Page 42 of Find Me

Colt’s hands shifted to my hips, fingertips touching the swells of my butt cheeks. “What if we gave you a five-second head start?”

I shook my head.

“Ten seconds,” Creed countered.

I sighed. “Fine. What are the terms?”

Colt looked at Creed to decide.

“We’re going out tomorrow night. Winner gets to pick what we do, losers pay.”

Colt and I both agreed and swam to one end of the pool. Knox and Keelan swam off to the side before Keelan counted down, “Ready…get set…go.”

I pushed off of the wall, taking full advantage of my ten-second head start. I counted in my head with each arm stroke I took, and I was starting my second lap before I felt them soar past me, going in the opposite direction, starting on their first lap.I pushed on, increasing my speed. They both caught up to me on the fourth lap and I knew I was going to lose. I wasn’t going to give up, though. I kicked and stroked with all my might. One second they were passing me with ease and the next I was passing them, and I finished the race when my hand touched the wall. I surfaced, panting, looking for Creed and Colt, who I assumed would be right next to me at the wall, but they weren’t there. The sound of splashing water caught my attention. I turned, finding them being held back by Keelan and Knox.

“That’s cheating,” Creed griped as he struggled against Keelan’s hold around his neck.

“Quit whining. Shiloh won,” Knox said as he released his hold on Colt.

Keelan released Creed next. “It would have been a dick move to make her pay and a gentleman would have let her win.”

“We wouldn’t have made her pay and she would have been pissed if we let her win,” Creed said.

I nodded, confirming that was true.

Colt sighed. “Shiloh wins this round. We’ll rematch without an audience next time.”

15

I spentthe next morning marinating a log of filet mignon. While waiting impatiently for the right time to cook it, I surfed the internet for ideas on what I should do with my backyard. After last night’s swim, I was a little envious of the guys’ personal backyard oasis. So far, I knew I wanted a bench swing for the back patio and some twinkly lights to hang up on the awning. As for the yard, which was a patch of dirt, I was unsure. There was no rush. I’d start with the patio first and I was sure inspiration for what to do with the yard would come to me.

After hours of marinating the filet, I decided to start cooking it close to lunch time. I was trying a new steak sandwich recipe I’d seen on the Cooking Channel along with a roasted vegetable salad as a side. Humming while I worked, I pulled my skillet with the filet log from the oven, waited for the meat to rest, then sliced it up.

I made too much, like always. At the time of buying everything I’d figured I could just eat the leftovers over the next few days. After the first delicious bite, I was bummed I had no one to share it with. My thoughts immediately traveled to the guys and with a smile I pulled out my phone.

Four words…the BEST steak sandwiches :)I texted Colt and Creed in our group message before going back to eating.

New recipe?Creed texted back a few minutes later.

Yup. Have you four had lunch yet? I made too much and want to share.

We haven’t eaten yet. You’re gonna bring us food, babe?Colt answered.

Yup. Be there in 30 mins,I replied.

I made quick work of wrapping four individual sandwiches in foil and split the rest of the veggie salad into four separate plastic containers. I placed all the food in a picnic basket along with forks and napkins, then dashed to my room to change into my workout clothes. My hip was feeling a lot better and I figured I might run the track for a while.

* * *

With my hair up in a high ponytail, dressed in turquoise leggings and a matching athletic tank, I walked into Desert Stone after sending a quick text telling the guys I was here. I was being brave today by not wearing a jacket.

I went straight up to the front desk to wait and was immediately greeted by Stephanie, the pretty receptionist. “Hi, how may I help you?” she said, eyeing the picnic basket I was holding.

“I’m just waiting for my friends.”

She opened her mouth to say something, but Keelan and Knox chose that moment to walk out from the hallway behind the front desk.

“Hey,” I greeted them.