Page 34 of Perfect Guy

Madelyn

Myfeetreston the dash while Canaan drives down a winding backroad. The windows are down, letting the fresh air into his truck and making my hair sway in the wind. I tip my head back and close my eyes, inhaling the scent of pine. His large hand rests in between my thighs. The feel of his calloused touch on my sensitive skin has desire rolling through me. The view of it, possessive and confident, fuels that need.

As soon as I got in this position, his hand automatically rested on my leg, and I liked it. I like that he feels a need to touch me somehow. Despite my initial hesitation and worries, I know Canaan isn’t the type of guy to disrespect me.

His hand gently squeezes my inner thigh, and I roll my head to look over at him. A lazy smile fills my face. He’s so handsome with his defined jaw, short beard, and straight nose. His eyes, when they look at me, shine so bright it’s a constant reminder of the way grass shimmers under the summer sun.

We’ve spent the past week after our date talking on the phone and sending text messages. I’ve seen him at work, but we’ve kept our distance and remained professional. Thankfully, I was able to solve the balcony addition without any major changes to what’s already been planned.

When Canaan mentioned spending the day together since it’s one of his weekends off from volunteering, I hastily agreed. It had been so long since I had so much fun on a date when we went out on Sunday. I craved seeing him again.

“You look relaxed,” he comments after we’ve been silent for too long.

“I am,” I smile.

“Your brothers didn’t mind that you took off on a Saturday morning while they had to work?” He glances my way for a brief second.

“Nope. It’s not like I had much to do today.”

“Even after work accumulated from not being there most of the week?” He arches a brow. It’s true some of my work piled up since I had to spend more time at the construction site than normally planned.

“I had good motivation to catch up on it yesterday,” I wink.

“I’ll assume that motivation was me.” He squeezes my thigh again, and it’s like foreplay. I shift my legs and scoot in my seat to get comfortable, and he swings his gaze over at me.

“Sorry, just getting comfy,” I explain as I sit still.

“No need to apologize.” His thumb brushes near the inside of my knee. A shiver runs through me at the ticklish sensation. “So? Was I your motivation?”

“Actually, it was spending uninterrupted hours at the lake while I read.” I bite back my smile.

“You’re going to spend uninterrupted time at the lake, but you sure as hell won’t be reading.” His voice is firm with determination.

I lift a brow and turn to look at him. “Really?” I cross my arms.

“Yup.” He nods. “No way I’m gonna let you fantasize about some fictional guy when I’m present. I’ll have to show you why I’m better than those fake characters.”

A giggle bubbles out of me at his serious tone and set jaw. I decide to mess with him. “The characters may be fake, but the models on the covers are real people.”

“Madelyn,” he warns, squeezing my thigh.

I yelp and grab his hands to stop him. He doesn’t add more to his warning. Instead, he turns his hand over and tangles his fingers with mine. A sense of peace washes over me. It’s like a combination of butterflies and floating. My heart races and expands. Words can’t truly explain the feeling except that this is right. I never want to let go.

Canaan turns onto a dirt road. The truck shakes as it drives down the bumpy path. Soon, we arrive at the lake. It’s a secluded area that’s part of a big lake about forty minutes from Mason Creek. It guarantees privacy and a change in scenery.

“Ready?” Canaan smiles at me with a wink.

“Yes.” Excitement rolls over me.

I prefer winter. Snow is magical; however, summer days on the lake are exciting.

I open the door and hop off his truck before he can come around and open the door for me. Canaan snickers as he meets me back by the tailgate. I grab our bags while Canaan carries the cooler full of drinks, fruits, and sandwiches.

The cove is private, lined by trees. It opens up to the bigger lake in the distance, and the mountains stand tall on the other side. Birds chirp and fly overhead as we settle in the sand.

“This area is so beautiful,” I say while I lay out a towel.

Canaan comes over and helps me set it on the ground without getting it dirty. “It is,” he agrees.