Page 67 of Absolution

“You know what you have to do, right?”

“No?” I scratch my head, kind of annoyed with her.

“Stop! Don’t show up for that shit. Refuse to take anything less than you deserve.” She laces her fingers behind her head, resting again.

I slip from my chair, grabbing the water gun as I slink over to her. The smile playing on her know-it-all lips incites a riot in me. She knows damn well, Walker taught her to do that and now she’s pretending it’s her gem of knowledge.

I take aim, getting her in my sights. I squeeze the trigger and fire! “Gotcha hooch!”

“You little twat waffle!” Reese flips the hammock, crashing to the ground, and I haul ass around the side of the house as she yells. “I’m gonna get you!”

I’m too busy cackling to notice the mountain of a man I’m running face-first into. “Shit!”

“Caught’cha.” I rear back, staring into his eyes only to be dazzled by his rugged good looks. “I think I like it here.”

I follow his gaze, now locked onto my cleavage hanging from my bikini top. I snap my fingers, directing his eyes up. “Hey… I’m here!”

“Yes, you sure the fuck are.” His grip digs into my hips, holding me to his hard body. My face heats, as a deep ache grows in my belly.

Reese bumps into me, as she drinks all that is Creed Hatcher in. “Hey, there handsome. I’m Reese, the older and more experienced cousin. Volume One, if you will.”

“Volume One goes hand in hand with older if ya know what I mean.” I waggle my brows, grinning like a fool. “Besides, she’s married and full of shit!”

“Nice to meet you, Reese.” Creed offers his hand, kissing the back of hers when she takes it. “But I enjoyed my test ride if ya know what I mean.” He winks at me as I gape.

“Oh, you did not call that out.” Reese covers her mouth on a snort. “For the record, my husband and I are attorneys, in case you need to make your final arrangements.”

Creed clutches his chest; a smile works across his face. “C’mon! I didn’t mean it like that!”

“Uh-huh,” I pull away from him, narrowing my eyes as I raise the water gun and thumb my nose. “say hello to my little friend.”

His eyes widen, cutting to Reese and back. “You’re kidding me, right?”

“My friend does not joke, Ese.”

Creed holds his hands high over his head. “You had me at boobs! Take me and do with me as you will.”

“Are you saying you will be my slave?” I narrow my eyes as Doc dances at our feet, ready to play.

Creed steps closer to me, his eyes smoldering. “Only if we’re talking about sex and loving you, then yes, I’ll be a slave for you.”

“Dayummm!” Reese fans herself and grabs the water gun. A few quick squirts, and she starts fanning herself again. “Y’all hot.”

“Yes, she is.” Creed’s brow cocks as he peruses my half-clad body once again.

“Oh my gracious, I’m the worst hostess!” I step back, taking aim. “Let me help cool y’all off!” I fire as they scatter! Reese takes off again around the house with Creed fast behind her.

Reese runs through the gate, slamming it shut as she does. “Ha! Can’t get me now, bish!”

“Doc!” Creed yells. “This way!” He scales the fence like a monkey, hurling himself over the side. I cut him off from helping Doc, jumping between them to soak him as fast as I can.

“Yesss! I got you!” I scream and take off for the front of the house. “C’mon girl, we’re gonna teach your daddy who the boss is.”

Doc and I hit the front door in a full-on sprint, only slowing when we get to the back door. I peek through the blinds, spotting our prey pacing the fence. I start to giggle when Doc licks my feet.

“You’re gonna get us caught.” I pat her side, holding her next to me: another quick look and its all-out war. We bust through the door and begin the onslaught. “We’re backkkk!”

“Eek!” Reese squeals, as she tries to hide. “Get him, he pissed you off last!”