Page 45 of Protected in Darkness
“Why don’t we sit outside. Relax for a bit.” He motioned toward the patio doors, allowed her to precede him.
“So, how was your day?” she asked as they stepped outside.
“Uneventful.” He was hoping that would change in the near future. “And yours? Any irritating customers tonight?”
“Not really, no. But it’s only Thursday. Most of those wait for the weekend.”
Obsidian came to an abrupt stop, surveying the patio at the same time Penelope did. There were at least two dozen candles flickering around the whirlpool, steam billowing up from it in the gentle morning breeze.
“Did you do this?” Penelope asked, glancing from the water to him, a rosy tint to her cheeks.
“I wish I could take the credit, but no.” If he had to guess, Alden had been attempting to set the mood. “Why? Care to take a dip?”
He’d actually intended to sit out here near the fire pit, enjoy some of the unseasonably cool night with the beautiful female. They had roughly an hour and a half before the sun rose, so he figured it was the safe thing to do. The mere thought of getting into the water with Penelope—
He cut off the mental image the thought invoked.
“I didn’t bring a swimsuit,” Penelope stated. “Otherwise, I’d be game.”
He fumbled for something to say, then mumbled, “Clothing optional.”
She huffed a laugh. “I am not getting in naked, Obsidian.”
“I will if you will,” he teased. Mostly.
“Not naked,” she insisted.
Okay, so they were doing this.
Figuring she would follow his lead, Obsidian made the first move, tugging his T-shirt off. “Suit yourself.”
It was bold, perhaps, but he could think of no better way to spend the morning.
Her golden eyes caressed his chest and he felt the warmth as though her hands were taking the trek. The way she scanned every inch hardened his body instantly.
“Not naked,” she repeated.
Oh, he’d heard her the first time, but he offered a nod of agreement as he sat down and removed his boots, his socks. She was still watching him when he stood and unbuttoned his jeans.
“Wait!” She placed her hand over her eyes.
“Not naked,” he assured her.For now.
She giggled, but it sounded a bit strained.
Offering her a bit of privacy, Obsidian took off his jeans, then made his way into the water, his boxer briefs doing little to conceal his erection. Since he couldn’t do anything to eliminate it, he did his best to hide it by sinking into the warm water.
“You’re still fully dressed,” he reminded her.
Penelope lowered her hand, scanned the area. A second later, she had clearly come to a decision.
“Turn around,” she insisted.
In an effort to appease her, Obsidian did as she asked.
Evidently she didn’t realize he could see her perfectly in the reflection of the glass.
Chapter Eight
