Page 23 of SEAL the Deal

“Pretty sure I did.”

The next mile of rafting went smoothly with the boys taking it in turns to slip from the craft and ride the white water, except TJ who stayed at the helm. Soon they were past the first series of rapids and floating gently downstream.

“Anyone else sore from that pole dancing?” asked Dean as they cruised through a pristine stretch of forest.

Rick cracked his neck. “I’m the only one who should be sore. The rest of you pansies skipped out soon as it got tough.”

“We’re not as streamlined as you,” said Ernie. “My package was getting in the way.”

“Yeah and we weren’t trying to impress Jennifer,” said Mike.

“Trying? Please, she loved my action,” replied Rick.

“Is that before or after she had to save you from the scary bear?” asked TJ.

“There was a bear!”

“I don’t doubt it. The woods are full of them, but they’re completely harmless and terrified of people.”

Rick scowled. “That’s not true. Grizzly bears eat people all the time.”

“That may well be, but there ain’t no grizzlies in these woods, only black bears. And they’re not dangerous.”

“Yeah, well when you’ve got your Johnson out anything with teeth is a threat.”

“That’s a fair point,” said Dean.

As they cruised slowly around a curve in the river the dull roar of more rapids reached their ears.

“Time to stop thinking about broads ‘n’ bears and focus,” barked TJ. “This is our first set of grade four rapids. Stand by for my command.”

* * *

The smell of eggs and bacon assaulted Ali’s nose, waking her from a drunken slumber. She stretched out in the crisp white sheets of her king sized bed and let out a groan. The aroma of coffee wafted through the bedroom and her stomach rumbled.

As she sat up her head throbbed. She reached for a glass of water from her nightstand and tipped it down her parched throat.

Then she heard claws rattling on the wooden floor and a damp nose snuffled its way over the edge of the bed into her hand.

“Morning, Axe,” she croaked as she stepped out of bed and wrapped herself in a robe.

Stumbling downstairs she found Maria in the kitchen. She greeted Ali with a vibrant smile. “Good morning. How are you feeling?”

Ali sat on a stool and leaned on the counter. “Terrible.”

Maria placed a mug in front of her and poured piping hot coffee into it. “Well, that’s what happens when you drink too much, but it’s OK. Aunty Maria will sort you out.”

Ali smiled and sipped the coffee. “What are you making?”

“Mexican omelets. I make them every time Ernie goes out drinking. Chases a hangover straight out the door.” She returned to the stove and checked a frying pan. “Almost ready.”

Axe placed his head on Ali’s knee and she ruffled his ears. “So, what’s on the cards today?”

“Today we have a girly day. Day spa, high tea and then a picnic dinner at the river with the boys.”

“That sounds perfect.”

Maria tipped an omelet onto a plate and slid it in front of Ali. “You eat this, and I’ll go and wake the others.” She removed her apron and left the villa.

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