Gun Shy(6)
Striding to the back wall, he turned the faucet off and looped the hose around it. Then he stood there, his back ramrod straight, facing away from the house until his erection subsided. When he felt calm enough, he gritted his teeth and joined them in the kitchen.
* * * *
Kristyn was watching TV that same evening when a voice rang out, “Help!”
She was on her feet seconds later, worry building inside her. She followed the sounds and stopped short just inside the garage. Drew was lying on a bench, his chest glistening with sweat, his biceps taut as he pushed weights above his head.
“Problem?” she finally managed to mutter, stepping further into the room. She knew they’d moved all their gym equipment here to empty out the bedroom she now rented. It was a small, somewhat cold room, and she winced as the thought it was her fault they now had to work out down here.
“Yeah,” he panted a little, never stopping his movements. “Can you count along with me? I shouldn’t have had those two beers earlier. My brain’s a bit fizzled.”
She frowned. “Should you be doing this at all if you’re not feeling well?”
“I’m a SEAL, hon. I work out every day, rain or shine. So?” He stopped with the handle right over his face, his arms banded, the muscles in his stomach sticking out in sharp relief.
She bit her lower lip. Hard. “Sure,” she heard herself answer.
“Great. Thanks. Just sit by my feet and start counting as soon as I start again.”
“Where’s Scott? Doesn’t he usually work out with you?”
“Yeah,” he grunted, letting the weights back down. He grabbed a towel and wiped his face before motioning her over. “Right here, baby.”
Kris felt overly hot all of a sudden. He wanted her to sit right there, his widened thighs leaving just enough space for her on the bench. “Huh, are you sure?”
“Yeah,” he repeated. “Turn around to face me.”
She did as ordered, straddling the bench slowly as she fought to find somewhere to look that didn't involve naked skin.
He was only wearing shorts, the black cotton stretched tight across his groin. Oh God, she groaned inwardly. What had she done to deserve this?
“Okay?” he called out as he curled his hands around the weights again, shifting a little to readjust his position.
He didn’t wait for her reply, and she had to scramble, letting out a breathy, “One.”
Her lips felt dry, her throat parched the more she watched him. She counted in time with his curls, the numbers falling out of her mouth without her being aware of it.
She was entirely focused on him, on the man looking so decadent in front of her. She was close enough she could smell him, a surprisingly intoxicating mix of sweat and the tangy scent of his skin. He smelled very…male.
Her thighs cramped at the thought. And then he decided to stop lifting. Before she could move back, his stomach muscles hardened and he sat upright. His face was right in front of hers, his eyes showing amusement but also something else.
She tilted her head to the side, intent on getting to the bottom of this, when the door crashed open behind them. She jumped, a squeal escaping her.
Scott stood in the threshold, his eyes darkening when he saw them sitting so close together. He turned to face her. “Sorry, babe. Didn’t see you there. I’ve got beer!” He lifted his arms and proudly showed the two six-packs he’d apparently gone out for.
“More beer? Are you sure that’s advisable? Drew’s already tipsy as it is.”
“Is he? I didn’t see you drinking earlier, dude.”
Drew’s eyes flashed. He mumbled something before adding, “Thanks for your help, sweetheart.”
She smiled at him and stood up, wondering why the garage felt frosty all of a sudden. “I’ll leave you two to it then.”
“Wanna watch a movie?” Scott suggested as she drew closer to him.
“Hmm, sure. What film?”
He shrugged. “You choose. We’ll provide the drinks. Oh, and chips. I bought some, too.” He grinned down at her winningly.
She shook her head but couldn’t help the smile that escaped. They really could be cute at times. “All right. In that case, you’re in for a treat, gentlemen.”
She heard Drew groan behind her as she left the room. Her grin widened.
* * * *
“You said I could choose the movie. It was your decision!”
“No, Scott said that. I never agreed.”
“Too bad, isn’t it?” Kristyn replied, popping a sour cream chip into her mouth. She turned her attention back to the widescreen TV and tried to ignore the two men flanking her on the sofa.
She wasn’t too sure why they’d chosen to sit here tonight of all nights. Usually, when they were all in the living room at the same time, the men sat in the ugly leather armchairs on each side of the room. She shrugged inwardly and focused on the movie.