Wilderness Girl Read online

  Wilderness Girl

  PUBLISHED BY:

  Cate Masters on Smashwords

  Wilderness Girl

  Copyright © 2011 by Cate Masters

  Smashwords Edition License Notes

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author's work.

  View more books by Cate Masters at

  http://catemasters.blogspot.com

  or select online book retailers.

  To Gary, who helped me find my Wilderness Girl.

  Special thanks to Freya’s Bower, which first published this ebook.

  Previous reviews:

  Wilderness Girl is an adorable contemporary romance with a really cute beginning that will make you laugh out loud! There are multiple funny moments as Hank teaches Dana how to be a wilderness girl. This storyline was a nice change of pace from what I've been reading lately and it was quite enjoyable. Hank and Dana had quite a bit of fun, which made it fun for me. This is my first book by Cate Masters, but it won't be my last. I look forward to reading more from her and I'm thinking you'll feel the same way too!

  Dark Diva Reviews (5 divas)

  I loved this story for one main reason- it's why I love romances. The story was so fun. I always think I like longer books, but the length on this one was just right. Enough to read in one sitting, but filled with everything I needed or wanted to know. Ms. Masters can write a story filled with all the ingredients for a good erotic, romance in my book.

  You Gotta Read

  Wilderness Girl

  Wilderness Outfitters was not Dana’s idea of a Friday night hot spot. Far from it. Judging from the packed parking lot as she and Sean entered, and the volume of people milling in and out of aisles, she might be in the minority, but still didn’t find The Great Outdoors so great.

  Sean led the way through the maze of aisles. “Oh cool. This tent is twenty percent off.” He set the box in their cart.

  She frowned at the hefty price. Twenty percent didn’t amount to much of a bargain. But it might be worth the price. She imagined the two of them in this tent in some secluded clearing. No one else around for miles. That crooked smile sliding across his face, making his thin lips more attractive. The signal that he wanted her. The signal she’d wished for these past few months. He’d stopped looking at her like he really wanted her, and had begun grabbing. Then, wham, it would be over.

  It wouldn’t be that way in the woods. No, he’d have to pay attention to her there. Very close attention.

  He must have had the same thought. She could hear the smile in his low voice when he moved behind her and said, “Hey look, a sleeping bag built for two. Thirty-five percent off.” His arm brushed hers tossing it into the cart.

  Contact. Even small connections such as that had been rare lately. “I am getting kind of psyched about this trip.”

  A smack against her rear startled her to a halt.

  “Good.” He strode to the end of the aisle and rounded the corner, out of sight.

  Not exactly the kind of play she imagined, but hey, it was a start. Rubbing her rear to ease the lingering burn, she scanned the stacks of camping gear piled on the shelves. People must be crazy to pay full price for this junk. But the investment in her future, their future, would pay off. He’d been so distracted lately. Working late, even going missing a couple of nights, leaving her waiting for calls that never came. When she’d asked later, explanations stumbled from his mouth in a staccato rush that left many of her questions unanswered. If going camping helped him focus on their relationship, well, she’d do it.

  A deep voice behind her reached inside her thoughts. “Can I help you with anything?”

  Her hold tightened on the cart handle. Sean must have circled back around. He liked it from behind, and lately doggy-style was their only position. With slow, exaggerated swishing of her hips, she backed toward him. Sexiness never came easily for her, but when her rear fitted against his front, his heat twined through her, more intense than usual. Maybe tonight he would relax a little. Mm, or maybe this shopping trip had revved him up too.

  “Oh yeah, you most definitely can.” She reached around, and her hand landed on his thigh. A thrill shot through her at his sharp intake of breath.

  Maybe she’d give him a taste of what, in particular, she had in mind. He kept pestering her to be more sexually adventurous. Probably why she always felt so awkward.

  She wasn’t awkward now. She slid her fingers to the front of his jeans. Clicking each tooth of the zipper open, his stunned silence made her smile.

  At the sight of Sean walking between aisles, looking in the opposite direction, she froze.

  With a gasp, she whirled around.

  There stood six feet of tanned muscle, wrapped in a faded black T-shirt and jeans shorts loose on his hips. Eyes like wildfire burning in a sun-kissed face.

  Grinning like a fox. “Well, don’t stop there. You have my full attention.”

  She certainly did. The bulge in his pants twitched toward her, and she had to force her eyes up.

  “Oh God,” she stammered, “I thought you were my boyfriend.”

  A slight twinge of his lips dampened his smile. “Damn.” He zipped up, then stepped closer and grasped the cart handle on either side, trapping her between his arms. He peered at her from close range, his dark brown eyes like a deep forest she could wander in a long, long time before wanting to return to civilization.

  His wide mouth eased into a smile. “I’d be happy to work something out.”

  “I….” Staring at those lips, so full and lush, she couldn’t remember what she’d intended to say. Her nipples tingled straining toward him.

  He noticed. His eyes widened, and shone with heat. “If you’re about done here, we could go get some coffee and talk about it.”

  His throaty tone churned something powerful deep within her.

