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She’s not acting. She’s aware of the timeline and how things will move fast. Getting to know her on a personal level before we make it official is necessary.
Alexis clears her throat. “Anyone have a she-wee handy?”
I glance at her. “A what?”
“You know what? Never mind. Can I have the bear spray, please?” she asks.
“That’s expired,” Philip says.
“It’s better than nothing,” I tell him, grabbing it from the camping chair and handing it to her.
Lexi heads into the woods.
“Hey, bear!” she yells, her voice echoing as she claps.
Philip turns back to me. “Some of us have all the luck in life. I wish I knew how you do it,” he says. “Speaking of, how’s your sister?”
“Still off-limits to you,” I say, crossing my arms over my chest.
Philip smirks as Lexi rejoins us.
He glances between us, grinning. “Let’s try to jump this thing so you two lovebirds can be on your way.”
I don’t have to pretend in front of people. Wanting her close to me comes naturally; wanting everyone to know she’s mine is instinct.
After last night and this morning, we’re in a weird limbo; some might even call it purgatory. But I’ll be patient, and I can wait until day fifteen to make sure I’m not going to fuck this up.
“Let’s pick everything up,” Lexi says, pulling the sleeping bag from the tent.
She rolls the mattress pad, and it only takes a few minutes to take down the tent. We load everything in the back as Philip douses the coals. It doesn’t take long for the Jeep to start, and we climb inside.
“I’ll follow you down,” Philip says, removing his jacket and handing it to Lexi.
“Oh my God. Thank you,” she says, sliding her arms into it with a smile.
“Thanks, man. See you at the bottom,” I tell him, flipping the heat on high and clicking on the seat warmers. Even though the top is off, it helps some.
Lexi leans her head back against the seat, smiling. “I have a hangover.”
“I do too. It’s why I don’t drink shit like that,” I admit, keeping my grip on the steering wheel, taking it at a steady speed.
By the time we make it down, the sun is up and the temperature has risen, but it’s still below fifty. It looks like it will be another beautiful day. Lexi returns Philip’s jacket and I give him a handshake.
“I hope to see you two again,” he says.
“You will,” Lexi confirms, grabbing my hand.
“Hot damn,” Philip says, grinning.
I give him a wave as we turn to the helicopter.
When we’re back at my place, I brew coffee, and my phone rings.
Lexis sits at the breakfast nook, and I answer.
“I’ve been trying to call you since yesterday,” Weston snaps.
“I’m on vacation,” I remind him.