She smiled. She liked to tease with him. “We’ll see how this bench press goes. I doubt you can even lift me five times.”
“Oh! Don’t insult me like that.” His mouth twisted, and his eyes sparkled at her. “How about a bet? If I can press you more than twenty times, you have to … kiss me. One minute of kissing for every rep I can do over twenty.”
Shar pressed her lips together. That sounded like a win for her either way. “What do I win if you can’t make it to twenty?”
Mike focused in on her with those deep brown eyes as they ambled along the path. “What do you want?”
You. She bit at her lip, unable to be that aggressive no matter how true it was. She’d wanted for him for a long, long time. She wished she could say a kiss, but that would be lame since he’d already said it. “Hmm. How about we snuggle on the couch on the landing outside our bedrooms, and I get to choose the movie we watch?”
“Sounds good.” His voice dropped low and husky, and he bent down to her ear. “So it’s a win either way because I bet I can talk you into a kiss while we’re snuggling.”
Shar stared up at his handsome face and almost kissed him right then and there. “We’ll see how smooth of a talker you are.”
Mike chuckled and pulled her in tighter to his side. “For you, I can be pretty smooth.”
Shar sighed. Yes, he could. Crazily enough, the stalker and the fact that she’d deserted her restaurant didn’t bother her much at all right now.
Chapter Ten
When they got back to the cabin, Gunner and Lily spent some time securing the cabin and the property, checking security cameras, and checking in with Sutton. But then they were both excited to set up a circuit workout for all of them to use and see how Mike did on his bench press challenge.
“Let’s do the workout first,” Gunner said after they moved furniture out of the way in the living area and set up the best workout they could without any weights. “Try to wear him out, so you win. What did you two bet anyway?”
Shar blushed, and Mike arched an eyebrow at her. “Who gets to choose the movie tonight,” she said.
Gunner kind of smirked at her and said in a low voice to Lily, “I can think of much better bets than that.”
She winked at him. “Yes, you can, lover.”
Mike came up close to her, leaned in, and whispered, “I did come up with a better bet than that, and I’m going to win many, many minutes of kissing.”
Shar inhaled the yummy scent of his fresh cologne and the promise in his voice that he was going to win. He was a professional athlete, of course he was competitive. She’d read an article on him once that shared his off-season workout, and she remembered something about how often he did bench press, but couldn’t recall any specific numbers on how much he could press. She should’ve asked him for that number before she’d made this bet, but she was going to win either way, so it didn’t worry her too much.
They had eight stations, so each of them took a spot, and Gunner started a timer and called, “Go.”
Shar started with pushups then moved on to pullups, squat jumps, burpees, box jumps, jumping jacks, and v-ups. They did each exercise for one minute with twenty seconds of rest in between, which basically just meant getting to the next station. They went through five rounds, and she was barely moving by the end. It was an awesome workout for her, though she suspected it wasn’t quite as hard for the other three, and she noticed how many burpees and pullups they were all able to crank out where she was lucky to keep moving at times.
When Gunner finally called, “Time,” Shar leaned forward and put her hands on her knees, gasping for air. Sweat rolled down her back, and all she wanted was a drink of cold water.
“Nice!” Lily called out. She went around the room, slapping everybody’s hands. When she got to Gunner, he grabbed her around the waist and pulled her in close. “No sweaty hugs,” Lily protested, pushing at his chest, but she was giggling.
Gunner gave her a quick kiss, and Shar heard him murmur, “Your sweat smells like the dews from heaven to me.”
“You crazy, crazy man.”
“Only about you.”
Shar loved watching the two of them together. Gunner was so tough and military, almost unapproachable, but he was soft and sweet with his wife.
Lily laughed and kissed him again, then she wriggled free and went to the fridge. She pulled out water bottles, tossing each of them a bottle.
“Thanks.” Shar twisted off the lid and fully appreciated the cold liquid sliding down her throat. She got distracted watching Mike drink from the water bottle, the smooth muscle of his bicep flexing, and his beautiful lips around the small opening. Ooh, she loved those lips.
