous and fun. His family would love her. “What makes someone a clean romance author?” he asked.
“No explicit sex scenes.”
His neck felt hot again. “Well, okay then.”
She laughed even harder. “Sorry, you should see your face. My romance authors only have kissing in their books, and no swearing, so you’d better not be a potty mouth.”
“I only swear on special occasions.”
“Good boy.” She strapped her helmet on and climbed on her bike. “Well, I’ll just pedal my cholesterol-filled body home now. If you want to go wakeboarding or skiing, I’ll meet you at the lake.”
“Why don’t I load up your bike and run you to the lake?”
“Not happening. I don’t get in vehicles with men I don’t know. You, handsome man with beautiful biceps, are a safety hazard.”
“You’d be safe with me,” he insisted. She thought he was handsome, and she liked his biceps? She was an open book, and he wished he could throw compliments back to her. She’d probably tease him and ask if it hurt.
“Maybe I would, maybe I wouldn’t.” She shrugged her toned shoulders. “I don’t know that, so I’ll ride home on my trusty bike.”
“But I already know where you’re going, so how is it safer not to just let me drive you?”
“Don’t try and reason with a woman, Military Boy. We don’t appreciate it, and you’ll just tick me off. Then I might take you down.”
Gunner smiled, knowing she could never take him down. He had never heard a woman admit that they were being unreasonable and to just leave it alone. It was possible she was the most easy-going person he’d ever met and the perfect fit for him.
Instead of letting his thoughts travel too far down that terrifying rabbit hole, he looked over her commuter bike. It wasn’t a bad model.
“So you ride your bike twenty miles each way for work?”
“Now you’re just being dramatic, it’s only thirteen.”
Gunner laughed in surprise. No one had ever called him dramatic. This woman was very different than he’d expected and different than any woman he’d ever met.
“I’ll see you at the lake. Be ready to be humiliated when I upstage you on a wakeboard, and if you try to get too friendly, be ready for me to thump you.” She winked and pedaled off.
Gunner watched her go for a few seconds before hurrying across the road to the Atlas so he could follow her. Lily was impressive. She was determined and funny, beautiful and more intriguing than any person he’d ever encountered. This was the most fun he’d had since he was a teenager doing crazy stuff with his brothers.
Chapter Six
Lily grinned to herself as she pushed hard through the miles to the lake. Gunner was so fun to tease with. His serious nature radiated off him, but he had been fun with her. She almost felt like she could pull fun and flirtatiousness out of him that no one else could, but that was probably just wishful thinking. He could have a girlfriend, a child, or a wife for all she knew. She wanted to get to know him better, but she wouldn’t be staying here much longer, simply because of the weather turning, and she had no idea why he was even here. She needed to remember this was just a fun flirtation, nothing more.
He stayed a little ways back, but it was obvious he was following her in his sport utility. She didn’t mind that he’d offered, almost insisted, on giving her a ride, but that would be a few weeks or months down the road before she’d trust him that much. Sadly she’d move on, without a phone or a way to contact him besides an occasional email, she’d lose track of him, and Gunner Steele would just be a memory.
Pedaling across the dam, and then along the twisty dirt road, she got to her trailer and climbed off her bike, pulling in a few cleansing breaths. Her legs were strong and her rear used to sitting on the bike, but today she’d pushed harder than she had in a while, not wanting Gunner to have to wait too long for her. After eating all that food, riding fast had given her a gut ache.
It was probably after six as she propped the bike against her trailer, unlocked her small home, and hurried inside. Sliding into her favorite Nani swimsuit, a pink and yellow floral top with black striped bottoms, she used the bathroom. She’d have to see if she could talk the rooter guys into pumping it out next time they showed up to service the portable toilets, but that was a worry for another day. She grabbed a drink of water and some flip flops then headed back out the door.
Gunner was waiting outside. He gave her the half smile she was getting used to seeing, and her heart did a little flip. He looked amazing with no shirt and in gray amphibian shorts—his well-built chest, shoulders, and arms on fine display.
Lily slid her flip flops on, taking a long drink from her water bottle. “Wow,” she said, “You do know how to heat a girl up.”
His eyebrows arched. “You don’t hold much back, do you?”
She shrugged. “No reason to. One, or both of us, will be gone tomorrow.” She felt a pang. She was having fun with him and wasn’t ready to write him off just yet.
Gunner stepped closer to her, and she had to tilt her head back to avoid focusing on the smooth muscle and tanned skin of his chest. “I’m not going anywhere.”
That brought more heat than his beautiful display of muscle had, but it also brought questions she should’ve asked at lunch. “What are you about?”
“Excuse me?”
“Why are you here in small-town Idaho?”
He shrugged and stepped back, a shutter seeming to go over his face. “I recently retired from the military and have been traveling the country. I heard this place had some fun lakes and camping. I’m working my way up into northern Idaho, and then out to the coast.”
She could buy it, but why had he gotten so distant as he said it? “You’re going the wrong direction this time of year. North is going to get cold, and all you have is a tent?”
He nodded. “I’m not as prepared as you. So you recommend I buy a camper?”
