Getting Wet Read Online Free

he closed his calloused grip against her digits. Whatever he did for a living, he used his hands.
    “I am staying at the Open Heart.” She twisted her lips shyly.
    “That is a charming coincidence.”
    “What is?”
    “I am also staying at the Open Heart. Teebie has been most hospitable.” He laughed, and they were on their way through the woods and down the lanes toward the glowing, bright light of the hospitality lane.
    He kept her close to him when they passed other males, and he bristled with hostility when a few of her dance partners said hello.
    Gusty was a little uncertain when they finally arrived at the Open Heart. She had the man she had been dreaming about, but there was only one problem. What was she going to do with him?

Chapter Four
     
     
    Teebie waved them into the morning room, and glasses of wine floated in and settled next to them on the end tables.
    Gusty smiled, “It takes getting used to.”
    “I can see that.” He picked up his glass and took a sip.
    “So, I am guessing that you have met my sister. How was she?”
    Randal smiled, “Surprisingly hospitable once she got over the fact that I was the stripper.”
    Gusty chuckled. “Yeah, it was a hurdle, but if I wanted you, she was all for it. Frankly, I am amazed that you didn’t have any claw marks on you. She can be a little pointy if she isn’t expecting guests.”
    “Well, she did force me to watch a chick flick. We shared the popcorn and the tissue box.” He blushed.
    “Ouch. It must have been movie night.”
    “Well, she kept her left hand clawed for most of it. She relaxed about halfway through the movie.”
    “That’s impressive. Rayna can keep herself in a state of readiness for hours.”
    “That is what her husband said. He was less surprised to see me there than she had been.”
    Gusty laughed. “Gregory has known my sister since high school. He is aware of her temperament. If you were dangerous, you would have been bleeding.”
    She sat sideways, facing him while he sipped at the wine.
    He mimicked her like a bookend. “So, how did a lady like you end up watching peelers and staying sober?”
    “Ah, well, Bekka was having a bachelorette and she needed a designated driver. I rarely drink, so it wasn’t a hardship. I sat in the back to let more eager fans get the full view of the men on offer.” She twisted her lips. “Once you were finished, Bekka was overheated, so I hauled her to the next bar, hoping that the break would do her some good. It didn’t.”
    Silence slipped between them.
    She could watch him forever, but she guessed that it would freak him out, so she reached behind her and grabbed her wineglass. A sip told her what she needed to know. It was a black currant cordial with no alcohol in it. It looked like wine and that was good enough for her.
    “What do you want out of life, Augusta?”
    “Call me Gusty.”
    “Gusty, then. What do you want out of life?”
    She thought about it. “I want a family, if possible. A home of my own and a man who is mine alone from the moment we join until we die.”
    He cocked his head. “That all seems doable.”
    “What do you want?”
    “I want a woman who will look me in the face, speak to me and listen to my thoughts and opinions. I would, also, like a family. I have two brothers and two sisters, three nieces and four nephews. I would enjoy adding to the tally.” There was a soft expression in his eyes. “A little girl with your eyes would be ideal.”
    She blushed. “It might be a boy with your eyes or some combination of the two.”
    “It might be nothing at all, though I am not averse to trying.” There was a delighted gleam in his eyes.
    “That sounds good, but I don’t think that tonight is the night to start.”
    He inclined his head. “Of course. May I escort you to your room?”
    “Please.” She got up and held her wineglass.
    He drained his and got to his feet. He towered over her, and she felt warm and protected. When he slipped his arm around