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“We will.” Careful not to squeeze her too tight, the words spill from my mouth before I really process how automatic they are.
“You and Barbi seem to be getting along.” Sara pulls back and glances over at Barbi while holding my arms.
“We are.” I twist around and wave at Barbi.
I have no frickin’ clue why I do that. It’s a dorky move, but Barbi waves back and smiles.
With the mood broken between Barbi and me, I hang with the others until Zeb gestures at me to break things off and head on out. Rafe and Hayes will stay tonight. Zeb’s already called dibs for tomorrow, which leaves me with a day off and nothing to do.
At least, that’s until I decide I need more time with Barbi.
* * *
The next morning,I show up unannounced determined to take Barbi out. I knock on the door and grin like a fool when Barbi answers.
“What are you doing here?”
“Not happy to see me? What a way to bruise a guy’s ego.”
“Oh, stop. I didn’t mean…” She runs her fingers through her hair, then opens the door all the way. “Come in.”
I breach the threshold feeling like an interloper. Which is funny as shit considering what happened in the bathroom last night.
“Nobody’s up.” Barbi takes a step back.
“Not looking for nobody. I came for you.” I take her hands in mine. “What are you doing today?”
“Um, nothing much.” She plays with her hair again, looking nervous.
“I thought I’d kidnap you for the day.”
“Kidnap me?”
“How do you feel about a hike? Are you an outdoorsy kind of gal?”
“I’m not against it, but I’ve never really been an outdoorsy kind of gal.”
“That’s okay. I’m more than willing to convert you.”
“What about the others?”
“What about them?”
“Aren’t they coming?”
“Love, they’re not invited. I want to spend time with you outside of a bathroom, if you get my gist.”
“No sex? Is that what you’re saying?”
“I’m never opposed to sex, but I just figured we could get to know each other better outside of a bathroom.”
Her cheeks flush. “In that case. I’d love to. Any suggestions on what to wear?”
“Sturdy shoes. Something comfortable. A bag if you want to bring a jacket. Layers are good.”
“Exercise shorts and a tank top?”
“That’s perfect. But bring a light jacket and something to shade your eyes. You’ll probably want to put your hair up.”