Page 26 of Maddox: Wild Alaska
“Don’t worry, son,” Dad says, putting a hand on my shoulder. "We'll all make sure she has no option but to stay."
I roll my eyes and stare at Dad's back as he walks into the living room. I sigh and turn to Garrett. “She reported Ryland to Branson because he grabbed her to keep her from falling into the river.”
"That's messed up!" He glances at the door Colton left through and nods. "What's gotten into the littlepuck?”
I snort. “Thepuckhas a thing for Judean.” I grin, amused by Garrett's nickname for the youngest family member. At twenty-three, Colton is trying to sleep with every guest at the lodge—he's almost succeeded. At least he has the sense not to bring anyone home. "Puck" is the more polite word, after all. Mom would be furious if she heard Garrett calling her baby a little fuck.
Branson stomps inside, glancing around the room before his eyes land on me. I inwardly groan, wondering what that look is all about. It can't be good.
"Hello, son. I hope you're eating. Your mother won't be happy if you're not taking care of yourself."
"Dad, I'm fine. Busy. But yes, I am eating."
Dad nods as Branson removes his jacket. He takes off his hat and runs his fingers through his hair before joining Garrett and me in the kitchen. I shove a steaming mug of coffee in front of him and pull-out bread, cheese, mushrooms, tomatoes, and hot sauce. Grilled cheese is quick and our favorite snack.
Neither of my brothers says anything until I put everything on the grill. "So," I say, leaning against the countertop, "tell us what's happening."
"I've pissed Janice off," Branson hisses. "The woman has some issues." He shakes his head. "She was holding out on information until I got you down there to take her out to dinner. I was furious. I went into my office to get away from her, and just then, her boss called. I let him have it about her. I've had enough.He was shocked and said he would resolve the situation. He's sending a new guy to take her place.”
He sighs. "Like a fucking pussy, I snuck out the back and came up here. She's crazy, so I'm relieved you're not dating her."
Garrett snickers. "You're the sheriff, and you're hiding from one little woman."
He snorts. "You wouldn't laugh at me so quickly if you'd met her." He glances toward the back deck, and his eyes widen. "Why are there two naked women on your back deck?" His eyes haven't moved as he leans over for a better look.
"Bro, lean any farther and you'll be on the floor," Garrett chuckles.
"Explain!" Branson narrows his gaze at me and nods toward the deck.
"I'm sick of repeating it. Just stop ogling Sofie. She's mine. Judean is free and single."
Garrett coughs. "Are we sure about that? Because the little puck has a hard-on for her.”
Branson winces. "Colton and 'hard-on' should not be in the same sentence."
I laugh, plate the sandwiches, and grab the ones for the girls. Garrett will fill you in about the trouble the others in the party are causing. Oh, and Tisha. She was about to fall into the river when Ryland grabbed her and stopped her from being swept downstream."
"Fucking hell! Dealing with crazy women is not how I want to end my day." He pauses and runs a hand down his face. “Sally just left me in the lurch."
Garrett and I stare at him. I'm sure my brother is trying to figure out who Sally is. Exasperated with him, Branson curses. "My assistant!"
"You mean the one who decides what hours she's working on a particular day? That assistant?” asks Garrett.
Branson looks pissed. "Yeah."
“Landon mentioned her earlier. Did you speak to her? I’m not sure I’d take Landon’s word for it.”
"Unfortunately, I have. Apparently, she's had enough of doing Landon's job for him. She's found a better job with the same pay and fewer responsibilities. She told me to go fuck myself." His brows drew together. "I'm not a jerk of a boss, am I?"
Remembering the sandwiches in my hands, I say, "Give me a minute to drop this off outside." I step out onto the back deck and tell myself not to imagine myself naked in the hot tub with an equally naked Sofie. Yeah, I need to stop thinking about that.
Hearing Judean giggle pulls me out of my lustful thoughts, and I grin. "I thought you ladies might be hungry."
"Oh, he cooks as well," Sofie teases, her face alight with mischief. "Do you have a couple of towels we can use?” she asks as she stands. I nearly swallow my tongue when the water falls away and I get a look at her body. I can't speak. The lush swell of her breasts is barely contained behind the two triangles, which have become transparent. Her plump nipples and areoles have my dick hard as a fucking spike.
I move my gaze lower and quickly snap it up to her flushed face. "Sit back down," I say, blowing out a breath. "Do not stand up until I'm back with towels."
I race inside and grab two extra-large bath towels. Nothing smaller will do. On my way through the house, I stop. Dad, Branson, and Garrett have disappeared. Then, I hear chuckling from outside.