“With a good heater, or follow me south.”
His eyes trailed over her face. She’d noticed that he hadn’t checked out her swimsuit or body like most men would; military self-control was impressive. “I wouldn’t mind following you around the country,” he said in a deep voice that swirled heat through her. “Maybe I could get a job at a restaurant and become a food connoisseur as well.”
She laughed. “We’ll see.” So, he was a wanderer, like her. Maybe he needed an escape after the military. She was intrigued, still a little concerned, but the sun was shining too bright to worry overly much. “Let’s go have that wakeboard competition.” Striding past him, she headed for the closest dock.
Gunner caught her and walked by her side. “How do you wakeboard without a boat or a board?”
She smiled. “Female persuasion.”
“Excuse me?” He grabbed her hand and tugged her to a stop. “Please say you’re not doing anything … immoral to get a boat ride.”
Lily laughed, liking his larger palm surrounding her hand. “Nope. Unless showing a little leg is immoral.” She lifted her right leg and pointed her toe.
Gunner’s eyes traced along her leg then back up to her face. She had to put both feet on the ground to keep her equilibrium. His deep brown eyes were filled with appreciation and desire. He interlaced their fingers and said in a deep growl, “You’re with me now. There will be no showing of the leg to anyone.”
Lily’s heart thudded in her chest. The possessiveness in his voice, the look in his eyes, and the simple touch of his hand were all messing with her mind. But she wasn’t “with him”, and she had to either put him in his place right now or kiss him and see if the attraction pulsing between them was as strong as it seemed. The latter sounded more fun, but not as saf
e or smart.
Pulling her hand free, she flipped her long braid across her shoulder. “I’m not with anyone, and I can show my legs off anytime I like.” She pivoted and jogged to the dock, pounding out to the end of it.
Gunner caught up to her easily. They stood side by side on the dock for a few uncomfortable seconds. There were only two boats on the lake and neither of them was close enough to flag down. They might be waiting a while. She could feel Gunner looking at her, but she didn’t want to look at him right now. Well, she wouldn’t mind looking at him, but she felt awkward after her impetuous answer.
“What?” she finally ground out.
“I’m sorry,” he said.
That did it. Lily turned to him. His dark eyes weren’t easy to read. “Sorry about …” She put a hand on her hip and lifted her eyebrows.
Gunner’s jaw tightened. “Sorry I said that you’re with me. I didn’t mean to get all possessive on you.” He glanced out at the lake then back at her. “I’d like to spend more time with you and didn’t like the thought of you showing off your legs to other men.”
Lily studied him, testing for sincerity. The apology felt sincere but there was just something hidden about him, something she wanted to get to the bottom of, or run away from, she wasn’t sure which yet. Finally, she said, “I’m sorry I got snippy.” Now she was the one looking out at the sparkling blue water. “I don’t do well with being told what to do.”
“I can understand that.”
Lily didn’t need to give him any more, he hadn’t even asked, but the boats were still across the lake and she found herself saying, “I spent the first eighteen years of my life following my mom from one movie set to another with a bodyguard as my nanny.”
Gunner’s eyes were full of questions and concern. “She was worried about your safety?”
Lily harrumphed. “No. She was worried I’d run away.” Lily had actually tried, several times. All she’d wanted growing up was to live with her dad. It had taken until adulthood to admit the truth: her dad didn’t dislike her, but he didn’t particularly like her either, and he definitely didn’t want the responsibility of a child. Her mother had told her many times over the years that the custody battle hadn’t been about either of them wanting her. It had been about who was willing to take the biggest settlement and therefore get stuck with her.
She kept talking to dispel the angst growing in her. “Phil was actually a pretty great guy. He homeschooled me, I graduated with honors.” She gave a slight, smart-alecky bow. “He taught me how to cook and started my obsession with self-defense.”
When Phil was there her mom didn’t usually go on her rampages. She could still remember the day Phil had been fired. Lily was seventeen, and her mother had made a deal with a director for a lead in a huge movie, if the man could take Lily home for the night. Phil had fought for her, beat up the man, and defied her mother. He’d disappeared after that, but her mother hadn’t tried the same stunt again, and thankfully, Lily turned eighteen shortly after and was able to escape. She missed Phil and hoped he was happy somewhere.
“I like that you know self-defense.”
“Yes, sir.” She let her eyes linger on his biceps. “I could take you down.”
Gunner gave her his full grin, The dock must’ve been hit by massive waves in the otherwise calm lake as she swayed and almost fell into the water.
“I’d like to see you try that,” he said.
She jutted out her chin. “After we wakeboard, I’ll knock you to the sand.”
“I look forward to it.” His gaze met hers and the challenge there made her excited to spar with him. She was ready to prove herself. She looked over his muscular upper body. He was tough, and he was probably well-trained if he’d been in the military, but she was sneaky fast and Phil had taught her how to fight dirty. She’d taken on bigger men than him and won.
“Let’s do it right now then.”
