Page 59 of With Us (Next Generation 2)

Meadow

ROLLING AROUND IN GARBAGEwas not my idea of fun. But after bringing out a couple of bags from the country diner, I accidentally dropped my phone in the large bin and now I was knee deep in goo.

Oh God, something just slithered by my feet.

I shivered, my stomach rolling. “You have got to be fucking kidding me.”

When something else brushed against my calf, I screamed, jumped, and hit my head on the edge of the bin.

“Meadow?”

I rubbed my head, stood up, and found Sunny and Shade staring at me. “Oh, hey guys.”

“Care to tell us what you’re doing?” Sunny chuckled.

“I dropped my phone and can’t find it, and I think something’s alive in here with me.”

Sunny’s laugh deepened.

“I’m glad you find this funny, asshole.” I scowled.

“Let me help you out of there, baby girl.” He reached into the garbage bin for me.

“Fine.” I wrapped my arms around his thick neck. When he went to pull me out, my sandals slipped off my feet. “Oh God.”

“I think you lost your shoes,” Shade said, glancing into the bin.

Sunny held me against him, cradling me like a child.

“I think so too.” I wiggled my toes. “I liked those sandals too. They were comfy.”

“I’ll buy you new ones but I’m not going in there after them.” Sunny laughed, shaking his head.

I couldn’t help it. I laughed along with him. “Okay, you can put me down now.”

“Nope.” Sunny held me tighter. “Not happening.”

“But you’ll get garbage goo on you and I’m sure I smell.” I wrinkled my nose for added effect.

“I don’t give a shit.” Sunny nodded toward the back door.

Shade opened it. “Do you work here?”

“I bake for the owner from time to time. I can’t believe I lost my phone.” I let out a heavy sigh.

“It probably wouldn’t work now anyway if it fell into that goo you keep talking about.” Shade poked my ribs.

“Probably not.” I laughed, making a mental note to get a new phone.

Sunny carried me over to a large sink.

Shade turned on the tap and ran a cloth under the water before cleaning off the muck that covered my feet.

My heart swelled at the sweet gesture.

“Better?” he asked, his jade eyes meeting mine.

“Oh yeah.” I winked.

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