Page 67 of Stay for Forever

“Besides,” Cayenne adds, “I’ve seen his ass in my yoga class. His adult ass.”

“Hold up!” Ashlyn raises her hands and waves them around to gain everyone’s attention. “Since when does Rowan do yoga?”

No one has a chance to answer before Forest shouts, “Stop!” as he dashes across the park. I’m happy to note he’s wearing pants today because men and running naked do not mix. “I said stop!”

Is he talking to us? Does he want in on the pinching Rowan’s ass contest? It’s not really a contest. Rowan’s not letting anyone but his wife pinch his ass.

“Juniper, help!”

Son of a dog. There’s only one reason Forest would ask for my help. I rush to the front of the crowd and scan the ground. There he is. Chip is dashing toward the tables where the cakes are laid out – his gaze fixated on the baked treats. His front paws lift off the ground and I move to block him. He springs into the air and I snatch him before he lands on the table.

“Gotcha!”

With Chip secured in my arms, I start toward Forest to return his pet to him, but I miss the leash dangling from the chipmunk’s neck and my foot catches on it. I teeter and place a hand on the table behind me to catch my balance. While I’m trying to steady myself, Chip decides to use my chest as a springboard to escape. The pressure of his jump forces me back into the table.

The table rocks and I snatch my hand away before it can tip over. I wheel my arms in an attempt to balance myself, but it’s no use. I fall backwards and crash into the table. The table collapses and I topple to the ground. Before I have a chance to orientate myself, the first cake crashes down on my head. The second cake isn’t far behind it.

I wipe cake and frosting from my eyes until I can see. My dress is completely covered in frosting and chocolate. Maybe being blind was better.

“Oh no. I’m sorry, Ashlyn,” Forest yells his apology as he continues to fight to control Chip.

Ashlyn bursts out laughing. “This turned out better than I could have ever imagined. Someone please tell me you got pictures.”

Aspen holds up her phone. “I recorded the entire incident. I’ll upload it to the Facebook page now.”

I spring to my feet. “You are not putting a video of me being attacked by cake on Facebook.”

“Wanna bet?” She holds my gaze as she pushes a button on her phone. “Done!”

I launch myself at her. Lyric pushes her behind him before I can reach her.

An arm catches me around my waist. “Stop.”

I freeze at the sound of Mav’s voice.

“Who invited Maverick freaking Langston to this party?”

“I did.” Ashlyn raises her hand.

“You little shit.”

She wags her finger at me. “Nuh-uh. No name calling. I’m the bride. I’m queen for the day.”

“At least that explains why she’s wearing a crown, although I’m confused as to why it’s a big top,” Mav murmurs from behind me, and I shiver at the feel of his breath on my skin. No! There will be no shivering!

“I guess I’ll settle for smacking down my big sister,” I declare before I lose what’s left of my mind and lean into Mav’s hard body.

Aspen peeks out from behind Lyric.

“Chicken!”

She responds by sticking out her tongue at me.

I struggle in Mav’s arms, but he doesn’t let me go. “Come on.” He throws me over his shoulder. “Let’s go get you cleaned up.”

Applause breaks out from the crowd. “You go get her, Rickie!”

I hear someone ask, “Did anyone bet on Juniper destroying both cakes?”

I pause in my attempt to escape. This is too embarrassing. I should hide instead. And since Mav is marching away from the party, I’ll hide my face against his back. It has nothing to do with enjoying the strength he displays when carrying me. Nope. Nothing at all.

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