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“Like hell that’s happening,” Ryder yells back, his voice sounding closer with each word. “My eyes are closed, I swear. One of you pioneer women come over here and grab my socks. I took ‘em off for ya to…uh…use.”

“You,” I designate Brynn before she can even try to send me. “He’s your escort, not mine. Go get those socks!”

Not that I mind the fact he came along, watching out for us party newbies, keeping us safe, but no way am I waddling, drawers around my ankles, over to him with pee trickling down my legs. Her admirer—her job.

“Have we met? You know I’m not doing that! No way.” She’s shaking her head, glaring at me. “I mean it. I think I’m almost dry now. Tell him never mind,please.”

“Ryder,” I turn on my phone’s flashlight and hold it up in the air. “Walk toward the light and throw us the socks.”

“Alright. And I’m not looking, I promise,” he answers and I hear twigs start snapping as he approaches. “Here comes one.”

The balled-up sock lands within reach, and I snag it, giving Brynn a sassy smile. Cleaned up, I toss the sock, fix my clothes and stand…now dry and dressed.

“Still want to be left here, or should I go get the other sock for you sinceI’mno longer squatting with my ass hanging out?” I tease her.

“Please,” she grates, low and annoyed. “Go get it. And thank you,friend.”

I jog over to Ryder, retrieving the sock in his hand, and gently pat his cheek. “You’re a decent guy, Ryder Banks. I’ll be sure to put in a good word for ya. Be right back.”

Brynn gets situated, still a bit prickly at her embarrassment and my goading, as we start toward Ryder…only for her to stop suddenly, causing me to slam into her back.

“What the…”

“Ssshh!” She cuts me off. “Do you hear that?”

Yes, indeed I do. Someone is screaming like a banshee.

“Brynn! Answer me God dammit! Where are you?”

“Oh, Ryder,” she blows out dejectedly. “You didn’t.”

“Now, let me explain,” he wears a sheepish frown, holding out both hands. “He texted me and asked where I was, and if I’d seen you. He was worried, Brynn. I couldn’t lie to him.”

“Brynn! Counting to five and I’m dialing him!” The mystery lunatic screams again.

“Dialing who? And who’s yelling? What am I missing?” I fire off my questions.

“It’s my brother. Ryder told him where we were. And that’d be my father he’s threatening to call,” Brynn mutters.

“Oh,” is all I can think to say. Haven’t met the brother, but Ihavemet Mr. Kendrick, so I shiverforher at the thought of him being called. Brynn’s dad is the sexiest DILF I’ve ever seen, but every bit as frightening as he is handsome. I’m also next to certain he has mob ties…oristhe “Godfather.” I’d believe either one.

“Yeah, oh,” Brynn deadpans. “You told him, you can answer him,” she clips at Ryder.

“Come on,” Ryder sighs, reaching for Brynn’s hand, which she denies him. When we emerge from the woods, Ryder hollers, “JT, over here, man!”

My Lord, Mary, Joseph andallthe disciples…running toward us is an exact replica of Mr. Kendrick.Thedefinition of a BILF. Seriously, they should put his picture beside the word in the Urban Dictionary. Not that I’ve ever acted on anilfwith anyone, but my vulgar opinions are my own, to be only slightly ashamed of privately.

“Brynny, what the fuck?” the damn beautiful man growls when he reaches us. “Why didn’t you answer me, and what the hell are you doing at a field party full of drunks?”

“Calm down, I’m safe. Ryder’s here to protect us,” she answers him casually. “I’m not an idiot. I’d never come alone.”

“Oh, I’mwellaware thatRyderknew where you were. In the damn woods! Swear to God man, I’ve been cool about you spending time with my baby sister, but if you were out there playing grab ass with her, I’m gonna beat the ever-lovin’ shit out of you!”

A huge vein pops out on his forehead and he moves to charge Ryder, but my calm, quiet friend Brynn turns rabid monkey, intercepting his attack by propelling herself onto his back, pulling his hair and kicking her legs.

“Jefferson Tate, you stop it right now!” she screams. “You know better than that.”

“Fuck, Brynny!” he howls and drops to his knees. “You clipped a nut with your damn foot. Get the hell off me and start explaining this wilderness hike of yours, or I swear, one ball in my stomach or not, I’m gonna be kicking some ass!”

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