AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Annabelle makes an exaggerated buzzer noise. "Weak sauce, try again! Did you two bump uglies?"
"Demon-Doll, you're shameless," I mutter, sure my face resembles an overripe tomato as I quietly shut the door the rest of the way and pull my towel from around my body and fling it to the floor.
I’ll pick it up later.
"And you're being dodgy which means something totally happened! Spill!"
Before I'm forced to respond, Annabelle gasps loudly. "Oh shoot, I almost forgot the real reason why I called! We're all meeting soon for the obstacle course competition at the north beach. Please don't be late or mom will have a conniption!"
I wince, having totally forgotten about it. "Right, thanks for the reminder. I'll head down soon."
"And don't think this gets you off the hook," Annabelle adds sternly. "I expect a full recap later of this so-called nice time you had."
I roll my eyes even as my lips quirk with amusement as I say goodbye. Only my sister could be thrilled about living vicariously through my complicated love life knot. With a resigned sigh, I quickly throw on a pair of yoga shorts and cropped tank top before swinging open the bedroom door.
"So, who's up for another Sharpe family competition?" I ask with exaggerated enthusiasm, not meeting anyone’s eyes.
Wyatt and Emrys exchange unreadable looks while Wilder just laughs and claps his hands together. "Well alrighty then, time for round two! Or is it three now?" His eyes gleam recklessly and I slap my hand to my face before turning back to finish getting ready.
I quickly blowdry my hair, throw it up in a bun and slap some sandals on my feet, not bothering with make-up or anything else. I hate wearing it anyways. Plus, if the obstacle course is on the beach, that means we will all be barefoot anyways.
When I surface once more, the guys are all dressed in swim trunks and t-shirts, their eyes lasered on me. Wyatt’s jaw is tight, his gaze intense as it flicks over my entire frame. Emrys’ gaze is stormy, his muscles bunching as his arms stay crossed over his chest. But Wilder, the cheeky bastard, gives me a lazy perusal and a wink before offering his arm to me.
“Ready to go, darlin’?”
Ignoring the flutter his southern drawl incites, I take his offer. Wyatt and Emrys trail behind us, tension simmering beneath the surface. I have a feeling this event will be anything but straightforward. Then again, when is anything ever easy with these three around?
Wilder's warm hand on mine sends sparks skittering through me as we make our way to the beach. I'm hyper aware of the heated gazes boring into my back and bare legs.
When we step outside into the humid air, Emrys' broad palm finds the small of my back as he nudges Wilder out of the way, his touch searing tantalizingly on my exposed skin. I have to resist leaning back into his sturdy warmth.
On my other side, Wyatt steps closer as we walk, his arm brushes mine, eliciting traitorous tingles. I shouldn't encourage their advances, but my treacherous body seems to have other ideas. Their nearness clouds my mind, my skin craving more contact.
As we approach the crowded stretch of beach, Dad spots us and waves us over enthusiastically. "There you are! We were about to send out a search party."
I roll my eyes good-naturedly as we join the gathering family members. "I wouldn't miss a chance to show up you old-timers."
Dad laughs heartily. "That's my girl, competitive as ever. Although for this event, it's every person for themselves. No teams allowed." His eyes gleam with mischief. "Let's see which of these young men earns the title of victor."
At his words, a charged look passes between Wyatt, Emrys and Wilder. Their competitive natures instantly rising to the surface. I can practically see the testosterone starting to flow as they size each other up.
Wyatt's stormy eyes are intense, his jaw clenched tight. Emrys cracks his knuckles menacingly, muscles rippling under his shirt. And Wilder–his heated gaze rakes over me slowly, filled with dark promise. A shiver runs down my spine.
My dad doesn't even notice the building tension, enthusiastically heading to the small platform with a microphone off to our right. A massive curtain is erected in front of the gathering masses of Sharpes, hiding whatever obstacle course my devious parents managed to dream up this time.
I'm only half listening as he starts explaining the rules of tonight's game. My focus is drawn to the three men poised for battle beside me.
Wilder leans in close, breath tickling my ear as his finger grazes the curve of my collar bone. "What do you say we make this interesting, darlin'? Winner gets a favor from the loser." His gravelly voice drips with suggestion, making my cheeks flush.
Before I can reply, Wyatt steps forward smoothly. "I'll take that wager." His stormy eyes blazing with challenge. Emrys grunts his agreement, golden eyes narrowing to slits.
What is happening right now?
Wilder’s smile falters for a moment as his attention switches to the two men, his posture going rigid as his hand drops to his side.
Before anything else can happen, Dad calls everyone to line up at the starting line, his voice practically giddy. I take my place in one of the four lines, hyper aware of Wyatt, Emrys and Wilder lining up in the remaining rows on either side of me. The reckless wager hangs heavy in the air, thick with dangerous promise.
Somehow we end up first in all four lines, as if my family is anticipating watching the four of us compete for once. Glancing around, I can tell I’m right. Aunt’s, uncles, cousins, and more are giving the four of us a wide berth as they whisper and pass around money. Cousin Jimmy is enthusiastically writing things down on a clipboard and seems to be collecting for a massive pool.
