I sip my sweet coffee, wishing more than anything I had a toothbrush right now, but thankful I do have something to help rinse away some of the grossness. “You ran out and got this for me?” I ask, running my hand across my forehead and pushing my hair back.
He shrugs. “I know how much you like them.”
“I do. Thank you,” I repeat, grateful for the caffeine. Glancing around, I ask, “What time is it?”
“About eight. Everyone else is still sleeping, I think,” he says. “It’s been quiet since I woke up at five.”
My eyes widen a little. “You’ve been up since five?”
He just casually lifts a shoulder. “Five is sleeping in.”
“You’re nuts,” I tell him with a chuckle.
“A little, yeah,” he replies with a laugh. “So, big plans today?”
I shake my head before taking another sip of the soothing cup of Joe. “I need to mow,” I tell him.
“Want some help?”
An eyebrow shoots toward my hairline. “You want to help me mow? Like walk beside me and help me push?”
He flashes me one of his charming little grins. “If that’s what you want to do.”
“That’s silly,” I confirm, shaking my head at the ridiculous picture.
“Probably, but I’d still do it if you wanted.”
I shake my head. “What about lunch instead?”
“Deal. Ever shoot pool?”
I nod. “A little. I’m not any good though.”
“Well, I’m practically a professional, and I’d be happy to show you a few tricks I’ve picked up over the years,” he suggests.
“You want to show me how to use your stick?” I watch him over the top of my coffee and almost laugh out loud when my words hit him.
He barks out a laugh and shakes his head. “My stick is your stick, beautiful. Anytime you want to use it, it’s yours.” He winks before turning his attention to the tent. “I know it’s early, but Wyatt’s already out there, stoking the fire. We usually make breakfast for everyone before we start tearing down the tents.”
“What’s for breakfast?”
“A little bit of everything. We use a big cast iron pan and make a mixture of eggs, bacon, sausage, and cheese. And Wyatt also makes campfire French toast.”
My stomach growls at the mention of such delicious food, making me blush. “Sounds good. Can I help?”
“Nope, but you can sit in the chair beside me and watch the magic happen,” he replies, reaching down and grabbing a bag. “It’ll probably swim on you, but I grabbed some clothes so you didn’t feel like you were stuck in yesterday’s stuff. After we eat, you can head home and get ready.”
“I’ll help tear down the tent,” I insist, wanting to be part of it for some reason. Despite needing a shower and a toothbrush, I can’t help but feel like one of the group when I’m with them.
He watches me for a few seconds before nodding. “All right. Go ahead and throw on the clothes and then come out to the fire. I’ll have your chair ready to go.”
I watch as he slips out of the tent, zipping it closed behind him and leaving me alone. I can hear movement outside and the murmur of voices, letting me know Cade isn’t the only one up. I’m sure Wyatt is out there too, and they’re preparing to make breakfast for those who are still here this morning.
Retrieving the small duffel bag he set beside me, I open the zipper and glance inside. There’s a gray crewneck sweatshirt on top, and as I pull it from the bag, I can’t help but bring it to my face and inhale. It smells like him, despite the scent of detergent on the material. There’s a faint scent of Cade clinging to the fabric, and it brings a smile to my face.
I replace yesterday’s shirt with the sweatshirt Cade brought me and also find a pair of joggers in the bag. They’re black and will no doubt swim on me, but the thought of getting out of my jeans is very enticing. So, I go ahead and shimmy out of them and slip on Cade’s. As expected, they’re huge, but since they have a drawstring in the waist, I’m able to cinch them closed as best I can.
The last thing in the bag is a ball cap. It’s black with a black leather emblem on the front of the Marines emblem. It looks worn, but in good shape. It also smells of Cade. Wishing I had a brush or comb to work through the tangles in my hair, I end up pulling it back, adjust the strap on the hat, and slip the hat on my head. Once it’s in place, I push the hair through the hole in the back and let it hang down.
