What does a single man have without his toys? I’m damn proud of the splurge. This is more of a home for me than the bunkhouse, especially during the winter months. I could haul it to sites during the summer if I had time to camp. It would be great if there were someone to join me. Maybe a certain girl will tag along next year. I mentally pummel myself for that. It’s an unrealistic illusion that I shouldn’t spend an ounce of energy on. But I sure as shit will take advantage while she’s a resident of Bam.
I drop down beside Audria on the cushy sofa. Yep, that’s right. This beast has three couches. “So, what do you think?”
She glances at the checkered curtains over the stainless-steel sink. “I had no idea they made campers this fancy. Growing up, we used a tent like normal people. This is an entirely different realm of recreation, not that I’m shocked in the slightest. I’ve come to realize you don’t cut corners or skimp where most would.”
“This is an icehouse,” I correct.
Her expression is frozen in neutral. “What’s the difference?”
“Campers don’t have the cutouts.” I point to the floor where two are open and ready for us.
“Ah, right. That’s a fairly important factor when weighing your options. Which one has the easiest holes to access?” She holds her palms skyward, tipping them up and down.
Damn, my girl has jokes. My girl? Where in the hell did that crop up from? Certainly not this prime spot on the lake. After Thanksgiving, our relationship—for lack of a better term—shifted. Neither of us has mentioned it. I’ve become accustomed to coasting along without ruffling any feathers. Maybe that makes me a coward, but this chump is living large. I’ll need to do some damage control eventually, just not today. For now, I’ll douse the flames in gasoline and indulge in the burn.
I lean in and trail my nose across the faint freckles on Audria’s cheek. Those brown speckles darken when she blushes, like right now. She seems to like my affection.
“You always find a way to bring new entertainment to an already-enjoyable activity.”
“I’m very proud of the knack.” She dusts imaginary lint from her shoulder.
It’s then I realize she’s still wearing her coat. “Are you warm enough?”
Her face is rosy, but that could be temporary.
She follows my stare to her jacket and shrugs. “It’s super toasty. I could sit out here all day.”
“And we haven’t even started.” I grab a rod and offer her the handle.
Audria accepts the pole with a smile. “It’s so cute and little. What can I possibly catch with such a short stick?”
I hang my head with a chuckle. “You’ve honestly never been fishing?”
“Not even once,” she confirms.
“But you live in the Land of Ten Thousand Lakes.”
“There are plenty of other things to do in the water, farmer.” Her quirked brow reminds me of our tubing escapade. Damn, that was a great day.
I chase off the reverie with a grunt. “Well, fishing is one of the most popular. I’m appalled on your behalf. How many brothers do you have?”
“Three, and they’re all older.”
“And none of them ever took you?”
“We’d go boating, and they’d maybe toss a string or whatever over the side. I didn’t pay much attention. They’ve never gone in the winter, that’s for sure. This is definitely a brand-new experience.”
“I do aim to please.” I top that off with a wink.
She makes the motion of a checkmark. “Done.”
“Not even close.” In all the ways that count. “We need to bait your hook.”
“That sounds painful but kinky. You could probably convince me with further explanation.”
I halt midbreath while considering the creative options. How could we make that a pleasurable thing? Then I curse my arousal for getting me off track—again. I grab a container of night crawlers. After scooting to the edge of my seat, I nod at the closest hole. “All right, babe. Ready to catch a keeper?”
“Pretty sure I have one beside me,” she mumbles under her breath.
I arch a brow. “What’s that?”
She shakes her head and points at the bait. “I already told you that’s not happening.”
“It’s just a worm. Would you prefer a leech?”
A retching sound escapes her. “Absolutely not.”
I laugh at her slightly green complexion. “It’s part of the bragging rights. You can tell all the city girls. Soon you’ll be able to say you’ve done it.”
“That’s not necessary.” Audria pushes the Styrofoam away.
I scoff and try again. “It’s pretty vital to the catching process. You won’t get a nibble without a little something to entice them.”
She bites her bottom lip with a soft purr. A spark detonates in her brown eyes while she cuts a path to my groin.
I hold up a finger, stopping whatever sexy distraction she’s about to spew. “No, I’m not referring to my dick. I’d fuck you all day and get nothing else done, but that’s not healthy.”
“I’m not sure that’s ever been proven. We could try and share our results. I bet the research field would eat that data as a gourmet meal. Think of it as dedication to the cause.” Another throaty provocation vibrates from her throat.
I adjust the aching throb in my jeans. My balls are ready to riot. “Babe, you’re nearly impossible to resist. Trust me. This will hurt me more than you, but I really want us to fish. Together.”
Audria’s gaze gets that glossy sheen that tells me I’ve got her. She sags against the cushions with a long sigh. “I can’t refuse your
