I giggle in response, wrapping my arms over his, interlocking our fingers around my waist. “You just left my bed . . . I bet it’s not even cold yet.”
“Are you trying to tell me you didn’t miss me?” he questions, grinding his erection into my butt.
I turn in his arms, locking my hands around his neck. “You’re insufferable.”
“I know, Sunshine. I can’t help myself when it comes to you. But, I stand by my words . . . I missed you.”
Giving him a quick kiss that he tries to deepen before I pull back, I ask, “Are you all set? I’ve just got to pack up a few more things.”
“Yep, all set. I’ve already got the most important things in the Jeep—you know, Ranger’s food and water bowls, treats, food, and toys.”
“What a good Doggy Daddy you’ve become,” Katie teases as she hip-checks Griff on her way outside.
“He’s more like a brother than a Doggy Daddy,” Carson scoffs when he passes by us.
“The two of you are ridiculous!” I shout at Katie and Carse, then turn my attention back to Griff. “Thank you for doing that. Are you sure you’re okay with Ranger riding in the Jeep?”
“He’s the best passenger pup. Of course, I’m sure.”
“Aren’t you worried about all the dog hair?”
“It’s the perfect day to have the top off and let the wind blow through Ranger’s hair.”
“I know. But this is our first Fourth without any of our parents being up there, and Mrs. Anderson down the street said she would watch him. It’s different when he’s in the back of Carson’s truck.”
“He’s coming, Kenna. It’s not the Fourth without Ranger at the cabin.”
Why do I love that he said that in a commanding tone? I also love that he knows how much Ranger means to me.
“Alright. Ranger Boy, let’s go!” I holler down the hall to where he’s lying on his dog bed. A few moments later, I spot Ranger’s golden mane around the corner. I’m not biased when I say he’s the most handsome Golden Retriever. He just got back from the groomer, so his coat is cut shorter to avoid matting, and he has an American flag handkerchief around his neck.
When he gets to my feet, I bend down and kiss his nose. “Who's my Goodest Boy, huh?” I coo at him as I rub behind his ears. He answers me with licks across my face.
“You are the best, aren’t you, boy?” Griffin asks him as he scratches down his back. “Do you need me to grab anything else?” he asks as he meets my eyes.
God, he’s so damn handsome. Scratch that; he’s downright sexy when he’s showering my dog with affection.
I tell Griff we should be all set then he grabs my hand and leads me outside as Ranger follows behind. Griff wanted me to sit up front, butI told him we should let Carse sit up front, and I’d sit in the back with Ranger and Katie.
We’re over halfway to the cabin when the entire car starts scream-singing the lyrics to “You Belong With Me (Taylor’s Version).” Listening to Griff sing the lyrics, I can’t help but think back to when I’d listen to theFearlessalbum in my room during my freshman year. I’d be sitting in my room, looking out the window, and Griff would be heading out in this very Jeep to pick up a girl for a date. My pining for this man started early, and this song was the anthem for my unrequited crush on the boy next door.
I’m snapped out of my daydream when Griff’s gaze connects with mine in the rearview mirror. He winks, and warmth unfurls in my stomach.
The remainder of the car ride is filled with scream-singing more T-Swift, snacking, and stealing glances in the rearview. The drive to the cabin isn’t too long—just under two hours—but it both flew by and drug on this time around. Time flies by when we’re having fun together, but it drags on at a torturous pace when I want to be wrapped in Griff’s arms.
We pull into the circle drive of the cabin, and my chest squeezes with nostalgia.
The cabin has a lodge aesthetic and is expansive from the front, with large stone and cedar beams that score to the second story. My favorite view, though, is from the lake, where the walkout basement is visible. At night, when the house is all lit up, it’s magnificent.
Griff and Carse get out of the Jeep, and Ranger jumps out the driver’s door, following behind them.
Katie unbuckles her seatbelt then leans over and gives me a hug. “Being here always puts me in the right headspace. Have I told you howmuch I love you lately? Coming here every summer with you and your family is the best tradition my parents ever started.”
I squeeze her back, trying to channel my love for my best friend through our embrace. “I love you too, Katie. I know being here brings back so many memories—mostly good—but I know it makes you miss your mom. Let me know if you need to talk or a shoulder to lean on.”
“I promise, if it gets to be too much, I’ll come to you. Well, I will if my brother ever lets you disentangle yourself from him.”
“Not likely—the entanglement is mutual,” I say as we break from our embrace. “But you’ll always come first, Katie. Please know that.”