“It’s time,” Lily said, pushing her hip against Shar’s, distracting her from ogling Mike.
The interruption didn’t work as he turned to her, and all she could do was stare. He simply looked too good in a tank top and shorts. Of course, a professional athlete would be unreal fit, but to her, Mike’s smooth brown skin and lean muscular body were irresistible. Add to that his sculpted, manly face, those sparkling deep brown eyes, and full lips that were so soft and appealing, and she was a goner.
Mike lifted his hand toward Shar. “Where do you want to do this?”
“The press Shar like a barbell?” she teased. Or the kiss? Her face filled with heat. She’d really like to shower before the kiss.
Mike chuckled. “Yes.”
Gunner gestured to the plush rug in the living area. “You’ll have to just do it on the floor.”
Shar walked unsteadily to Mike and took his hand. She was a little awkward with Gunner and Lily watching but didn’t know how to ask them not to watch. She and Mike walked over to the rug. He released her hand, laid down on his back with his knees bent, extended his hands up, and grinned at her. “Ready?”
“I’m not quite sure how to … become your barbell.”
Lily laughed. “Just lay on his hands, but keep your body stiff like a board, and he can press you up and down. Look, we’ll show you.”
Mike rolled up to a seated position as Shar stood awkwardly next to him. Gunner pumped his eyebrows, quickly laid on his back, and pulled Lily on top of him. She laughed as he clamped one hand around her hip and rear and the other under her armpit and chest. He pushed her up and down several times with her long, blonde hair streaming down into his face, a huge grin on his face, and his hands in positions that would be completely unacceptable for Mike and Shar.
“See?” Lily asked, beaming as she went up and down in her husband’s arms.
“Um, that’s not going to work,” Shar said quietly.
“Why not?”
“Because we’re not married,” Shar protested.
“Oh! Sorry about that.” Lily started laughing, and then Gunner started laughing. He lowered her onto his chest and released her, letting her fall on top of him. Flipping her over onto her back, he rolled halfway on top of her and kissed her long and slow. Mike looked away, and Shar wondered if he was anywhere close to as embarrassed as she was. Gunner finally released her, and Lily smiled up at Shar. “This is the most fun job we’ve had in a while.”
“Oh, I’m glad.” Shar supposed after tracking down drug lords and rescuing children from traffickers, this job would feel like a vacation to them. They were all safe in this cabin with the security she’d seen Gunner monitoring, and the stalker had no way of tracking them. Gunner and Lily were obviously letting their guard down. She didn’t mind. If only she and Mike could kiss like that.
Gunner easily lifted Lily to her feet, springing up next to her. “Your turn.”
Shar wondered if those two realized they had failed to show Mike how to hold her like a barbell while not touching her inappropriately. Her face flamed red.
Mike smiled up at her and extended a hand. “I promise I’ll be careful where I hold you,” he said as if reading her thoughts.
Shar appreciated his sensitivity, and she really wanted him to win lots of minutes of kis
sing, but she still didn’t move.
“Please, Shar. I really want to win …” His gaze flickered to Gunner and Lily, who were watching them with amused smiles. “My … movie choice.” His dark eyes warmed her clear through.
“I want you to win too,” she murmured.
Mike’s grin grew, and heat raced through her body. He laid down and bent his elbows so it wouldn’t be quite so awkward for her to lay on his hands. “C’mere then.”
Shar could hear Lily murmur, “Dang, these two are fun to watch,” and Gunner chuckle.
She ignored them and focused on Mike. Walking closer on unsteady legs, she bent down close to him and carefully laid down across his chest, facing him. Their faces were very close, and his smile was big. His right hand gripped around her shoulder, and his left hand around her waist. He gently slid her to his right, along his body, keeping his right hand on her shoulder but bringing his other hand carefully down to her upper thigh, so he had a wider grip on her body.
