T hey worked on the grounds together for most of the afternoon, raking leaves, picking up sticks, pruning the evergreen bushes around the cabin, piling mulch around the other plants to protect them from the rapidly coming winter. In some ways, she and Casey were even more comfortable together now that their secrets were out in the open. Yet in other ways, there was a growing tension between them, and she knew what was causing that, too.
Every time their eyes met, her skin flushed and her pulse raced. Each time they touched, whether accidentally or on purpose, she felt electricity zing through her body, sparking heat deep inside her. Each stolen kiss lasted longer than the one before, and every embrace was greedier. Hungrier.Though it was a cool day, they were both overheated by the time they’d finished their work and afternoon faded into early darkness. Sending Casey to the small front bath to wash up, Natalie took a quick shower and changed into a clean sweater and jeans. When she rejoined him in the living room, she noted that his hair was wet and his skin scrubbed clean, though of course he wore the same slightly grubby clothes he’d had on before. They had a simple dinner of sandwiches and canned soup, lingering over the meal as if they were dining on fine cuisine.
Afterward, Natalie wandered to the glass door to look outside at the beautiful evening. It was too dark now to appreciate the view, but there was enough moonlight to frost with magic what she could see. Stars twinkled in the endless rural sky, undimmed by the bright city lights she was accustomed to seeing back home. She sighed lightly.
Casey’s arms slipped around her from behind, and she leaned back into him. “It’s a nice night, hmm?” he murmured in her ear, his breath warm against her skin.
“It’s beautiful,” she whispered, crossing her hands over his at her waist.
“You know what would feel really good right now?”
There were so many possible responses to that question. “Um—what?”
“That new hot tub. Maybe a glass of wine to sip while we enjoy the bubbles.”
She could almost feel her knees weaken with the images he invoked, and she was grateful that he was supporting her. “That does sound nice.”
“I’m sure Kyle would want us to make sure it’s working correctly,” he said, keeping his tone serious though there was a smile in his voice—as well as a question.
She turned her head to look at him, silently giving him her answer, though she played along. “I’m not sure why you think it would take both of us to test it.”
He shook his head, tsking his tongue in disapproval. “Don’t you know you’re never supposed to go into the water alone? You could drown.”
“I think that rule applies to swimming, not soaking.”
He ran a hand up her arm, even as he bent his head to press a kiss against the back of her neck. “Really? ’Cause I think I heard it applies to hot tubs, as well.”
Her eyelids grew heavy as he nibbled and licked the sensitive skin at her nape. Pressed snugly against Casey’s full length, she felt the evidence of how badly he wanted her, how difficult it must be for him to keep his tone teasing.
Turning in his arms, she pressed lightly against him and walked the fingers of her right hand up his chest. “But I didn’t pack a bathing suit. And I know you don’t have one with you.”
She was rewarded for her own teasing by a dark flush of color on his cheeks, a glint of passion in his eyes. “I suppose we’ll just have to—” he paused to clear his husky voice “—improvise.”
Running her fingertips along his jawline, she murmured, “I’ll get some towels.”
She saw him swallow before he nodded. “I’ll pour the wine.”
Standing in the bedroom, she pushed a hand through her hair as she drew a deep breath to steady herself. Yet her hands still trembled a bit as she stripped off her clothes and wrapped herself in her favorite, red silk kimono.
The living room was empty when she returned with two big, fluffy towels. Stepping outside, she found Casey already in the tub. He looked relaxed and comfortable as he lounged in the molded seat, his neck supported by a cushioned headrest. He’d turned off the bright deck lights, so that the only illumination came from the soft blue LED lights within the tub itself. Only partially concealed by the swirling, foaming bubbles, his body was a lean, tan outline beneath the water.
Only then did she notice the stack of clothing neatly folded on the bench built into the deck railing. The expression in his eyes hidden in the shadows, he nodded to the space beside him and the extra glass of wine sitting on the built-in tray beside it. “This feels as good as I thought it would. Come on in. I saved a place for you.”
Without looking away from his face, she dropped the towels onto the bench beside his clothes, then untied her kimono. The garment slithered to her feet. And suddenly Casey didn’t look nearly as relaxed.
The hot water swirled around her ankle, her calf as she stepped into the tub. Very slowly, she submerged herself to her shoulders, sighing as the hidden jets gently pulsed against her weary muscles. “Oh, that does feel good,” she murmured, letting her head fall back against the cushioned rest.
Stretching out very close to her, Casey reached over to take her hand beneath the water. She turned her head to smile at him. Taking their time and testing their patience, they lay there for several long, quiet minutes, their fingers laced, their wine-glasses held in their free hands as they sipped and gazed out at the clear, jeweled night sky. The mountains ahead of them were dark shapes against the slightly lighter sky, and a choir of night creatures softly serenaded them.
“This is amazing,” she said on a sigh. “Wouldn’t it be lovely to sit out here and watch the snow fall?”
“Yeah. That would be cool. Er, no pun intended.”
She smiled. “I’ve got to admit, this spa was a good idea.”
“A very good idea,” he murmured, leaning over to taste her bare shoulder. “Did I ever mention you look really good wet? I’ve thought so since the day I sprayed you down in your kitchen.”
“You really shouldn’t remind me of that. I thought you were the worst handyman I’d ever met. And the sexiest,” she added with a low laugh.