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I drain the rest of my drink. Then stand. “He eats cookie dough straight but not in ice cream,” I say.
Surprisingly, my empty cup lands in the trash. I wasn’t sure, between my buzz and the distance. But it’s satisfying to make the shot. One part of tonight that goes according to plan. A little mic drop moment.
Everyone’s attention is on me.
“I’m heading to bed,” I announce. “Night.”
I grab my empty plate off the ground and climb over the log, tossing that in the trash too.
“Do you know where the bathrooms are?” Harrison asks, standing as well.
“I saw the signs, yeah.”
“I can show you…” His voice trails, and my alcohol-addled brain takes a second to figure out why.
“If you don’t want my fist in your face, stop fucking asking for it, Baker.”
I glare at Holden, who’s glaring at Harrison.
“He’s just being nice.”
A muscle jumps in Holden’s jaw as he stares Harrison down. The only sound is the crackle of the fire, the scent of smoke flavoring the thick tension in the air.
I’m mad at Holden, but I’m also annoyed with Harrison now. He could have easily predicted this is exactly how Holden would react. That it would lead to this spectacle I want no part of. And I don’t need or want Harrison’s help, even if it’s well-intentioned.
I shake my head and turn away, heading in what I think is the direction of the path that had signs pointing toward the restrooms. I really have to pee, plus I’m exhausted. Bed sounds wonderful, even if it’s a flannel-lined bag on the ground.
There’s a clink of glass, then the fall of footsteps following me. I spin to watch Holden walk my way, his strides easy and confident. All the anger just aimed at Harrison appears absent.
“What are you doing?”
“You knowexactlywhat I’m doing.”
I cross my arms. “One, I’m perfectly capable of finding the bathrooms by myself. Two, coming here was a mistake. Three, I’ll be even more pissed at you than I am right now if you insist on coming with me. Which one’s thelie, Holden?”
He mirrors my pose, and it makes his biceps bulge. I swallow, blaming the vodka for noticing that instead of focusing on my irritation. In my traitorous libido’s defense, he’s the hottest guy I’ve ever seen. Dating him for three years and knowing him since we were young enough to have recess at school hasn’t dulled that attraction.
“You’re drunk in the woods with no flashlight, no cell service, and no idea where you’re going. There are wild animals around and who knows what kind of strangers. Does that soundperfectly capable, Cassia?”
I have no interest in going to the bathrooms alone after his little speech, and also no interest in admitting that to him.
So I turn around with a huff and continue walking.
“It’s to the left.”
“I know. I need to get stuff from the tent. Is that okay with you,boss?”
Holden doesn’t reply to my sarcasm, just follows me over to the tent. Helpfully shines a light on where my bags are located so that I can grab my toiletries out of the duffel, but I don’t thank him. Don’t speak until I see him grabbing his toothbrush.
“You’re going to bed?”
“Yep.”
I glance at the campfire, still glowing brightly a couple dozen feet away. “No one else is…”
“I’m not sharing a tent with any of them. If you’re ready for bed, let’s go to bed.”
“You can stay up,” I say stupidly. Since I’m certain Holden doesn’t need or want my permission. “I had an early morning, that’s all.”
