Page 78 of Love… It's Wild
“Go follow the big lug. I’ll keep the kids busy.”
I curve my brows. “Why would I do that?”
“My brother gets jealous over nothing, especially women. That encounter just confirmed what I and half of the Bronsons believe—that there’s something going on between you and Rob out here. Now, go follow the brute. I’ll even get the kids in the shower.”
I eye Cade skeptically. “I can’t tell if you’re more of a cad and a troublemaker than I thought or if you’re my new best friend.”
“Just a guy who likes to see good things happen to good people.”
Cade puts his mask back on and shouts over to the kids, “Who’s ready for round two?”
With Cade now with the kids, I walk to the truck, spying a canvas duffel bag in the back. I take it out and bring it to the shed.
CHAPTERTWENTY-TWO
Rob is in the back of the shed, putting his tools away in meticulous order. I lean against the door and stare at him. His jeans accentuate his long, sturdy legs, and that fitted T-shirt hints at the sculpted physique beneath. The fabric stretches across his shoulders and chest as he focuses on the shelves.
Like a magnetic pull dragging him my way, he turns his head and sees me standing here.
“I thought you were playing games with my brother,” he says, a serious look on his face.
“He’s fun. We get along well.”
“Why are you in here and not out there with him then?”
I hold up the duffel bag I took from his truck. “Just thought I’d come out here and see if you needed a hand. You left this in the truck.”
“That goes in the house.”
“I know. I’ve seen you bring it in every day.”
“Then, why did you walk it all the way out here?”
I lift my shoulders in a playful way. “Mistake, I guess. Do you want me to walk it back to the house? I could, but then that would ruin my excuse to come out here and see you. Maybe be alone for a little while.”
His eyes are like wildfire as he tilts his head and watches me take two steps forward. “You looked awfully cozy out there with him. What would have happened if I hadn’t arrived?”
“We’d have played another round because that was all we were doing. Playing a game. Are you jealous, Bronson?”
“No.”
“Are you sure? Because your jaw looked like it was gonna crack from how tight you were biting down. And you have this deep line that forms on your forehead when you’re angry. It’s cute.”
“Cute?”
“Yeah,” I tease. “Sexy and masculine and commanding too. But I know you hate it when I say how hot I think you are when you’re mean.”
I close the distance between us and stand before him. Our bodies are practically touching and yet not at all. I lift my chin defiantly as I look into his eyes. I see the steel barrier start to waver. There’s a discernible wariness in his expression. Skepticism flickers in his eyes, indicating a desire to trust, but a reluctance based on past experiences.
The look makes me swallow. “Do you think I’d go after your brother?”
His lips part with uncertainty of what he’s about to say. “It’s hard for me to trust people.”
I nod my head and take in his cautious yet guarded state. Curiosity gets the better of me. “Is it everyone you distrust or just me?”
There’s a flicker in his dark eyes as my words strike him. This close, I can feel his heart beating rapidly and the heat of his anger pouring off of him. Instead of waiting for him to answer the question, I do it for him.
“I don’t want Cade. Sure, he’s charming as all hell, but I’m staring at the man I want. A man who has been keeping his distance from me for a good reason and doesn’t have to anymore.”