Page 83 of Play With Me

Lola jumped out of the tent with the sleeping bag pulled all the way up to her chin. She wiggled her body until the back of the bag wrapped over her head.

“Boo found me again,” Sophie squealed, running toward the campsite opening. She pulled something out of her pocket and extended her palm to the bear. “I knew you’d find me, Boo. I just knew it!”

I wanted to warn Sophie that the mother could be near, but I very well knew that she wasn’t. So far, trying to keep the cub away from us hadn’t worked, and I wondered whether it was a better idea to keep him nearby. Maybe if he stayed with us, it would guarantee that Sophie wouldn’t stray.

“Sophie, don’t get too close. He’s still wild,” I warned, then stood up to help Lola. She seemed oblivious to the fact that she was naked inside that sleeping bag, and judging by the sudden rush of blood I felt to my crotch, I was probably the first one to realize it. “You should get dressed, Lola.”

“Uncle Brook, does that mean Boo can stay?” Sophie called out.

Lola nearly fell backward when Sophie turned around to face us again. She rubbed her eyes and cringed at the haircut.

“Don’t worry. It will grow out,” I said, and watched as Lola’s nose wrinkled. The scent from the fire of the roasting dinner caught her attention. Jesus, she was such a beautiful hot mess. Wearing nothing but her sleeping bag, she hopped closer.

“Is that food?”

“Yes, Anna caught a wild turkey.”

“Are you kidding me?” She examined the carcass again and licked her lips.

“I seasoned it with your dry chicken soup mix.”

“A chicken-seasoned turkey? Can’t say that I’ve had that before, but I can definitely tell you that my stomach won’t complain. When will it be ready?”

“As soon as you’re dressed, Lola.” I gently raised both my voice and brows. If she didn’t get some clothes on, I could possibly start walking in a zig-zag.

“Oh, don’t get your panties all twisted.” She slowly squatted in front of a log until she was able to sit.

I gave up. Sometimes it was just better to let Lola be Lola.

“I caught a fish!” Sophie pointed to the six-inch trout waiting to be cooked.

“How long have I been out?” Lola rubbed her eyes again, and I passed her a bottle of water. “I was sure it’d be night time by now.”

“Lola, you slept through the night. It’s Thanksgiving today.”

“What? Wait, if I slept in there, where did you guys sleep?”

“Sophie stayed with you, and I stayed with Anna by the fire.”

“Thank you.”

“Do you think you feel strong enough to head out after we eat?” I pointed to the bags we’d packed beforehand. It was time to leave the campsite and get Anna and Sophie to safety, away from the moonshiner territory,

“Right. I remember now. We’re heading north.” She shivered.

“There’s a cold front in the forecast. We can’t all stay here any longer. The Madden cabin is our best option. We’ll regroup there and come back for Xavier.”

The cub let out an impatient grunt, stomping his feet in front of the fire, as if waiting for his turkey portion to be served.

“You better watch that bear if you want to have any of that turkey.” Anna swatted him away with a branch and he scooted to Sophie’s side, partially hiding behind her.

“What are we going to do about the bear?” Lola asked, and Sophie immediately ran to her side.

“Lola, can Boo come with us? Please? He’s all alone. He needs us.”

“I’m not sure. Brook?” Lola shifted her weight from one foot to another, giving me the feeling that Sophie wasn’t the only one who wanted Boo to hang around a little longer.

“I don’t think leaving him on his own is a good idea. Winter’s coming. He doesn’t know how to fend for himself.”

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