Page 30 of Wilderness Daddy

“Hey, Akari,” my brother says, hopping off the truck and heading to the cooler. “Want a beer?”

She smiles at him and nods. I’m taken aback. Wine, something fruity maybe, but beer? Maybe I don’t know this girl like I think.

He tosses a can at her and she catches it with one hand.

“Thanks,” she says and once again her voice is soft and feminine. Her eyes find mine and they’re dark, large, and warm. There’s another pull, but this time in my cock. I hop off the tailgate then as well.

“I wanted to come by and apologize.” She looks down at the beer in her hands, fiddling with the tab like Grant had done earlier, before cracking it open. “I was a terrible date the other day and an even worse person today.”

“You can say that again,” I answer but my voice is as soft as hers. My brother looks between us and clears his throat.

“I think I hear Mom calling.” He chuckles as he heads for the door. His shoulder smashes mine as he passes. “Bro, test drive,” he whispers, but I ignore him to watch Akari. She’s looking at my gear.

“Camping?” she asks, her eyes flitting back to mine.

“Outdoor adventure. I haven’t taken time for myself in years. It’s always been school and the business.”

She nods. “Is this the beginning of your time away?” The insecurity in her voice is killing me. I have to resist going to her, reassuring her. Her vulnerability is intoxicating, especially since her other side, the side of her I’ve been exposed to far more often is such the polar opposite. Steely and determined, soft and insecure, there are so many sides bursting in different directions, she’s practically a prism.

“Yes.”

She shuffles her feet. She’s wearing the smallest pair of Saucony sneakers I’ve ever seen on an adult. I bet they’re a size five or smaller.

“You gonna drink that beer?” I ask, tipping my own at hers.

I know she’s struggling to find the words she wants to say. My question gives her more time since she takes a pull from the can. A quick swallow and she looks straight at me. “Are you still going to marry me?”

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