Page 302 of Boots, Bucket Lists & Bad Ideas
Strong.
Familiar enough to make my pulse trip over itself.
“That was close.” He squeezes like it’s a secret we’re sharing, and maybe it is, sneaking into a maze we definitely shouldn’t be in.
“Shh,” I whisper, though I’m grinning. “If security finds us.”
“They’ll have to catch us first.” His voice is low and cocky.
The flashlight on his phone shines through the maze.
“No. Put that away.” I slap my hand over the glowing beam. “If security sees it flashing about, we’re busted.”
He slides his phone away. “Alright, boss.”
“You’re bossy.” My quick, snarky comment flies out as if it’s a week ago, and we’re having a face-off at town hall.
I flush. “Sorry. Habit.”
He chuckles, a delicious sound, and wraps his arms around me, dragging my body flush against his.
“Don’t apologize. I miss our sparring.”
“You do not.” My fingers grip the flannel of his shirt.
“I do. I love your sharp tongue.” He dips down, and the kiss steals every thought I have.
“Alright, lovebirds,” Dean hisses, and I’d forgotten we weren’t alone. “Enough. We have a race to win.”
“Yes,” Harper hisses, low since we’re still near the entrance.
“Yes,” Hart and I say.
“Come on, this way.” Dean takes the lead, like he knows the way.
“I hope you’ve upgraded your navigating skills since we were kids.” Hart ribs his brother.
“I don’t know how you two aren’t going to murder each other. You’re both so damn bossy.” Dean’s steps are fast enough to make us jog to keep up with them.
My eyes strain, every corner a shadow that could be anything.
“Who designated you leader anyway?” Hart’s hand remains solid and steady as we move.
“Because I’m older and wiser.” Dean takes a sharp right without hesitation.
“You’re the middle kid.” Hart pulls me just enough to guide, never enough to drag, and when I’ve had enough of that, I skip forward and tug him.
“Exactly, which means I’m the oldest and the youngest.”
“It means you’re an idiot.”
Our shoes crunch on the hay as we barrel forward, only to slam into a dead end.
Harper smacks Dean’s arm. “So wise one, how did we end up here?”
“Wisdom runs in my veins.”
“So does your ego. My turn.” Harper turns and grabs my hand. “Follow us.
