Page 2 of Swooned By the Lumberjack
This can’t be Eleanor. Looking gorgeous with full breasts trying to push out of her swim top, her toned, athletic body and that look in her eyes that’s a mix of too many things I’m not supposed to play with. Gorgeous, definitely an adult, her hair clinging to her cheeks and teasing the corner of her full lips in a way that makes me want to lean in and push it away so I can steal a kiss and see if she tastes as good as she looks.
She’s no longer the little girl I need to protect, the teen that would pester me with questions and try to sneak out without getting caught, just to smile the second I did. My abs tighten, and my chest feels constricted, as if every breath is a struggle. Just looking at her makes me feel like I’ve done something wrong and right at the same time.
I clear my throat twice before I trust myself to speak normally, but I can’t pull my eyes away from hers. Those damn green eyes, so soft and warm, seem to speak right to every gentle, forgotten part of my soul, trying to pull it to the front.
“I’m glad to see you too,” I say. I glance at Dan, making myself look away. “It’s been a long while, hasn’t it?”
“Six years,” she answers with a nod as she steps forward.
A part of me wants to trace the beads of water on her belly with my tongue. The other part longs to wrap a towel around her, pull her close, and surrender to every soft, lustful thought flooding my mind. The need is overwhelming, and I’m convinced the only way to quiet it is to give in, to press myself against her, and let every desire pour into her skin.
“A long while. Can’t believe how fast time moves. Eleanor’s got her master’s now and is all lined up for work. She’s become a city girl,” Dan says with pride no one can miss.
“R-right,” Eleanor says, finally dragging her eyes from mine to smile at her dad before looking at me again and sucking her bottom lip. “But I’m not all city.”
“I’m just glad you’re here, honey,” he says, patting her shoulder.
“Drinks for everyone. Dinner will be ready soon,” Clair invites.
Eleanor walks over, not hesitating to take one of the long island ice-teas. But when she looks up at me while swallowing, I feel that simmering heat I’m trying to control jump up to a boil. I want her close to me. I want her wrapped around me, focused on me in every way just to make sure she feels what I do.
Which is insane. She’s gorgeous, young, and there’s no way she’d be interested in me. But even as my mind spins with fantasies—of how much better that drink would taste if I could taste her first, if I could have her thighs wrapped around my head, savoring her moans and the sweetness of her skin—it's a thought I can’t shake.
I clear my throat and quickly sit down, crossing my legs to hide my erection. “So, the wedding,” I say, trying to steer my focus away from her blossomed body.
We dive into general conversation, but no matter how gooey Dan and Clair get, my eyes keep flicking back to Eleanor. She’s impossible to ignore. I feel her gaze on me, every fidget and movement like waves in the pool, crashing over me with each subtle shift.
“I’ve never felt more in sync with anyone in my life,” Clair sighs. “We must have met at the right time. It feels like fate or destiny or something else.”
“Something else,” I murmur.
Eleanor’s lips turn up slightly and she plays with her straw before wrapping her lips around it and sucking until her cheeks hollow. I don’t know if she’s teasing me, but then I realize everyone is looking at me.
I clear my throat. “It’s love, obviously.”
Dan beams. “It is.”
This girl shouldn’t be so distracting. She’s sexy as can be, confident, sure, but I knew her when she was younger. Her dad just named me his best man. I shouldn’t be tempted by, focused on, or unable to ignore his daughter.
When she laughs and smiles before correcting her dad about a story, I find myself nearly smiling along with her. I realize soon that I’m leaning closer to her y the minutes. I lean back pointedly and take a long drink. So much for a simple few weeks taking care of things and helping Dan prepare for his wedding. I’m going to have to stuff every second thought away or else I’m going to end up being called a creepy old man. By Dan or his daughter.
“We’re going to have such a great dinner tonight,” Clair says brightly.
“She always wants to make big meals, and she finally has a reason to. She’s going all out,” Dan says, beaming at his fiancée.
“I’d be happy to help,” Eleanor says. “If you need a sous chef.”
“No, you and Wade are guests. Don’t you worry, Eleanor. Dan and I will take care of all of it. You two relax, enjoy the sunshine, and make the most of catching up,” she assures.
Eleanor’s eyes flick to me, almost like a question. When I don’t look away, the corner of her mouth lifts and her blush spreads over her cheeks. She’s so soft, so responsive, so tempting in a way I’ve never experienced. It’s going to take more than alcohol to give me a fighting chance to calm down.
Chapter 3 - Eleanor
Dinner is a test I’m not ready for. Every second thought turns to Wade. I want to know everything. I want to run my foot up the inside of his calf and see if he pulls away. I want my dad and stepmom to go upstairs or leave the room for just long enough that I can do ... something. Even if I’m sure thatsomethingwould be stupid.
Since my dad is happily talking about wedding and honeymoon plans with no end in sight, I decide to dismiss myself.
“It was a long trip out here. I think the fatigue is catching up to me,” I say.
