Oh, no. Am I having a Big Stack fever dream?
I can’t think of any other reason Miles would want to extend the trip or the bet.
It can’t possibly be the smoking-hot sex.
Because I hate orgasms…said no one ever.
“I know it’s not on your travel bucket list,” he says, gesturing to the glossy photos of Egypt and Ireland pinned above my bed, “but it’s a start.”
“Don’t you have to get back to the office?” I ask, pulling at a loose thread on my pillowcase.
Adding a day to the trip is no big deal for me. I don’t have a job or responsibilities to go back to, but Miles’s entire life is waiting for him in Austin.
“You’re the one who said I needed to take more vacation days.”
My stomach rumbles, and I clutch the pot to my chest. “I’m also the one paying the price for our last detour.”
“I take full responsibility for the barbecue barn,” he says, placing his hand over his heart. “But this will be different. Joshua Tree is well-known and well-traveled. It’s just not on the Mother Road.”
That he said the words “Mother Road” without sarcasm is almost enough to convince me.
“Come on, Luce. It’s just one extra day.” He smiles, and despite the dim light of the trailer, there’s a mischievous glint in his eyes. “What difference can one day make?”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Miles
Two days to Santa Monica
Joshua Tree is incredible. The park is easily the most impressive stop on this trip, though Meramec Caverns are a close second. While the caverns were awe-inspiring in their own way, the park’s ecosystem speaks to me. The way so many plants and creatures come together to make a home in what is arguably one of the least inhabitable locales in the world, thriving through sheer perseverance and force of will.
I’m not a poetic guy, but even I can appreciate the beauty of it.
And the landscape?
Breathtaking.
I had no idea the desert could be so full of life with hidden oases, cactus gardens, and one-of-a-kind rock formations. Not to mention prickly Joshua trees as far as the eye can see.
“I’m glad we did this,” Lucy says, nudging me with her shoulder as we reach the campsite. “I got some really incredible pictures today.” She laughs quietly. “I may even get some likes without posting the ones of you pouring bottled water over your sweaty face like a stud of the month calendar model.”
“Yeah, but you’d get more likes with them.” I sling my arm over her shoulders. “And Celeste will never forgive you if she finds out you didn’t share them.”
“She sent me an impressive list of hashtags.” Lucy turns to look up at me. Her cheeks are flushed from the heat, and sweat-damp hair curls around her temples, but she’s never looked more beautiful. Seeing her happy and healthy is the perfect way to end the day, especially after the Redd’s debacle. “How do you feel about #spankmesunday?”
“I’m always down for a good spanking.” My cock twitches at the prospect. “But first I need a shower.”
“That makes two of us.” She pulls at the front of her T-shirt, fanning herself. “Still, totally worth it.”
I fish the keys out of my pocket and unlock the Airstream, holding the door open so Lucy can enter first.
She steps up, giving me the perfect view of her pert little ass. And since it’s #spankmesunday, I give it a gentle slap.
She squeals, but her surprise quickly turns to a groan.
“Better leave the door open. It’s hotter than Hades in here.”
A wall of heat greets me as I follow her into the dark camper.
