Page 104 of Roughing It

Blakely laughs and pushes me, putting space between us. “Just kidding! Let’s go. You got all dressed up for me. I’m not spending the night inside.”

I guide her through the door, taking a moment to appreciate her outfit. The hiking boots and leggings are practical, the skin-tight dress, though? That’s all her.

Slinging her forgotten waterproof jacket over my shoulder, I lace our fingers together and lead her to the Jeep.

Being the gentleman my parents raised me to be, I open the car door. But in a move that would make my momma blush, I slap Blakely’s shapely ass as she climbs in.

“Hey!” I love it when she pouts.

I drive us down the narrow path meant for hiking, not a vehicle, until it’s too overgrown to go any further. Still knocked a good twenty minutes off the trip. A glance at Blakely tells me she hasn’t figured out where we are.

The sun sets behind the higher mountains as we hike through the forest, following the last third of the worn path toward the lake. The golden hour glow creates a tawny warmth, the lingering light filtering through the leaves.

“Every day out here is better than the one before,” Blakely says, a hint of wistfulness threading her words. I squeeze her hand and bid her onward; the forest isn’t our destination for the night.

About twenty yards from where the treeline breaks, I stop. “Trust me?”

“Yeah.” She answers quickly, but narrows her eyes. “Why?”

“Asking why defeats the purpose of giving me your trust, Spitfire. Now close your eyes.”

She snorts. “If you’re planning onWhite Fangingme out here, eyes open or closed, I won’t be able to navigate back on my own.”

“White Fanging? I don’t even want to know. Now, close your eyes.”

Blakely’s lower lip juts out, but she does as I ask. Mindful of the brambles and brush, I steer her out of the trees and into the clearing that surrounds Lake Pica.

“Where are we?”

“The lake.” At my answer, Blakely stiffens.

“What are we doing here?”

“Shh.” I cradle her against my chest. “Can’t have you scared of the water. We’re making some new memories.”

The tiny nod is enough of anokayfor me.

“Alright, open your eyes.”

Blakely’s mouth drops, and she takes two steps forward before turning.

“This is… did you do this? Today?”

I survey my handiwork, proud of what I accomplished. Battery-powered lights loop around the bow of my docked boat, and pillows and blankets pad the floor. At the shoreline, a seating area waits with a basket full of food and a crackling fire.

“Bo gave me a hand, but yeah, I did this today.” Sweeping her blonde hair to the side, I kiss the sensitive spot beneath her ear and hug her.

“How?”

I chuckle and kiss her in that same spot, loving the goosebumps that spring up on her skin. “The hardest part was sneaking into the cabin to get the wine. But you were in the bath with your earbuds and some sort of alien-looking goo on your face. You’re a terrible singer, by the way.”

“People tell me I have a lovely voice!” She cranes her neck and gives me her best mean mug.

“Hate to break it to you, but they’re liars. You need morehonest people in your life, fewer yes-men.” When her pouty face returns, I can’t resist sucking her plump lower lip between my teeth. “Come on. Let’s eat.”

The immediate dilation of her pupils doesn’t pass my notice. Into her ear, I whisper, “Real food first.”

My bratty baby arches her back and grinds her hips into my cock. “Fine. Feed me.” Then, with a loud laugh, she strolls to the fire pit.

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