Page 67

The crash of breaking limbs sounds from the left, along the trails behind the cabin, heading away from the lake. Probably not a trespasser, since they’re practically announcing their presence.

Has to be Gilli.

Another sharp snap, a stick cracked underfoot, and I know where the girl’s headed.

“Do you realize you’re thundering through the underbrush like an idiot?” I call out to announce my presence. “You’re making enough noise to wake the dead.”

It’s easy to catch up to her.

She’s working her arms to maintain a brisk walk but the movement only highlights the jiggle of her ass. It bounces with every step, and the back yoga pants hug those sweet curves.

Holy fuck, talk about peach-shaped. Or is it apple?

The woman’s got a fuckable ass and round enough to bounce a quarter off of.

“Gilli, what are you doing?”

“I’d think it’s obvious.” Gilli doesn’t slow down but she does flash me one of her knowing smiles over the shoulder. I hate it. “I’m getting my exercise. Trying to stay busy. There isn’t a whole lot to do here if you aren’t into fishing or maintenance work.”

Those are jabs for me and I let them bounce off.The same as that imaginary quarter.

My dick twitches like a fleshy BenedictArnold.

She lunges forward, stretching, turning her arms in circles to work out her shoulders.

Gilli might be hustling, but I’m faster than she is. My long-legged stride covers the distance separating us and I step in front of her to block her path.

She says nothing as she lifts from the lunge, glaring at me with her chest rising and falling. Her hands slide into the pockets of her yoga pants—pockets!—and she defiantly lifts her chin.

I’m so goddamn mad at her, at everything she stands for and the place she comes from. Thepersonshe comes from. She’s guilty by association.

“I’m not in the mood for another screaming match,” Gilli says to cut me off before I start.

“You really aren’t gonna leave?” I ask her. “You don’t miss your life in Baltimore?”

She sniffs, squatting, working her triceps now. “Everyone needs a vacation.”

Except she’s still lying about it. Lying by omission at this point because we know she’s not here for a vacation.

“This is a good place,” she continues, breaking eye contact to stare up at the trees. “I can imagine how beautiful it is in the summer, with the leaves full and the wind blowing across the water. It’s why you come here every year, isn’t it? The peace?”

She’s not asking me for anything. Only to accept her, to make room for her in this spot that means so much to me. Gilli doesn’t even want to be accepted as a family member or a friend.

But I can’t control myself around her. I can’t calm down long enough to say anything nice to her despite the ache in my heart.

She pushes a stray lock of hair behind her ear as she straightens and looks at me, bracing for an answer she won’t like.

“I come here because it’s the one place your momrefusesto come. Don’t forget that little piece of the puzzle,” I force myself to say, steady and collected. Because frustration is so much better than vulnerability. “It’s beneath her now. It reminds her too much of the shitty trailer park life she left behind.”

And everyone in it.

“Wow.” Gilli lifts her hands together for a slow clap. “If you’re gunning for a Shithead of the Year award, Soren, you’re well on your way. You’ve got my vote.” She raises her brows at me. “What’s next? You taking this drama queen act on the road?”

My eyes practically bug out of my skull. “What’s next isyouhit the road.”

She huffs, annoyed with me. I’m annoyed at myself.

“Aren’t you tired of this? It’s like you’re obsessed. You’re physically incapable of just going about your life and ignoring me.”