Hell, even calling himself a friend would’ve been more than fine.
Dakota tenses. I can feel her energy shift which makes me feel even more uncomfortable. “I didn’t realize your mom was getting re-married…”
I look away, wanting to avoid the topic all together.
“That’s so cute! Little Daddy, son, getaway weekend.” Jodie coos.
I give her a forced smile. “Yeah, just thebest Daddyin the world.”
“Knock it off,” Brad mutters to me through gritted teeth.
“It’s nice you two get along. Do you two love to do stuff together?” Dakota asks, pep back in her tone.
You know what? Let’s milk it.
“Oh yeah. Welovedoing stuff together. We can’t getenoughof each other really—”
A sharp pinch stings the back of my arm. “Ow!” I wince.
“You’re being weird. Stop it.” Brad mutters quietly, even though I’m sure the girls can hear every word. His gaze darts away from me like he’s too scared to even look at me for too long.
Dakota coughs awkwardly, breaking up the tension. “Well, if you two want to join us, we’ll be at the little fork in the woods right when you drive in a couple of minutes. We’re just waiting on the rest of our group.” She points behind us.
Right, that would explain the guys we heard.
“Oh, I’ll be there.” I nod.
I can feel Brad stiffen beside me. “Noah…”
“You can come or you can stay back at the camp site,Step-dad.Your choice.” I shrug.
His eyes narrow as he racks my face. “I’ll come.Someonehas to watch you.”
I smile back at the girls who excitedly clap their hands. “Perfect! See you soon.” Dakota waves at me before walking off.
“See you soon,” I twiddle my fingers as they giggle back to their campsite arm in arm.
“Oh, you’re insomuch trouble…” Brad grumbles beside me.
I smirk. “I’m counting on it.”
10
Brad
Noah is fucking testing me.
“Come on, you’re lagging behind.” Noah teases me over his shoulder.
I roll my eyes but push myself to keep following close behind as the group makes their way up a trail I don’t recognize.
I’ve been to this national park a million times but it’s clear that these young people are actually from around here. They walk through these backwoods with no care or worry in their hearts. Honestly, the carefree attitude reminds me of Noah.
But yet, it’s that same similarity that twists my insides into something toxic. I’m not sure why he wanted to go with them so badly. He clearly knows that Dakota girl. So what—have they been intimate before? Do theywantto be?
I would’ve been fine skipping the invitation all together and heading back to the tentto finish what we started in the shower, but, ifthisis what he wants…so be it. Maybe being around other people is a good idea, right now. Clearly, I can’t seem to get enough of him, and the urges are only growing stronger the more we keep…exploringeach other.
If I keep giving in to what my body wants, I might cross a serious line I won’t be able to come back from.