  “That sounds really nice.” Entranced by the thought she’d only have to lean forward for a taste of him, she almost forgot to add, “But I can’t. I really am here with someone.” She tried to say it with conviction, but her breathy voice extended a subliminal invitation anyone within earshot couldn’t miss. Somehow she’d avoided the term boyfriend.

  He clucked his tongue. “Sorry to hear that.” The spark in his eyes set her on fire. He sauntered past, sending a tremor through her. She felt sure if his skin came in contact with hers again, the Wilderness Outfitters sprinkler system would kick on, and firemen would have to disentangle her body from his.

  He laid his hand atop a box. “You have some nice gear here.” He shifted to one hip, tilted his head down in a smoldering gaze.

  She held in a tremulous sigh. She could say the same thing about him. The store should hire him as a pinup guy. Sales would skyrocket, especially among the female demographic.

  “Is it? I’m new to all this.” Flirting included. Normally, she gagged near girls who made such an obvious play for a guy. If she’d met him sooner, she’d have understood. Now she wished she hadn’t turned around so soon, so she could have explored those chiseled contours by feel a little longer.

  “Yeah.” His gaze swept across her. “Top of the line.”

  “I’m so glad you approve.” Her voice came out low and husky, layering innuendo on the simple statement. His quick smile left her flushed with warmth. “I mean, it’s good to get a second opinion. I don’t even know what to pack.”

  “Hmm.” He lifted
the sleeping bag and peered underneath. “You are lacking in a few key areas.”

  That didn’t sound promising, but she was all for making any needed improvements. “Such as?”

  He moved to the cart. “Allow me.”

  “Please.” She’d gladly surrender it, especially if it meant extra time with him.

  He strolled behind it into the next aisle and pulled a box from the shelf with a photo of a lantern on it. “Now this is a great thing to have. No batteries needed – wind it up for a few minutes, and you have light for an hour. It clips right inside your tent.”

  She eased near to read the label. His scent mixed woodsy and earthy elements in a uniquely appealing way, she found herself reminiscing of her childhood when she loved to roll down the hill. The thought of rolling in his scent made her smile up at him. “That’s a great idea.” If only he knew what she was referring to, maybe he’d make a dash for the exit. But maybe not. Something made her want to find out.

  His hand grazed her back. “Come on, there’s lots more.” He steered the cart ahead.

  “I don’t know if I can afford too much more.” She walked alongside, wondering why she never felt this comfortable with Sean. And where was he, anyway?

  He paused, rounding the corner. “You don’t need to spend a lot of money. This entire aisle – skip it. All bells and whistles.”

  “Nothing worthwhile, huh?” She scanned the stacks. “How can anyone tell good from bad?”

  He scrutinized her with a teasing smile. “You’re right. A first glance might not be enough. You have to go over everything very thoroughly.”

  Her body warmed as he scrutinized her head to toe. Yes, she was beginning to enjoy the idea more and more. It had been much too long since she’d had a thorough going-over.

  He leaned his elbows against the handle, dropping to eye level with her. With a beckoning nod, he pushed the cart. “If you don’t need it, it’s junk. For posers only.”

  He didn’t need to beckon her to follow.

  She laughed. “Posers, huh? I won’t exactly be an expert out there.” He probably liked athletic, outdoorsy types. The exact opposite of her.

  He tilted his head. “Not right away. The key is not to look like you’re trying too hard.”

  “Or the bears will laugh at me?” The bears wouldn’t be the only ones.

  He bent with laughter, his face close to hers. “No, not the bears. The raccoons, definitely. But they’re snarky anyway.”

  “Snarky. I’ll remember that.” She giggled. She’d hardly been able to make Sean smile; this guy’s hearty laugh was more than contagious, it sounded intimate. And sexy, like everything else about him. “Do you go camping often?”

  “Try to. I love the fresh air, room to breathe. Getting away from the craziness of the world for awhile.” He frowned, as if remembering something painful, then straightened. “So where are you breaking in all this new stuff?”

  She shrugged, then pretended to be interested in the digital compasses on the shelf so he wouldn’t see her dismay at remembering she’d be camping with Sean. Somehow, the idea no longer appealed to her. “I have no idea. Any recommendations?”

  He leaned toward her. “There’s a great spot out on Miller’s Mountain. Top of the hill between the two valleys. Great scenery, clean water in the stream below. More stars than you thought possible. It’s very peaceful.”

  She imagined him there, lazing on the stream bank. “That does sound nice. I’ll look for it.”

  “Maybe I’ll see you out there. And your boyfriend.” He glanced up and down the aisle. “You did say you’re here with him, right?”

  “Yes. I don’t know where he is. Maybe he forgot me.” She almost hoped so. She’d mostly forgotten about him.

  He arched an eyebrow. “He’d be a fool. But I’d hate to think you said it to get rid of me.”

  “No, absolutely not.” Now that she could say with conviction.

  He watched her mouth as she spoke. “Good.”

  She eased closer, wondering what his full lips would feel like against hers. And if he tasted as good as he smelled – like he’d just come back from the fresh air and that clear stream.

  “Dana?” said a familiar voice down the aisle.

  Damn. Sean.

