Page 82 of Work It Out
Yep. Quin had both hands in the air, making like he was signaling a plane. She sighed dramatically. “I guess there are worse things than being handcuffed to a hottie for a few hours.”
“Hottie, huh?” Jake patted her rear. “We’re definitely sneaking out of here with our handcuffs when this is over.”
Rayah grinned. “Just don’t forget to swipe a key, too.”
“Took you two long enough,” Jean griped as they approached. “Where’ve you been all morning? You said you’d be here at eight. The tourists are gumming up the works, and we’re almost out of handcuffs.”
Sometimes, Rayah wasn’t sure how Jake’s grandmother really felt about her, or anyone for that matter. Jean could be gruff on a good day, and no one was spared the sharp edge of her tongue when she turned contrary. She was kind enough, usually. She just liked things—and people—a certain way: hers.
Jake didn’t let go of Rayah’s hand when he leaned over and kissed his grandmother’s cheek. “Good morning to you, too, Granny.”
Quin laughed, watching his wife soften. “Allow me to translate for you, darlin’. That’s polite talk formind your own business.”
“Now, Gramps. I’d never say such a thing.”
“Hence the need for translation.” Quin held out a pair of handcuffs with a wink in Rayah’s direction. “Don’t let her vinegar bother you. She’s worried about Zandar. He’s had a time this morning. Keeps saying there’s been sightings down by the creek.” He rolled his eyes. “Love the guy like a brother, but hand to God, he takes it further and further the older he gets. He wouldn’t even tell me what the prize is this year, and Jean and Ican’twin.”
“Sightings?” Rayah asked, then switched to a whisper. “As in someone actually saw the fabled porcupigs?”
“Pork-u-pigs.” Jake chortled. “You’re on fire, cupcake.”
“So he says.” Quin scratched his chest. “I hope he isn’t developing dementia. He hasn’t shown any other signs, and believe me, I keep my eyes open. He’s strictly delusional, no hallucinations or confusion.”
“I doubt it, but the old fart’s up to something.” Jake carefully clicked a cuff around Rayah’s wrist and then his own.
“Don’t be rude, Christopher. Though I thought the same thing.” Jean’s eyes drifted to where Zandar stood at the tree line, squinting at something and flicking his thumbnail against the nail of his forefinger.
“He looks worried,” Rayah said.
Quin watched him, too. “He is. Let’s get this show on the road. The sooner we start, the sooner I can find out what he’s done now. Chris knows the rules. You kids have fun, and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
Jean scoffed. “More like don’t do anything he would do.”
Quin waggled his eyebrows.
“And on that note…” Jake twined his fingers with Rayah’s and led them away.
She expected him to head back toward their group. Instead, he turned them in the direction of the trees. “This is going to sound terrible,” he began. Her step faltered, but he squeezed her fingers. “I don’t want to share you today.” A sheepish look crossed his face. “I know you worry about your crew, but they’ll be fine. I want to be selfish and keep you all to myself.”
Rayah couldn’t decide if she should be thrilled or not. On the one hand, she didn’t want to share him, either. On the other… “I don’t know that I have enough in savings to bail them all out.”
Jake grinned. “I’ll float you a loan if it comes to that.”
“Loan, my foot. This is your brainchild. You can pay the whole bill.”
“Anything for you, cupcake.”
Rayah inched closer to his side, stealing a bit of his warmth. Winter was knocking at their door. The crisp scent of coming snow teased her nose. She’d been all around the world, from crystalline seas with their white sand beaches to seas of humanity and their concrete jungles. None of it compared to winter in the Coconino National Forest. She’d never seen one place shift and change the way this one did. Within an easy drive, a person could see everything from magnificent red rock mountains and miles of scraggy desert to lush forests dusted with snow and rushing waterfalls.
This was her absolute favorite time of year in the park. The days weren’t typically freezing by a Midwesterner’s standards, but the possibility of snow tempted with promises of hot cocoa and nights by a fire. This year she could enjoy it to the fullest, because she wouldn’t spend Thanksgiving or Christmas alone; Samuel had both planned to the most minute detail.
That last thought gave her pause. She wouldn’t spend Christmas alone. She might, if she was lucky, even have Jake to wake up with on Christmas morning. What a present that would be.
“That’s some smile,” Jake said, pulling her from her thoughts. “Should I be worried? You aren’t planning my downfall already, are you?”
Oh, if he only knew. When he smiled at her like that, she’d gleefully plan the downfall of his heart if she had the slightest idea how to do such a thing. “Nah. Not yet.”
An airhorn blasted through the clearing, startling birds from the nearby trees and making everyone in the vicinity jump. “One of these days,” Jake growled, “I’m going to shove that airhorn—”
