Page 58 of Mountain Pine
“Still want to swim?” I tease.
“Hell yeah, I do.”
No way. She’ll chicken out.
Taylor stomps over to the bank barefooted and my brain instantly scrambles into protective mode. I quickly calculate the chances of an old fishhook or metal scrap left behind that can hurt her. I should also be more mindful of the nocturnal animals getting too close. What other dangers do I need to prepare for so she can have fun and be safe?
“Woo hoo!” She kicks her feet up, splashing water around.
My heart races because what if the stream’s current has picked up?
“Taylor.” I storm after her.
She kicks water up at me and scurries away, cackling.
“Why you…” I barrel towards her and toss her over my shoulder. She squeals and laughs and I smack her ass. “It’s too cold for a night swim. I don’t want you getting sick.”
“I’ll be fine.”
But when I set her down by the fire, she scoots closer to it and warms herself. “This does feel way better though.”
Yeah, because the temp has dropped considerably tonight.
Tossing on a few more logs, I get the flamesroaring for her. As much as I’d love to turn this campsite into a mini nudist resort, that’s not happening. We’re in bear territory. Not to mention there are other predators out here we need to be wary of. The last thing I want is us running for our vehicles with our asses out.
After putting on my pants, I grab her dress and bring it out to her. Taylor regards it like it’s made of hornets. “I’m not wearing that yet.” She tips her head back again and closes her eyes. “This feels too good.”
Hey, I’m not forcing her to cover up. I’ll just stand guard and protect her while she moon bathes.
“What a great day,” she sighs after a while. Stepping away from the fire, she finally grabs her dress from the back of her chair and slips it on. I hand her a blanket just in case she wants to get extra cozy. Taylor sits next to me and stares at the blaze. “This was perfect.”
Was. Notis.
My heart stammers and I’m not sure what to say so I keep my mouth shut…
“Perfect,” I say, smiling at the florist. “She’s going to love it.”
“I’m sure she will.” The old woman rings me up. “Want me to put a bow on it too?”
“Nah. It’s good how it is. Thank you, ma’am.”
I pay for the corsage and leave the flower shop to head down the street. Only I run smack into my father.
“The fuck you doing, boy?”
“Nothing. What are you doing?”
“None of your goddamn business.” He stares at the plastic container with the corsage in it and sneers. “Who’s that for?”
I want to tell him none of his business but that’ll just get me in trouble. “A friend.”
He scoffs. “You’re pathetic.”
Not wanting to push his buttons, I try to go around him but he keeps blocking me. “What friend?”
“Taylor.”
“Jesus, kid. When you gonna let that shit go. She doesn’t want you.”