  Wilderness Guy’s eyes moved first to Sean, then to her. “The boyfriend?” he mouthed.

  “Yes.” She hadn’t meant to sound so sad, but she was having a good time with this guy. He was easy to be with, comfortable in his own skin. And so cute.

  He leaned close and whispered, “Totally undeserving.” His gaze connected with hers as he eased away.

  Neither paid any attention to Sean, who asked from the end of the aisle, “What’s going on?”

  Her heart welled with ache. This guy looked at her like she wanted Sean to look at her – with intense yearning. He wasn’t moving, either. Like he’d staked her out as his territory and intended to claim it.

  She couldn’t help but smile at the thought of his muscular legs framing her body, those huge shoulders rippling, him moving against her, deeper and….

  “Dana.” Sean’s voice came more insistent, yet remained grating and whiny.

  “Yes.” She had to force herself to look at Sean. “This nice person was just….” She cleared her throat. “.…giving me some advice about….” She made the mistake of looking at the guy again. His easy smile told her he was enjoying her awkward moment. But not in a mocking way. More like the two of them were putting one over on Sean.

  “About what?” Sean sneered.

  The guy spoke up, still right beside her. “Your gear. You have excellent taste. Everything’s…top of the line.”

  Man, his voice got inside her, worked its way down her belly, made her want to nuzzle into him, let it rumble through her as he moaned….

  “Dana, are you all right?” asked Sean.

  “Fine,” she squeaked. “I’m fine. And you?” She had no idea what she was saying. At Sean’s puzzled look, she scrambled to cover. “Were you ready to go?” Maybe he didn’t notice the disappointment in her tone.

  Sean knit his brows, hands on his hips. He looked a bit scrawny to her now, like a sixth-grader who hadn’t quite reached puberty. “I have one more thing I’d like to check. Come on.” Sean’s glance flicked from her to him.

  She turned back. “Thanks.”

  Grinning down at her, his dark eyes shone. “Anytime.”

  She resisted an urge to reach up on tiptoes to kiss him.

  In a last-chance kind of tone, Sean said, “Come on.” Had his voice always been so irritating? Maybe she should hand the cart over, let him check out on his own.

  Wilderness Guy’s gaze held hers, and it mesmerized her, like a deer in headlights.

  “Dana, are you coming or not?” Sean’s last-chance plea was desperate now.

  “Almost.” Her voice sounded dreamy and far-off.

  The guy’s face lit up with an open-mouthed smile.

  Oh geez. She hadn’t meant to say that. Not out loud.

  “Oh, fuck this.” Sean stalked off.

  “Sorry, I have to go.” Though the prospect of facing Sean’s whining held no appeal.

  He eased closer. “I thought you were about to come. With me.”

  So tempting. She let out a long sigh as she imagined his hands all over her. Clinging to a shred of sense, she turned while she could still think straight.

  Sean. She had to find Sean. Explain.

  Why was it so hard to steer her cart away? Why hadn’t Sean offered to take it, if he had more to add to it? “It was nice to meet you.”

  “You, too.” His voice floated down the aisle. “Come again.”

  She stopped, and closed her eyes, smiling. Damn. She would love to.

  Sean.

  Sean? Her walk slowed.

  He hadn’t exactly encouraged her to follow him. Hadn’t walked to her, laid a hand on her to let the other guy know she was his. He’d just left. Abandoned her. Lately, she felt abandoned too often
.

  She searched each aisle. Sean stood in the last one, talking on his cell phone, looking up at something on the shelf. When he saw her, he turned away, his shoulders hunched. She thought he said something like, “Gotta go. See you soon.”

  Suspicion crept over her when he snapped the cell shut and turned to her.

  “There you are. Let’s go.” He threw the box in the cart, and pulled it toward the registers.

  Dana followed. Wasn’t he even going to ask any questions? “Where did you disappear to?” And who had he called?

  Sean stacked the items on the checkout conveyor. “Me? I was looking for you.”

  Not very hard, she wanted to say. She glanced around the store.

  The guy stood at the end of a nearby aisle, holding something in his hands, but not looking at it. He watched her instead.

  A flush of warmth rushed her neck and cheeks.

  He toodled his fingers.

  She bit her lip. Did she really have to leave? Now?

  Sean patted his pockets. “Oh, damn. I left my wallet in the car.” He glanced at her expectantly.

  Without thinking, she pulled her wallet from her purse. “I’ll put it on my card.” She stepped to the swiper, but fumbled it the first time through.

  The girl behind the register said, “Your total comes to two hundred seventy-five dollars and fifty-three cents.”

  Surprise erased Dana’s arguments. Yikes, what a lot of money. Sean better make it worth her while. She scrawled her signature on the electronic pad with an unsteady hand.

  Sean lifted the bags and walked through the automatic doors.

  She glanced back one last time. Still watching, the guy raised his head in expectation. She hesitated in the doorway. God, he was amazing. Too amazing for a dull nerd like her. She lifted a hand in a reluctant wave goodbye, and followed Sean outside.

  He walked ahead, without waiting. Without so much as a thank you. Shifting his feet beside the car with an air of impatience.