Free Heartbreak's Reward (Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight Book 2) by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel Page B

tomorrow and I’ll help you clean it up. Want me to do your laundry too?”
    “Hell yeah. If I can get someone to do my laundry, sure.” He laughed.
    “I’m teasing. I’m sure a big, strong guy like you, who prides himself on setting a GPS, can push a button on a washer and dryer.” Boldness like she used to have kept pushing its way past that sad demeanor she’d harbored for two years.
    “Woman, I’m never feeding you ice cream again if it makes you this crazy.”
    Brenna placed one palm against his chest. “I think you make me that way.” She diverted her eyes. “You make me happy. If you only knew the importance. Be proud, okay?” This whole episode with him did make her forget for a while. Ever since she met him, he got her excited, either with the frustration that turned out to be fun, and now, the laugher and joy.
    “Look at me. I blew off the whole day. My horses need to be fed.” He took her hands. “I have responsibilities. Not to mention a sticky back.”
    “I understand. Now where shall we wash your truck tomorrow?”
    “Not to worry, there’s a car wash right out of town toward Gold Canyon. I’ll show you that place, too. Be ready at 2:30.” He lifted her chin. “Don’t be late when I come to pick you up.”
    “I’m an on-time kind of person. If I wasn’t, the kids would be running the classroom.” She brushed the side of his face with her fingertips. “I’ll be ready.” An awful thought came mind. A car wash. They had hoses at a car wash. Oh, I’m in trouble …
    Jase took her hand and they walked back down the street. He stopped in front of the ice cream shop, twisted his mouth in a lopsided grin, and shook his head. “Too bad we didn’t bring your car because you have hand sanitizer.” He snickered. “You’re always prepared.”
    He had a point. Her hands were sticky and his back wet. Her hand almost stuck to his and he didn’t seem to mind, only releasing it when they got to his truck. He unlocked the passenger side door, reached into his center console, and brought out a box of wet cloths. “I have to be prepared, too. I’d say it’s a great trait, wouldn’t you?” He removed a cloth, took one of her hands and proceeded to clean it off. “I want it to be clean when I lick it.”
    This was a man to be reckoned with. Brenna liked the idea a lot.
    After he wiped her hands, he gave her another cloth and she finished the job. Jase handed her two more, turned his back to her and pulled his shirt over his head. “You don’t mind, do you?”
    Good God! A tattoo spread across the center of his muscled back between his shoulder blades. “Nice tat.” She held her finger an inch away from his skin. Touch him , she willed herself. Brenna flexed her fingers, separating them from the stickiness left between her thumb and forefinger. He wore a silver chain around his neck. She traced with her index finger the outline of the turquoise-colored half-moon, and continued over the lines signifying the rays or beams shooting out from it. Two tiny red stars were harbored within the teal, purple, and yellow colored moonbeams. “I like this. Does it mean something?”
    Jase nodded. She took the wet cloth and pressed it against his skin. His shoulders jerked. Brenna ran it over his sticky back, letting her fingers touch his tight, warm skin. Maybe she’d do this all night to make sure no chocolate lingered in his pores. He placed his hands on the top of his truck, head lowered. The fact that groans slipped out from his throat, meant nothing… Liar . When finished, she laid her palms over his back and pressed her fingers against his skin. Damp. Hot. Strong. Ooh… She was on fire.
    “Thanks, Brenna. Too bad I have to put the dirty thing back on.”
    She agreed. Too bad.
    “Consider yourself lucky.” Jase picked up his t-shirt from the seat. “Not everyone gets to see my tattoo. It’s only for special people to see.” He pulled his t-shirt over his head and turned to face her. “I