Chapter 3

Elias

It takes a whole three days before I see Caleb again. Of course, the days were fun as hell. I’m not so gone for him that I couldn’t enjoy myself without thinking about him. Even if I did think about him a lot.

Surprisingly, I found myself wondering less about what he’d taste like and more about who he was. Simple things like what food he likes, what music he listens to and his favorite drinks. But deeper questions have been on my mind too. What are his goals? Does he like working here or is it just what’s been expected of him?

Of course, now that I’m finally seeing him again, all of the things I could ask him vanish from my brain. I stare at him like he’s a fucking marvel because he basically is. He’s too gorgeous for words and my mouth literally waters at the sight of him.

It could be because he’s shirtless, adding a brand new level to the deliciousness that is Caleb Burke. His body is unreal.

I might actually have to remove myself from his presence to take a cold shower if I can’t peel my eyes off of him soon enough. His stomach though… sweetJesus. His abs aren’t super toned and tight, they’re like the rest of him—thick. Like he could break my fist if I tried to punch him there.

Hitting him isn’t something I would do. Hitting on him… well, I don’t know that I’ll be able to stop myself. God, I hope he’s into men.

He’s tightening some screws on the dock that I didn’t even know needed to be tightened, but good gracious it’s like he’s putting on some private dreamy show for me.

“Can I help you with something?” he drawls and I stiffen, looking up from his bare stomach to find him watching me. Aaaaand I’ve been caught. Shit.

“Nope,” I choke out awkwardly.

He arches a brow in disbelief. “You sure about that? You’re starin’ awful hard.”

A hot cowboy calling me out of my shit. Best vacation ever.

“You’re like, ridiculously hot,” I blurt out, unashamed.

Saying what’s on my mind is one of my more prominent traits. Erin says that’s because I’m a ‘himbo’ but she’s a bit dramatic. I like to think of myself as more of a sweetie. Like a cinnamon roll.

Sweet and playful as I typically am, the things I want to do to Caleb are far from sweet. If he’d have me, I’d put him on his knees in a second flat. What would his little accent sound like while he’s begging for my cock and calling me Daddy like a good boy?

Caleb looks taken aback, lips parted in shock. But hey, at least he doesn’t look pissed off or disgusted. I’ll take it.

“What?” he asks like he might have misheard me.

Well, I’m not going to lie. “I said you’re hot, ridiculously so. Are you sure you work on the ranch and you’re not modeling for some country life magazine or something?”

Again, he looks puzzled. His eyebrows are scrunched in the middle and his expression can only be described as dumbfounded.

Trying to lighten the mood, I shrug. “I don’t mean to make you uncomfortable, but I couldn’t help looking at you.”

“Are you,” he pauses, “Are you hitting on me?”

“Are you going to punch me if I say yes?”

Affronted, his head rears back. “Why the hell would I hit you?”

Well, that’s reassuring.

“Some guys don’t like male attention,” I say, still a bit cautious.

“I’m not—” He shakes his head, chewing on his lip. “I’m not like that.”

Giving him a pointed once over, I ask, “Because you like it, or because you don’t mind?”

Being put on the spot, he shifts uncomfortably, looking over his shoulder for anyone who could be listening in. But we’re all alone out here.

“It’s—” He’s clearly flustered. “It doesn’t matter either way, you’re a guest.”

Oh wow, I gulp. Caleb just might be interested in little ole me after all.

“Is there a rule about that sort of thing?” I tease, lips tipping into a smirk.

“Yes,” he replies without hesitation, but his voice wavers. I don’t think there’s a rule at all, but I won’t press him.

By the look of it, Caleb is either in the closet or uncomfortable with being out around his family or maybe just at work. The last thing I want to do is push too hard and make him feel bad in any sort of way.

“Well.” I click my tongue tilting my head to the side. “That’s just too bad.”

“Yeah,” he rasps. “Too bad.” And for the first time, Caleb eyes me up and down, getting a long and slow look at me. Fuck, I wish my shirt was off like his.

Licking my lips, I let him pursue me with his eyes. Get a good look, baby. This could all be yours.

Damn, where did that come from?

Do I want to be his? Shit, I think I definitely want him to be mine, and I’m a fair kind of man. If Caleb is mine, I’ll damn sure be his.

“If you’re ever in the mood for some rule-breaking, come and find me,” I suggest brazenly. “We could have fun.”

“Fun?” he echoes.

So. Much. Fun.

Flashing him an eager grin, I nod. “You have no idea.”

His throat bobs and I wish I could catch his Adam’s apple between my teeth. I wonder if he likes it rough, he looks like he could handle rough.

Would Caleb bottom? He’s radiating some pretty serious grumpy top energy, but you never really know for sure. I’ve almost always topped but I would let Caleb fuck me if he asked—as long as he knew who was in charge. Being dominant is what gets my blood pumping, so it would be pretty difficult to switch in that regard.

“I have to go,” he says suddenly, probably overwhelmed by my bold offer.

Wanting to make sure I haven’t come on too strong, I clear my throat. “Tell me to piss off if I annoy you too much.”

There’s that stunned expression again. “What?”

“I’m going to flirt with you, so I’m giving you a fair warning,” I tell him seriously. “Tell me to stop if you hate it, and I will.”

“I…”

“Caleb! I need a hand with this!” someone calls out, interrupting whatever he was trying to say.

Smiling, I offer him a quick wave. “See you around, Caleb.”

Taking the pressure off of him, I walk away first. Erin and Abel are grilling on their deck and I’m supposed to be meeting them for dinner in a few minutes—well, I might actually be late now.

So worth it.