...As he’d imagined so many times, Lacy’s body was perfect. Rounded ass, slim waist, and plump breasts. What he hadn’t imagined was her as an exhibitionist—a discovery he intended to remember at a later time. Right now, he was just trying to suck in enough oxygen to keep from keeling over.

“Clint! What are you doing?”

“Me? I’m upgrading my viewing position for the titillation show.” Leaning a hand on the wall, he stepped out of a boot and yanked off a sock.

She clasped a forearm across her breasts and jerked a thumb over her shoulder, then slapped that hand over her ass. “Who’s in the yard?” Her knees bent and she dropped into the water, a grimace twisting her mouth.

Poor thing. The water must be cold. Taking his time, he stripped his other foot of boot and sock. “My friend, Ramon Montemayor. He wanted me to say thanks. So far, your…uh…display is the social highlight of his month.”

And Clint burned with the knowledge he’d missed it.

Reluctant to crowd her, he eased over to the vanity and leaned a hip against it. By now, the water was clear of bubbles, but she’d wrapped arms around bent knees, effectively shielding her body. Forcing an innocent grin, he asked, “Enjoy your bath?”

Her eyes closed and she shook her head, then ducked her chin. “I’m so embarrassed.” A shiver ran through her body.

“No need. You were seeking relaxation.” He pushed off the sink and moved to the head of the tub to start the water flowing again.

At the rushing sound, her head popped up. “Why are you doing that?”

“To warm you. Pull the plug and let out some of the cold.” He’d have done it but she seemed too skittish for him to put any body part in the water. Instead, he tipped the bottle of scented gel and allowed a stream to fall for several seconds before recapping it.

“I’m not sure…”

He worked hard to keep his voice light, wanting her to accept his presence here. “I see your muscles are tense again.”

“They are…a little bit.” She glanced at the rising meringues of bubbles and loosened her hold on her legs. One hand crept under the water to replace the plug, and she turned down the water to a thin stream.

Just the indication he needed. “Lacy, turn around.” With quick twists, he unbuttoned his cuffs and pulled his denim shirt over his head, leaving on his t-shirt. Kneeling, he grabbed the sea sponge and dipped it into the water, wringing out the warm water over her shoulders. In slow circles, he rubbed the sponge over her back, moving deeper along her sides with each stroke.

“Ahh, that’s nice.” Her hands grasped the edge of the tub and her head drooped, exposing her neck. “So soothing.”

Soothing wasn’t exactly the mood he was aiming for. He let his fingers trail behind the sponge as he ran it down her spine. The tips of his fingers felt electrified, like when he touched the goat fence before Ramon switched it off.

Her body stiffened and then her shoulders shimmied, as if asking for more.

“Lacy, do you feel that tingle? Like when we danced?”

“Hmmm. Probably static.”

“Static doesn’t happen in water.” He ran his fingers lightly along the ridge of her collarbone and watched her skin ripple with gooseflesh. No denying that reaction. “This is between us.” He leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her nape, swirling his tongue over the bone.

A bit soapy, but worth the taste of warm skin. “Are you relaxing?”

“Uh-huh.”

“That’s good.” His fingers ran along her ribs to her slender waist, silky skin sliding beneath his fingers. Going slow was killing him. What he wanted was to reach his hands around and cup both breasts. Let the weight fill his hands, burning their shape into his memory. But he hesitated. “What about your arms? Were they tense?” Moving along the side of the tub, he lifted her arm and ran the soapy sponge along the top and then back along the underside.

She sucked in a breath and, with the inhalation, her breasts rose two inches above the bubbles.