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“Eat that and drink this water. You’re looking better and your eyes seem clear now. “
Grabbing and opening the water, I start sipping it until my mouth doesn’t feel like the Sahara Desert. Then I rip open the granola bar and slowly start to munch on it while Dani hands a bottle of water to Presley, then she plops onto the grass, opening her own bottle and drinking from it.
We sit like this for a while, people watching and trying to get back some of our earlier spunk. When my body finally feels like it’s cooled down and my muscles are relaxed, I attempt to stand up. Takes me a few tries as my legs are a bit wobbly, but once I’m up I start shifting and bending to get my blood flowing again. Knowing they are both watching me, I look at first Dani then Presley.
“Damn it, I’m so frigging sorry. Should have paid better attention to how hot I was getting. I’m so mad that I ruined our day.”
I can feel the tears coming so I fight them, trying to think of anything that will keep them at bay. Well, until Presley stands in front of me, arms out, saying not a word. I slowly walk into him and immediately am surrounded by his muscular arms holding me tightly to him. Then to my utter surprise, I feel small arms go around me and then Dani is hugging me from behind. Well shit, the tears start flowing like a river running wild.
“Shit, Itty Bitty, life isn’t always gonna be fun and games. Just be thankful you had people around who had your back. Whenever you can, push that forward. All we can do. And the day ain’t over, it’s only midafternoon. Let’s head back to the cabins, maybe chill for a bit. Then later see what everyone else is doing, then make some nighttime plans. Sound good to you, ladies?”
I look up to see him grinning like a goof. Both Dani and I agree. When we finally split apart, Presley grabs my hand while Dani walks super close to my other side. We leisurely start to make our way back to the cabins, still enjoying all the views and more importantly each other’s company.
THIRTY-FOUR
‘HANNAH’
SQUIRT/ITTY BITTY
Hearing some noise, I struggle to open my eyes. Damn, what the heck are my sisters doing banging on pots and pans, for Christ’s sake? My head aches and my body is sore. We did a shit ton of walking yesterday and guess I’m out of shape.Not that I was ever in shape,I think to myself. Nothing like Presley is.
That thought brings a smile to my face. Yesterday was one of my best days ever. Hanging with Presley and Dani was just awesome. Even when I cramped up, they acted like it was no big deal. When we got back, everyone was chilling so Dani went back to reading, though out on the deck where Dottie was relaxing. Presley went to check in with his future brothers of the Grimm Wolves, and I took a cool shower and picked up my Kindle, diving into one of the new books I bought. As weird as it sounds, I refuse to read a signed paperback ’cause I don’t want to ruin it. No bent edges or having the spine crack.
Maggie came by after they got back from their boat adventures. She was grinning like a loon as she explained Noodles tried to show both her and Auntie Zoey how to water ski. That had to be hilarious and I wished I was there to see how many times they both fell on their faces. We spent the rest of the afternoon listening to the stories of both Maggie and Auntie Zoey trying and apparently failing to water ski.
Seems like Noodles was an expert, well sure he is, he’s an ex-Navy SEAL. Panther did okay from what everyone has said. Much better than Maggie and Auntie Zoey. As everyone came back and got comfortable in and out of our cabin and chilling on the dock, Pops and Enforcer disappeared for a while then when I saw them coming back, I couldn’t help but laugh.
Somehow, they managed to persuade one of the restaurants to cater dinner for us. They had a truck and everything. So everyone chipped in to get everything ready while the food truck emptied everything right at the beginning of the dock. Someone turned on their music from a phone or iPod. The people started to cook all kinds of stuff from hot dogs and hamburgers to chicken and steaks. When they started putting out all kinds of salads and pickles, tomatoes and stuff, I went to grab some plates but realized we only have six in our cabin. So everyone hustled to their cabins to bring their plates and silverware. We pulled out the table from the back and then sat down for a smorgasbord of tasty delights. I’m so blessed to have all of these people in my life.
Everyone is having an awesome time and as I look around, my eyes connect with Auntie Zoey, who’s watching me like a hawk. Something in her eyes startles me and it takes a moment for me to even recognize it. She looks extremely happy. Her eyes are bright blue with tons of emotions in them, not the ice dead look usually in them. Then she gives me a small smile and a frigging wink. Shaking my head like I can’t believe it, she then shocks the ever-lovin’ crap out of me by laughing.
