Hopeless

Stirred to action by that thought, I clank my knife against my glass. “Everyone shut up! I have an announcement to make.” Winter scoffs beside me, but everyone else quiets down.

“Beau Eaton, shut your mouth and get your ass outside.” His head swivels, gray eyes latching onto mine like he just noticed my presence. Like he didn’t expect little Bailey Jansen to be the one barking at him. He straightens, but I don’t care how tall he is. He doesn’t scare me. Not even when he’s like this. I point to the emergency exit that leads

Beau crosses his arms and gazes away from everyone dramatically. “Why is no one asking me how fast I can run in my new shoes? Being an adult sucks.”

I wish I were a cow.

“You’re fucking insane!” one of them calls back as they run into the dark river valley. “Yeah, buddy. You have no idea!” is all I call back as I watch them scamper away.

“If he acts like an asshole, let me know.” Cade is all gruff, protective vibes. It makes me smile against the rim of my glass as the ice melts in my mouth. “I’ll set him straight.” I cross my legs and lean back just a little. “That’s okay. I’ll set him straight myself.” Now Cade grins, pointing at me as he turns to walk away. “And that is exactly w

“Shit.” He scrubs at his wiry gray stubble. “Guess I should have known by the way you’re always watching her like you’re imagining her with her clothes off. Was gonna tell you to tone down the gawking this week, to be honest.” Well, fuck.

He’s beautiful almost always. But he’s blinding when he smiles.

“I believe the text message I received mentioned her GI Joe brother-in-law and his jailbait fiancée.”