Page 85 of Mr. Edwards

“Are you going to tell me where you’re taking me?” Carlee asks as I merge onto the I-110, heading north toward Los Angeles.

“Nope.”

I told her to pack a bag with some casual clothes because I’m taking her camping in a secluded area in the Angeles State Forest… where my father and Uncle Jason, took me when I was a boy. My grandfather has a cabin up there, which was eventually passed down to his sons. I’m not heading to the cabin though. We’re going to rough it in the wilderness. I want her to get the whole experience. At least for the first night or two anyway.

“You suck.”

“Not as good as you do, babe.”

She looks over at me, giving me a cheeky smile. “If I blow you while you’re driving, will you tell me where we’re going?”

Jesus Christ this woman is perfect. “That’ll be a negative, but have at it,” I say, reaching for the button of my jeans.

“Ugh.” Her eyes dart down to my crotch. “Don’t bother.”

She crosses her arms over her chest with a huff and turns her head to look out the passenger side window. I love her feisty side; it’s like an aphrodisiac for my cock.

We’re in the Range Rover today, and I’ve loaded it with everything we’ll need for the next four days. I’ve been planning this trip for over a month, slowly buying all the supplies and smuggling everything into the house so Carlee couldn’t find them. I even have my permit so we can light a campfire. Camping is not something I usually do with a female in tow, but in my heart, I know Carlee will take it in her stride. She’s kick-ass like that.

The trip takes just over an hour, and when we firstenter the forest, Carlee’s eyes bug out of her head. “What are we doing here, are we going hiking?”

“Nope.”

Her large eyes narrow. “You’re not thinking about murdering me and dumping my body in the wilderness, are you?”

“No, babe,” I say, glancing her way with a smile. She’s so dramatic.

“Then why are we in a forest?”

“Isn’t it obvious?”

She rolls her eyes. “Oh sure, silly me. I only asked that question to make conversation.”

I bark out a laugh at her sarcasm. “We’re going camping, sunshine.”

“We are?” She twists in her seat so she’s facing me, and when her scowl disappears and the corners of her mouth tug up, I know she’s pleased.

“Tonight, we’re going to roast smores over the campfire.”

“Yes,” she squeals, punching the air. She’s so goddamn adorable.

We have to drive deeper into the forest to get to our spot. A secluded place where we’ll be surrounded by the mountains and a wall of large pine trees.

“What do you think?” I ask as I pull up close to the lake. “This is going to be our home away from home for the next few days.”

My eyes remain on her as she takes it all in. “It’s beautiful. Truly beautiful.”

It is, but not as beautiful as her.

Taking off her seat belt, she reaches for the door handle, and I do the same, meeting her at the front of the vehicle. Grabbing her hand, I lead her down to the water’s edge.

“We should set the tent up down here.”

“Definitely.” She inhales a large breath, filling her lungs with fresh mountain air. “Grayson, this place is perfect.”

“It’s pretty special. This area is where my dad used to bring me.”

“Really?” Her arms slide around my waist as she gazes up at me. “That makes it extra special. Thanks for sharing it.”