Panther looks down at her, sees where she’s looking, and pulls her close, kissing the top of her head. When she looks up at him, I feel like I’m watching a love scene from one of my books, so I move my eyes to give them some privacy. My eyes go to Presley, who is watching me first study them, then him. He does exactly what Panther did to Auntie Zoey. He pulls me close but kisses my forehead instead of the top of my head. I lean into him, letting a deep breath out, relaxing fully on his chest.
Hearing a muffled sound, I glance in the other direction to see Maggie wiping something off her face. God, she’s an emotional wreck. Noodles has his arm around her while whispering in her ear. She’s listening to him but her eyes are on the two of us. Finally, it hits me that even if she’s happy there’s a lot of sadness in her eyes.
Oh shit, I think it’s hit her how much of my life she’s missed. And I’ve not been really kind to her since I’ve started prospecting. Being a total brat, especially to her. I don’t want to be, but it seems to just happen. And since she worries so much about me, Maggie’s been taking my crap without any pushback. Damn, I’m such an idiot.
I look up to Presley, who must read my eyes, because he nods then pulls my chair out for me. I walk over to the one woman who never gave up once when I was taken. Leaning down next to her, I grab her hands while looking into eyes that look exactly like mine.
“Maggie, I’m a stupid selfish brat. Please know that no matter what I call you from Maggie to Prez, in my heart you’ll always be my hero. And my mom, though don’t want to call you that because I think it would hurt Momma Diane. I just want you to know that without you, Auntie Zoey, and all our club sisters I probably would have died in that hole. You are one hell of a woman and a great role model. Though got to say, it’s got to suck being so perfect, huh?”
She looks stunned for just a second then both tears and laughter come out of her while she reaches for me, smiling. When I look over, I see my Auntie Zoey and, holy fuck, no way. Did she just wipe a tear from her face? No way I’m seeing that from her. When she focuses on me, I see everything and more. This woman right here, somehow, let me into that portion of her heart that’s left, which protects and loves those she treasures. It’s written all over her face. She’s hiding not a thing. Not wanting to leave Maggie, I mouth to Auntie Zoey a “thank you”followed by an “I love you.”She drops her head for a brief moment then looks right at me, mouthing back, “ditto.”
Taking a minute, it totally hits me that this trip—even though it was for fun—I’ve learned some very valuable lessons. Ones I will take with me going forward. Smiling to myself, I lean back and relax again, trying to absorb all that is going on since time will not stand still.
Only a few of us remain around the firepit as everyone starts dropping like flies. I don’t want to go to bed because that means tomorrow is our last day here. Then Presley will go his way and I’ll head back to Montana. Then the real challenge starts.
Feeling his hands on my shoulders, I move closer to him as he begins to rub my neck and shoulders. Damn, it’s so good a soft moan comes out of my mouth. That’s when I hear Doc’s voice.
“Time to go. Women moaning is a sure sign. Night, everyone. Sleep well.”
Everyone tells Doc good night. I look up and can’t believe all the stars out tonight. It’s so peaceful and tranquil and I wish we didn’t have to leave. I’m torn because I love being in Timber-Ghost, Montana because it means family. But it’s boring as hell right now, and here there’s so much to do and see.
“Come on, Itty Bitty, let’s go sit on the boat and chill. No worries, not going out on it, just somewhere a bit more private.”
Then he wiggles his eyebrows and again I’m giggling. Around Presley I feel like a schoolgirl most of the time, though he still manages to excite me too. Hand in hand we get up, say good night to who’s left, and head to the boat right in front of our girls’ cabin. He helps me on and then we sit on the wraparound bench, his arm around me. And at this moment this is the happiest I’ve ever been. Fingers crossed we can keep this going.
All thoughts slip from my mind when Presley’s fingers under my chin lift my head and his mouth takes mine, first gently, then with a hunger I didn’t know could exist. I match him kiss for kiss, best I can. When he moans into my mouth, it excites me because I made him feel like that. He wraps his arms around me, and we continue to make out like kids on a date, though he never takes it further or tries anything else. This right here is why I feel so safe with him. I can be wild, and he won’t take advantage. So in his arms, I give as good as I get… kiss for kiss.