Gunner’s eyebrows rose, but before he had time to say something he’d regret, she punched him in the solar plexus and snaked her leg around the back of his, hooked her ankle around his calf and jerked. The punch took him by surprise and threw him slightly off balance. Before he could correct she’d taken his left leg out from under him, and he teetered toward the water. Lily shoved him as hard as she could, praying he’d go in.
Gunner grabbed on to her arms, and they both toppled off the dock into the water. The cool water closed over her head for a second and she got a mouth and nose full. Sputtering, she surfaced. Gunner held on to her arms and steadied her. With their feet on the bottom of the lake, the water went up to his chest but almost to her chin.
He threw back his head and laughed. “Nice move.” Then he kept smiling at her, as if she were a cute little girl.
Lily fired up, poking him in the chest. “I’ve got more.”
“I bet you do.”
“I’m serious, I know how to fight.”
All he did was arch an eyebrow, but it ticked her off. She pulled from his grasp and slogged up the side of the dock until she was waist deep. Gunner followed her. Whirling to face him, she threw a quick jab at his chest. He deflected it, grabbing her hand. She swung with her left hand, directly for his head. Gunner’s other hand darted up and grabbed her arm.
He encircled both of her forearms with an iron grip. He wasn’t hurting her, but she couldn’t escape. “Nice. I think with anyone else you would’ve connected, for sure on the second punch.”
“You’re fast and strong,” she admitted. “But I am trained and I’ve defended myself multiple times.”
“I’m glad you can defend yourself.” His words and gaze weren’t condescending. He tilted his head, studying her. “What would you do now … if you wanted to escape from me?”
Crazily enough, she didn’t want to escape from him. “Well if we were on dry ground, I’d definitely be able to use the leverage of your grip on me to knee you with some impressive power.”
He nodded. “Okay.”
“And stomping on the instep usually works, as long as you don’t have shoes on.”
“What if you had your hands free?” His grip on her softened, but he didn’t release her. Instead he seemed to move closer in the water.
“Then you’d be in trouble. I’d gouge out your eye, punch you in the throat or the temple then I can run really fast.”
“Good.” His eyes traveled over her. “You’re tough and willing to do what you need to do to get free. I’m glad.”
Lily was glad he admitted that she was tough. Besides being able to knock him into the water, she hadn’t won much in this mock fight.
“What about if we’re in the water, and I’ve got your hands restrained like this. What are you going to do now, Lily?”
She studied his broad chest and well-defined muscles. The trick with fighting men was to not let them pin you down or restrain you, because their strength was infinitely higher than a woman’s. But she still had tricks. “Well, you don’t want me to truly hurt you, right?”
Gunner smiled. “I’d prefer you didn’t.”
Lily was higher on the slope, in slightly shallower water than him. She used his grip on her arms to pull herself up as she jumped out of the water, headbutted him, and wrapped her legs around his torso, trying to use her weight to force him back into the water. She didn’t have much leverage, but it was all she could do at the moment.
Her forehead stung, and she was dizzy from knocking into his head, but she did take him by surprise. They both went underwater. He resurfaced quickly, pulling her up with him. Releasing her hands, he wrapped his arms around her back and held her against him. Rather than being upset about the headbutt, he grinned at her. “I think I’m seeing stars. Is that because of the headbutt or just a byproduct all men feel when they’re around you?”
Lily laughed. Keeping her legs circling his back, she wrapped her arms around his neck. Level with him for the first time. She liked it. “I do have that effect on some men.”
He shook his head but
kept smiling at her. “It’s probably just having you close.”
“Probably.” Water streamed down his face and chest, and it felt incredible to be held tight against him. Lily forgot all about fighting and thought maybe it was time to kiss and make up. She’d never kissed a man she’d met the day before, but there was a first time for everything. Gunner may have been having the same thoughts as his arms tightened around her, and his face slowly moved closer to hers.
The roar of a boat yanked his head up. Lily swallowed down her disappointment and glanced out at the lake. Josh and Blake were cruising their way, waving and grinning at her.
Gunner released her, and she grabbed the side of the dock and launched herself onto it. Gunner jumped up next to her.
“Lily,” Josh called as they cut the motor and glided up to the dock. Gunner easily caught the older jet boat and held it. “You looking for some trouble?”
“Excuse me?” Gunner asked.
“You wish.” Lily laughed with Josh, ignoring the turbulence in Gunner’s gaze. Trouble had become the standard joke with Josh and Blake. She’d met the twin brothers not long after she found this spot back in June. Josh had asked suggestively if she was “looking for some trouble” and Lily had told the seventeen-year-old to find someone his own age. Since then they always teased about it.
“You okay to wakeboard today?” Blake asked. “We put some extra weight in, so the wake is bigger.”
“Perfect. We’re having a little wakeboard competition today,” Lily explained, inclining her chin to Gunner. “This is my friend, Gunner, and he can actually beat me in a fight, but now he thinks he can out board me as well. Silly boy. What do you two think?”
“Blake.”
“Josh.”
They each took turns shaking Gunner’s hand.
“I don’t know, Lily,” Blake said with a warning note in his voice. “He’s shredded, you might be in trouble.”
Steele Family Romance Collection Page 27