Chapter 77

Emily’s POV

I bent to tighten the straps on my training boots.

“You’re doing that on purpose,” his voice rumbled behind me.

I looked over my shoulder, keeping my expression as innocent as possible. “Doing what?”

Nathan didn't answer right away. His eyes moved slowly down my body, lingering on the hem of my shorts. “Walking around like that,” he muttered. “It’s like you’re trying to kill me.”

A smile tugged at my lips. Maybe I was. After last night—after the way he had stepped back just to make sure I was comfortable—everything felt different.

I wanted him. It was a constant, buzzing heat under my skin.

I straightened up and walked past him, making sure my hips swayed just a bit more than usual.

A low growl followed me. “You little menace.”

I laughed and stepped onto the grass. The lake behind us was beautiful, with thin morning mist curling over the water. It almost felt peaceful.

Then Nathan moved.