Shar’s stomach was so full of heat from him holding her and being so close to him. She was surprised at the way her stomach pitched when he quickly started pressing her up and down. She held her body as stiff and straight as she could, focusing on Mike’s handsome face as Lily called out, “1 … 2 … 3 …” Shar could hardly believe how fast he was going, but it seemed like no time at all before Lily yelled out, “20!” Then gave a cheer. “Yay, Mike!”
“Nice job,” Gunner said.
Mike grinned at her, holding her with his elbows bent close to his chest for a second before murmuring, “You and I both know what I’m going for now.”
“More minutes?” Shar asked, her body getting all warm again.
“Yes, ma’am.” Mike winked, and then started pressing her up and down again. He didn’t even seem to be breathing hard as Lily laughed and started counting again.
“… 34 … 35 … 36, Mike, how long are you going to keep going?”
“As long as Shar will let me.” His grin was huge, and Shar decided she was absolutely in deep like with this man, but her stomach and head were protesting being lifted up and down like a barbell over and over again.
“I think you’ve won the bet,” Shar managed.
He pulled her down close again and murmured so hopefully only she could hear, “But sixteen minutes is nowhere close to long enough. Can I kiss you as long as I want?”
Shar stared into his dark brown eyes. They could kiss all night long, and she wouldn’t complain. “Yes, sir. As long as I get to shower off my stinky sweat first.”
Mike released his barbell grip on her and wrapped his arms around her. “As long as I get to see you in just a towel after.”
“Mike Kohler,” she scolded. “Do you kiss your mama with that mouth?”
Mike laughed deep and throaty. “Yes, ma’am, and I’m going to kiss you with it too.”
Shar was hot from head to toe, and she could hear Gunner and Lily laughing behind them. She pushed off of Mike when all she wanted to do was kiss him here and now. Scrambling to her feet, she said quickly, “I’m going to shower, and then I’ll make y’all lunch.”
Mike jumped up to his feet and winked at her. “Sounds like a great plan, but when do I get my bet repaid?”
“Tonight, unless you tick me off before then,” she shot at him, then turned and pumped up the stairs to her bedroom. She doubted very much he could do anything that would tick her off, and she could hardly stand the wait for darkness to fall. Gunner and Lily would hopefully want some privacy as well because all she wanted was time alone with that beautiful man.
Chapter Eleven
Shar was anxious and excited about all those minutes of kissing that Mike had earned as the day slowly progressed. She enjoyed being around Gunner, Lily, and most of all, Mike, but at the same time, she was wishing away each moment of daylight.
Lily and Gunner kept sharing secretive looks, and Mike kept giving Shar smoldering glances as they ate and made a fuss over Shar’s vegetable soup and Waldorf salad for lunch. Then, they played card games and watched a movie to pass the time in the afternoon. Shar really enjoyed snuggling close to Mike during the movie, but she wanted more. She wanted to kiss him and never come up for air. While Gunner checked everything outside, monitored security, and spent more time on the phone discussing the people Mike had written down with Sutton, the rest of them worked together to make a seafood scampi, homemade breadsticks, and seared vegetables for dinner. Shar worried that Lily had eaten a similar pasta last night, but Lily reassured her she would be more than happy to eat it again.
Dinner turned out fabulous, and Shar was blushing from all the compliments, especially loving how much Mike seemed to enjoy it. They all talked and laughed together as they ate and cleaned up after. Gunner could actually be funny, but Shar still thought he’d married up. Lily was amazing. After they cleaned up dinner, they sat around in the living area, talking. Shar felt like she and Mike were just waiting for the moment it was acceptable to say they were going up to bed. Not that they were going to bed together, but that they would finally get those minutes of kissing she’d been daydreaming about all day.
“Any news from Sutton?” Mike asked.
Shar really liked that they all were part of this. Gunner didn’t seem to be hiding anything from them. He and Lily were a great team, and Mike included her in the conversation.
