Page 161 of Mind Games

“On his head! And a brown rabbit and a red bird, and Daddy thinks bear poop!”

“You will have that in the woods.”

And I see two sweaty males, she thought, and the bigger one looks a little cranky.

She nodded toward the water bottle hooked to Ty’s belt. “You’re out of water.”

“Somebody bogarted the bottle.”

“I see.” She unhooked her own, offered it.

“Thanks.” A glug cleared most of the irritation vibrating from him.

“One for each person next time.”

“Yeah. Last time we headed up here, one was plenty.”

“Bet it wasn’t as hot.”

“Wasn’t, and we walked farther than before.” He held up the bottle. “Bray.”

“Okay.” Water dribbled down his chin, and Ty’s neck. “Ice water’s more yum.”

“Lemonade’s more yum, too, and I’ve got some.” She turned her back. “Pass him over.”

“He’s heavy. I’ve got him.”

She glanced over her shoulder. “Do I look weak?”

“No, but—”

“I ride Thea.”

“For a minute,” Ty said, and made the transfer, stretched his back. “What’s up that way?”

“Some houses, some cabins, more hills, and a gorgeous wild rhodo that’s still blooming. A friend of ours lives a little ways up.”

She glanced at his high-tops as they started down the trail. “No hiking boots?”

“These hold up.”

“City boy.”

“Guilty. What is it about a long-legged woman wearing boots with shorts?”

“Good traction and comfort on a summer hike?”

“No. No, that’s not it. It is nice to get out like this when you’re not dying of thirst and carrying thirty pounds on your back. Tell me if he gets too heavy.”

“He’s fine. You’ve been busy. I hear you playing.”

“Hit a stride. Sent a couple off to my manager to see if I hit it right. How’s your stride, work-wise?”

“Rem’s down at my place beta testing the one I’m working on. He’ll tell me where I hit it right, and where I didn’t. He’s the worst critic, which makes him the best.”

“Can I play with Bunk? See the chickens? Please!”

“I’ve got time if you do.”

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