Page 64 of Spike's Perdition
My skin flushes with embarrassment. “What are you doing here, Eric?”
“Megan called and said you might need help loading the van for the trip, but I see you have better things to do.”
“Trip?” Spike asks, perplexed.
“Rock climbing excursion and camping after,” I explain. “I have to make sure we have everything we need.”
“We?”
“Yes, we.” I roll my eyes. “Me, Megan, Dale, and Jeremy. We have a lot of climbers. It’s my job to make sure we have everything we need. Megan and Dale already safety-checked theequipment so all I have to do is make sure we have all of our supplies.”
Spike scowls. “You’re not going.”
I narrow my eyes. “This is my job, Spike. I’m going.”
“You’re seven months pregnant, Ivory,” he growls. “It’s not safe, you’re not fucking going. End of story.”
I place my hands on my hips. “You will not come in here and dictate what I can or cannot do. I’m a big girl and will do what I damn well please.”
He matches my stance. “Over my dead body are you climbing anything.”
“No shit, Sherlock,” I taunt, waving at my stomach. “Do you honestly think I could get off the ground, let alone climb comfortably? I’m the driver and in charge of setting up the camp. That’s it.”
“Who’s helping you set up the camp?”
I shrug. “No one. The rest of the staff will be dealing with their climbing teams.”
“You’re setting up tents all by yourself?” Spike asks.
I sigh. “I’ve done it a million times.”
“Not pregnant, you haven’t.”
Probably not the time to mention I did it a month ago with no issues.
I throw my hands up. “Nothing is going to happen.”
“I know because you’re not going.”
“I. Am. Going.” I poke his chest with each word.
Spike opens his mouth to protest more when the sound of a can opening halts our argument.
“Don’t mind me,” Eric teases. “I needed refreshments to go with the show.”
I stomp away from Spike and continue going through my checklist.
“Is she always this fucking stubborn?” Spike complains.
“You have no idea,” Eric replies.
“What are the chances I can keep her from going?”
“Unless you’re willing to handcuff her to a bed,” Eric begins smugly. “My money’s on her.”
“Hmmm, that’s a thought.”
“I’m right here!” I shout. “I can hear you.”