Gunner straightened on the couch, and his dark eyes got more serious. “They haven’t found any red flags about most of the names on your list.”
Shar felt the swoop of disappointment. Would they ever find this stalker?
“But Sutton is concerned about Brett White.”
Shar straightened and glanced at Mike. “The wide receiver for the Giants is on your list?”
He nodded tightly. “He called this morning, and I couldn’t put the name from my mind as I wrote the list. I felt bad about it, though. He’s been my friend since college, and actually I’ve known him since high school.”
Since college? Shar could understand why Mike would feel bad about naming his fellow player and friend.
“There are a few red flags with Brett, besides the fact that the timing works, and he has the means to coordinate the stalking or hire somebody to,” Gunner started explaining. “He’s got reasons to hate you for winning the Male Athlete of the Year over him in college, taking his spot on the Patriots, and really, just being the all-star. But there’s some other info that Sutton’s guys uncovered, actually through one of Preston’s old college buddies who plays for the Giants. I guess Brett was bragging that he was going to get your spot on the Patriots to somebody in the locker room before their early afternoon game. When Preston’s friend overheard him and asked him about it, he clammed up, said he was just joking. Preston got a text about it and passed on the info to Colt.”
“But that could just be a player bragging, and the jealousy thing is nothing new. These guys are highly competitive, and all want to be the best,” Lily said.
Mike nodded. “Even if he was my stalker, what’s the play? He’s trying to upset me enough to make me not play well, so he takes my spot?”
Gunner shrugged. “A lot of players are head cases, right? Maybe he’s hoping to make you one.”
“Maybe.” Mike shrugged. “So, nothing else?”
“Sutton is concerned enough that he’s got two men trying to find Brett to question him.”
“What do you mean trying to find him? He had the one o’clock start today. He should just be flying home with the team.”
“Should be, but he’s not on that plane.”
The room went quiet. Brett not being on that plane felt ominous, and looking out the windows at the world darkening around them, made Shar suddenly uneasy.
Mike seemed to sense it. He slid his arm around her and said, “Don’t worry. Gunner and Lily have us so safe in this cabin, an army could come after us, and they’d just laugh and take them all out.”
Lily smiled. “That’s right. You two are safe. Do you want to �
�” She pumped her eyebrows. “Head upstairs?”
Shar gave her a look but secretly loved the suggestion.
“Yes, yes we do,” Mike said, grinning. He stood and reached out his hand to Shar. She put her palm against his much larger one, trembles racing through her at his warm touch and the depth of meaning in his eyes. This handsome, incredible man was going to kiss her, for a long, long time. She felt her stomach take flight. She could hardly wait.
Standing, she murmured goodnight to Lily and Gunner who were watching them with amusement. She walked close to Mike’s side as they ascended the wide staircase. The loft was dark except for some built-in nightlights and the light coming from below in the main room. Mike paused outside her door and smiled down at her. She heard Gunner and Lily’s voices trail away, and then the master bedroom door close. She knew Gunner was probably monitoring the command center in there with all the security camera feeds and monitors, but she hoped the couple could enjoy some alone time.
She loved that she was finally alone with Mike, and her stomach did a happy dance as he rested his hand on the door frame next to her, leaning close and effectively pinning her against the closed door.
She shouldn’t have, but she couldn’t help but quip, “So do you have a timer? I want to make sure you get your allotted minutes.”
Mike smiled. “I’ll just count in my head.”
“Ah!” Shar protested. “You had better not be able to count while you kiss me. I can’t even think straight when you kiss me.”
Chuckling, Mike eased closer. His strong body brushed against hers, and a flame lit inside her. “Hmm, I guess things were a little fuzzy in my brain the last time we kissed. We’ll see if you can distract me enough to stop my internal counting.”
Shar slid her palms up his chest, and he let out a low groan. She smiled. “Why don’t you just forget about the timer?”
Cami’s Georgia Patriots Romance Collection Page 49
