Finally, I glanced up.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude,” said an older man with a dog. He stood ten feet away, holding a camera with a professional lens.
“No worries,” Brax said.
“You mind if I take a few shots of you two?” the man asked, lifting his camera.
Brax glanced at me and I shrugged.
“I have a blog that I started after I retired. It’s about places off the beaten path,” the man said, already snapping a few pictures.
Brax slid his arm around my shoulder, and I rested my arm at his narrow waist. Once again, I was reminded how much taller Brax was than Ross had been and how we seemed to fit together perfectly.
I’d never been one to have my picture taken, and the only pictures that did turn out well seemed to be candids where I wasn’t even aware of someone taking the picture. But I was really happy, and I had a feeling the pictures showed that happiness because I couldn’t stop grinning. I was glad I had been spontaneous and kissed Brax.
After the man was finished taking his pictures, I handed my phone to him and asked if he’d take our picture for us.
“Of course.” He snapped a few pictures and then handed me the phone back.
“Is that a Nikon D90?” I said, motioning to his camera.
“Why yes, it is.” He looked pleased. “You certainly know your cameras, young lady.”
I smiled. “I took a photography class in high school and really enjoyed it. Maybe one day I’ll take it back up.”
“Would you mind?” the old man asked, handing me the camera and hunkering down beside his dog with the waterfall behind them.
“Sure.” I took a dozen photos and handed the camera back to the man, who immediately looked at the photos I’d taken. “You have a good eye, my dear. Very good, indeed.”
I appreciated the compliment more than he would ever know. I honestly couldn’t remember the last time someone had said I was good at anything in particular.
Brax grinned and reached for my hand, squeezing it.
I slid my thumb over his. I could get used to this, I thought.
“Well, we’d better get back before it gets dark,” Brax said to the man. “It’s been nice talking with you. You have a good evening.”
“You two as well,” the old man said, walking off, letting his dog lead the way.
We walked toward the bike and I glanced at the picture of us. As expected, I looked giddy, and Brax looked happy, too. This was happening. This was actually happening. We had crossed a line today. Holding hands, kissing, flirting…
Where would it all lead? I wondered.
Once again, Brax helped me with my helmet. This time, instead of staring straight at his chest, I watched him, taking in every detail of his handsome features, his full lower lip, the slight stubble on his jawline.
The corners of his mouth lifted as his gaze met mine. “Be careful. That look might just get you in trouble.”
“What kind of trouble would that be?” I asked innocently.
Leaning toward me, he looked me dead in the eyes. “The kind of trouble that will keep you up at night. The kind of trouble that causes a deep ache right here,” he said, his palm flattening against my belly, the tips of his fingers on my crotch.
I swallowed hard.
He was daring me.
Looking around and seeing no one, I went on my toes and whispered, “Bring it on,” and then proceeded to tug his earlobe with my teeth. “How fast can you ride?”
A low-throated moan vibrated in my ear. “Get on the bike and hold on.” He had his helmet on and secured in seconds.
I snuggled close, to where there wasn’t any space between the inside of my thighs and the outside of his. My arms tightened around his narrow waist and I relaxed, enjoying the steady hum of the bike, the wind rushing past us, and the strong man in front of me.
The sun had just set when we pulled into the driveway, and for some reason I started second-guessing myself and what I was doing.
If we had sex, would he immediately dump me? Kara had said he had commitment issues. Pump it and dump it had been Ross’s buddy’s motto in college. I didn’t want to be the girl who had been pumped and dumped.
Plus, there was the little thing about him being my brother’s best friend. How would Toby feel about that? Not to mention the fact that we were looking at an almost two month renovation. What if our relationship went stale and we ended up hating each other? I didn’t want to be left with a half-finished house.