Page 60 of Collect the Pieces

We all take turns approaching the fire with caution to roast our marshmallows. Rock carefully holds his daughter, allowing her to wave a long stick with several marshmallows at the end near the flames. But as soon as they droop and catch fire, Hope’s right there to scoop the stick from her daughter’s hand and rescue the gooey mess.

Laughter ripples through the group as the little girl smooshes sticky marshmallows into her mouth. As soon as everyone has at least one s’more assembled, someone tosses another log onto the fire, sending a fresh burst of golden sparks toward the sky.

The bonfire’s roaring now, flames twisting and crackling as the logs collapse inward, embers glowing hot beneath them. A few guys shift closer to the fire, settling onto a large log that’s been pulled up as a makeshift bench.

“All right!” The guy who’d quizzed me about Jigsaw’s boyfriend qualities at dinner stands and claps his hands.

“Brace yourself,” Jigsaw whispers in my ear. “Whatever Rav’s about to say will be thoroughly obnoxious.”

“Shelby tried to warn me when she called earlier.” I tip my head and catch his lips for a quick kiss.

His eyes widen. “What’s that for?”

“I’m having fun.”

He curls his arm around my shoulders, drawing me closer.

A shrill whistle halts the remaining chatter.

“It’s time for our favorite campfire game,” Ravage announces.

A mixture of groans and chuckles ripple through our wide circle.

“It doesn’t sound like it’s everyone’s favorite game,” I whisper to Jigsaw.

He shakes his head. “That’s because we don’thavea favorite ‘campfire game.’”

“Nope! No way, Rav,” Shelby shouts. “If you’re talkin’ ‘bout us all sharing ‘first time’ stories, I’m out. I already know way too much about y’alls sex lives as it is.”

Laughter follows her declaration.

“He’s just collecting material for his wank bank anyway,” a big burly biker across the circle from us adds.

“Ewww,” Shelby moans. She leans against me, her warm tea and liquor breath spilling over my cheek. “He’s right, though,” she whispers loudly in my ear. “Don’t fall for it like I did. Keep it to yourself.”

I snort with laughter. “It’s not much of a story, anyway.”

“Girrrl,” she drawls. “Same.” She collapses into a fit of giggles, falling against Rooster’s chest.

Jigsaw turns, his body shifting slightly behind me. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you drunk, songbird.”

“I’m celebrating,” she says.

“Margot,” Ravage calls out, pulling our attention toward the fire. I squint and blink through the smoke. “Since you’re new to the circle, youhaveto go first.”

“No, she doesn’t,” Jigsaw says in a low, warning growl.

“Didn’t you harass Margot enough at dinner?” Rooster shouts.

“Come on,” Ravage whines. “It’s a rite of passage. Give us your best first-time sex story. We’re all adults here.”

“Um.” Heidi raises her hand and waves it. “The kiddos are right over there.” She points to a tent next to the blanket she’s sharing with her husband.

“They’re sleeping. Besides, that’syourproblem.” Rav turns toward me again and flashes a mischievous grin. “Margot, you’re up. First time…”

“That feels like fifth date conversation, at least,” I answer. “Since this is myfirstdate with the club, I’m going to pass.”

A few chuckles go around the circle.

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