Claimed by the Mate, Volume 1 by Kate Douglas Read Free Book Online Page B

Cherry couldn’t stop smiling. “Now that’s something I’d like to have seen.”
    Conversation flowed as the food disappeared. Cherry enjoyed her meal and realized she’d actually eaten breakfast without feeling self-conscious about putting food in her mouth. Of course, the amount she ate didn’t come close to what the men put away, but they were so busy talking and planning the day that she hadn’t had a chance to feel as if anyone noticed or cared what was on her plate.
    She’d have to think about that. She was so used to looking for problems, for perceived insults. Was she creating an issue where none existed?
    â€œSo it’s agreed?” Brad glanced about the group.
    Agreed? “On what?” She hadn’t been paying attention.
    â€œRonan and Wils are going to lead a hike up to Blackbird Lake,” he said. “It’s only a couple of miles from here, but there’s a bit of a climb, so you’ll need hiking boots, and long pants would be best. We’ll have daypacks ready for you with water and a bag lunch. If you’ve got cameras, take them. You’re sure to see wildlife along the way, possibly a wolf or two.”
    â€œI’m going.” Cherry didn’t even have to think about it. “What about you guys?”
    Steph shrugged. “That’s why we’re here. To get some exercise and see new country. Christa?”
    â€œI’m in. What time are you leaving?”
    Wils glanced at Ronan. “Can you ladies be ready in half an hour?”
    â€œI think I’m going to stay here.” Fred yawned. “I had a really rough week, and that swimming pool looks awfully appealing. Darnell? Suni? What are you guys up to?”
    â€œI’m with you.” Suni gathered up her plate and utensils.
    â€œLeave it, Suni. We’ll take care of that.” Brad glanced at Darnell. “What about you, Darnell? Are you up for some hiking?”
    â€œI am.” She glanced uncertainly at her friends. “Fred? You’re really not going?”
    â€œI’m sorry, hon. I’m beat. Too much time on my feet last week.”
    Suni shook her head. “Same here. I just want peace and quiet and a long nap.”
    â€œDarnell, come with us. It’ll be fun.” Cherry stood and stretched. “Trak, that was absolutely delicious. Thank you.” She checked her watch. “Half an hour? I’ll be here.”
    *   *   *
    It was almost four when they finally returned to the lodge. Darnell broke off from the group first when they paused near her cabin. She claimed she was exhausted, but she couldn’t stop laughing.
    â€œI have never worked so frickin’ hard in my life, or had that much fun. If that’s what you call a moderate hike, Ronan, I don’t even want to imagine your idea of a tough one. And believe me, if anyone had told me a few days ago that today I’d be skinny-dipping in an ice-cold mountain lake with three white girls and two dudes I’d known all of a couple hours, I would have said, you are shittin’ me! No way!”
    She and Steph did a fancy knuckle-bump that included bumping hips at the same time.
    â€œShe’s right, you know.” Christa waved to Darnell as she turned off toward her cabin. “Today wasn’t like anything I’ve ever done in my life.”
    â€œMe, either.” Cherry’d gotten naked in front of everyone; she’d stripped out of her dusty clothes on the edge of the crystal-clear lake and gone into that icy water, gasping and screaming with the rest of them. Not only hadn’t she even thought about her weight; she’d also been well aware that both Ronan and Wils were giving her what could only be described as admiring looks.
    Definitely an amazing day, though she’d laughed hysterically when Christa complained about “freezing my ass off.” If only!
    â€œCertainly not me,” Steph said.