Just when I think I’ve survived the greatest torment meant for man, she lifts her gaze to mine. “Can you do my hard-to-reach places?”
Christ Almighty. She’s testing my resolve. I can guarantee it’s not ironclad. A few more moments of this temptation, and I’m going to crumble. Decent intentions or not, she’s hotter than a Southern summer and triple the strength.
“I’d love to.” My voice betrays me, dropping to an octave that puts Johnny Cash to shame.
Audria spins and sweeps her hair over one shoulder, granting me a full-access pass to the smooth expanse of her bare back. All that separates me from her naked body is a single string I can snap with my teeth. What would happen if that tiny knot got untied? It’s in my best interest not to consider that possibility.
I squeeze a blob into my palm, the wet sputter earning a laugh from the peanut gallery. The tension seeps out of my taut form, ever so slightly. It’s good to know she finds fart noises entertaining.
After slathering on a thick layer, I massage it in. Audria turns to putty under my hands, going limp the longer I rub her muscles. These small indulgences are all I get with this woman. It’s pure agony on my balls, but necessary. Her lax posture sways into me just as I smear the final patch of moisture.
With a gentle nudge, I guide her to stand upright. “All done.”
“Wow, thanks. That was… more than I expected.”
“I take pride in being thorough.”
I rub the excess sunscreen on my chest, catching her rapt focus tracking my movements. When she sees me watching her, a burst of red blooms on her cheeks. I’m confident this confirms she was checking me out earlier. That knowledge gives my ego an adequate fluffing.
Audria diverts her gaze to a spot behind me. “Oh, look. They’re playing chicken.”
I follow the direction of her pointer finger to find the others engaged in an intense battle. Bea is hoisted on Gavin’s shoulders as they pair off against Duncan and his girlfriend, Natalie. It’s one of the oldest tricks in the book in order to grope one another.
“I’d bet this year’s harvest that Gavin’s responsible.”
“Should we join them?”
Having a mostly naked Audria perching on my shoulders? I can almost feel her thighs clenching to get a steady grip around me as she attacks the other team. Fighting my primal urges through another test of willpower will result in a loss for either side. The desire for more is too great.
“How about we float for a bit and get acclimated?” The suggestion is one hundred percent for my benefit.
She spies the assortment of rafts and boards stacked on the shore. “I’m game.”
I grab a plain tube while Audria snags a giant donut replica. After wading into the shallow end, she attempts to plop her ass into the center. The float whips out from under her, and she almost goes underwater. I ditch my hat and chuckle, flicking a few droplets of water at her back.
Audria squeals and pins me with a glare. “Oh, it’s like that?”
“Most definitely.”
“It’s on, buddy.” On her second attempt, she lands dead center on the donut. She immediately kicks her feet, managing to splash my face.
I wipe the blur from my eyes. “You’re in trouble now.”
She retreats with choppy stokes. “I barely got you.”
“Doesn’t matter.” I scoop more ammunition into my cupped palms.
Her eyes widen. “You wouldn’t dare.”
“You’re gonna get wet anyway.”
“On my own terms.”
“This is more exciting.” I stalk toward her with measured strides.
She backpedals to the best of her ability. “I strongly disagree.”
“Too late.”
“Let’s be rational for a moment.”
Her words give me pause, and I treat myself to the view.
I would be blind not to notice how her nipples pebble as the splatter soaks into that sorry excuse for a bikini. My cock twitches beneath the lake’s surface, gracefully hidden from view. Before making an impulsive mistake, I double my assault efforts and send a rippling spray in her direction. Her squeal tickles my heightened nerves, and I almost lunge for her. She flops off the tube and regains her footing easily enough. The water ripples near her belly button, drawing my gaze there. A diamond stud adorns her navel.
Fuck, that’s sexy. How did I miss it earlier? Between the trickles of moisture trailing down her arms and the smell of forbidden lust, I’m seconds away from giving in. It’s not lost on me that my spiraling thoughts sound worse than a broken record. But who’s stupid idea was it to resist her anyway?
Audria fiddles with the silver bar, unaware of my internal debate. “I got it pierced on my eighteenth birthday.”
I cough over the gravel coating my throat. “Looks good on you.”
“Thanks.” She winks at me. “Do you have any piercings?”
“Nope.”
“Tattoos?”
“Negative.”
“Have you ever wanted any?”
I give a brief glance at my unmarked flesh. “I’ve considered getting some ink. Not sure what I would want permanently stamped on my skin, though.”
“A field of corn?”
I snort. “Funny girl.”
Audria hammers on an imaginary set of drums. “Thanks, I’ll be here all day.”
That makes two of us, especially if I can’t get my dick to cooperate. “How about you? Any other piercings or tattoos?”
“Just my ears.” She taps at the jewelry in her lobes. “No ink for me either.”
“Maybe we’ll get one together.” The idea flies from my mouth without warning.
Audria just smiles. “I might agree to that. We’ll see.”
“All right,” I drawl. “Until then, let’s finish our current exchange.”
Something about my expression must give me away. She holds up a palm, as if that’s enough to fence me. “Nope, you stay—”
I lunge at her, taking us both down in the process. The cool water stings my heated skin. An involuntary rumble rolls out of me at the instant relief. Audria struggles against me, but
