Read Surrounded by Woods for Free Online

only lead to disaster. Mikaela just didn’t understand what his reason was for avoiding her. Was it just because she was here on business and he was trying to respect that now? Or worse… Was he not really attracted to her? Oh, God, was she just a convenient lay that he realized wasn’t worth the hassle? She’d hoped the wine tonight would help ease her, but what she really needed was a break. She had to get away from the temptation Josh presented, especially if that temptation was one-sided. She was immediately grateful that she never clarified about her broken engagement. No need to let that cat out of the bag now. It’d just raise questions as to why she kept quiet, and worst-case scenario, the knowledge that she’d essentially lied would probably fuel Josh’s reasoning for leaving her alone, assuming he was even interested in her. Hating the idea that she could’ve misread his attraction, she suddenly felt trapped in the middle of nowhere. She had to get away from here.
    Tonight.
     
    * * * *
     
    This was madness! She sat across the table from Josh, and he could feel her heat from where he sat. It was bad enough that he could smell her. Hell, he could smell her everywhere in this house. He’d spent his days working as far away from the house as he could and his nights running in his feline form just to try and get away from her. He didn’t understand why she called to him, why he wanted her, why he needed her. She was becoming the center of his world, and he hadn’t even fucked her. When he shut his eyes, he could still feel her pussy on his fingers, still smell her juices on his skin, still taste her on his tongue. She consumed him, and he hated it! Hated it because he couldn’t do a damn thing about it. He tried his best to honor his father’s wishes and not pursue her because he knew his father was right and he wanted to keep her safe. But he didn’t have to like the fact that he was torturing himself by denying what his body and soul craved, especially when he felt she was the only woman who could fulfill his innermost desires.
    Get a grip, Josh, Thomas warned. They usually saved this type of communication for when they were in their feline forms. It was a convenience, but it wasn’t private. Everyone with the ability to communicate that way heard it as if the words were spoken aloud.
    I’m doing what you asked, Dad. I’ve barely said anything to her in days.
    You’re not the only one who finds her attractive, Josh, Jack said. I’d like nothing more than to claim her myself. This is difficult for all of us.
    Stay away from her! His eyes shot to Jack.
    Back off, Josh. Jack’s right. The only man in his room who doesn’t want to bed her is Dad. Hell, even Toby can’t stop staring at her, and she’s much older than he is. Rob chuckled, and Mikaela’s eyes shot over to him.
    “Something funny?” she asked with a crooked smile.
    All of them men looked at Rob. “Er, yeah. I just remembered something from a TV show I saw last night.” He shrugged and took another bite of his dinner.
    Smooth move, idiot, Josh griped, taking a swig of his drink.
    Enough. No more mental communication with Mikaela in the room. She’s a smart woman, and I don’t want her to get suspicious.
    Josh wanted to remind his father that he was the one who started it, but he realized that’d be a little too petty. Looking at his plate of food, he continued to eat his gourmet dinner, which tasted of wood chips. Nothing tasted right or smelled right with Mikaela around because all his senses focused on her whenever possible. Not that he minded. What was one more torture? He’d rather see and smell her from across the room and remember her taste than to not have her around at all. That wouldn’t be torture because that notion was inconceivable.
    As Josh pushed his plate away in dismay, Mikaela stood, and his eyes shot to her, all of the guys fumbling to stand since gentlemen always stood when a lady stood.
    “If you will