Page 15 of Daddy's Little Camping Trip
It was the sweetest gesture. Nothing sexual about it. That didn’t stop my body from reacting—my cheeks getting warm, things stirring down below.
What was it about this man?
We slowly walked back to my tent…to find it open. Again.
So much for keeping the bugs out.
“This is me,” I said. I peeped inside—my roommate wasn’t there.
“This is where you’re staying?” he asked.
I nodded.
“No wonder you had such bags under your eyes, sweet boy. I have my dome. Why don’t you come stay with me for the night?”
I still didn’t fully understand what the whole dome concept was, but even if he was asking me to sleep out in a field withnothing but a sleeping bag, I probably would’ve said yes in that moment.
“I’d like… I’d like that, Daddy G. I’d like that a lot.”
Chapter Twelve
Gilbraith
This time, I was the brave one, inviting Quill to spend the night.
But I didn’t want him to think I was being pushy or anything, and my accommodations had only one bed, so I’d have to make it clear I had no expectations when we got there. Or now. “To sleep. I am inviting you to sleep over.”
“So, this dome, it keeps out bugs?”
“I didn’t see a single bug last night.”
“Then count me in because I don’t think I can face another night of being the main course in the mosquitos’ dinner.”
The repellant might work, but since I really wanted to spend more time together, mentioning the bracelet on his arm and the whiff of citronella in his hair would not be helpful to my cause. And the hint of guilt I felt for not mentioning it faded when he waved his arm and said, “Even with all the help you got me, those things were the size of eagles and might be immune.”
“Why don’t you bring some of your things, or all of them if you like, and we can head for the dome. I need to pick up my lantern from the front desk so we aren’t walking in the dark.”
He paused, halfway into bug central. I could hear the wings hitting the sides of the tent from here. Had the roommate left the thing open all day as well? No wonder it was so infested. “Is there a path without the solar lights on the grounds? Every one I’ve seen so far has been illuminated so we don’t trip and fall or get lost.”
“The dome isn’t exactly within the campground.”Please don’t let this be a dealbreaker.“It’s a short hike through the forest away.”
“It’s the luxury accommodations—at least when you say dome, that’s what it sounds like to me—but there’s no road to it?”
“Right?” I chuckled. “I asked the same question, but there was an issue with the road washing out, and it just hasn’t been replaced yet. I understand if you’d rather stay here tonight. You do have all the bug repellants.”
“No way. I am very grateful to you for the invitation. I am just not a tent camper, and even without the mosquitos, I wouldn’t be happy there for another night.” Although he still wore the little garb, he had stepped all the way into big headspace.
“All right. I’ll get the lantern and be right back.”
Now that he’d mentioned it, all the pathways within the campgrounds were lit with rows of solar lights, making it very easy to find my way here. When I went inside to grab the lantern, Sandy was there, doing some kind of paperwork.
“Wow, you never get to rest,” I said, approaching the desk.
“Not too often, but it’s worth it, having our own business. Did you enjoy the dinner?”
“Very much. The food was tasty and the games were perfect for the littles.”
“Rocky will be pleased. He’s been working with Ms. Lily for weeks on everything. One more day to go. Are you enjoying the dome? You’re our first guest there, you know.”
