Fudge. I need to get out of here.
“Then don’t.” I circle my hand in the air, motioning for him to turn around.
“Right.” He claps his hands together in front of him in the way I’ve come to know he does when he’s nervous or unsure. Pointing behind him, he says, “I’m going to take a quick shower down here before breakfast.”
“Okay. I’ll see you up there,” I tell him as he closes the door to the small en suite.
Grabbing a pen and notepad out of my purse, I leave Carson with a little token to remind him of me. Today’s Post-it affirmation reads:
Repeat after me, Cowboy Carse: My inner strength and confidence are attractive to others.
I’m still smiling to myself, thinking about how much shit he’s going to give me for that one as I head up the path back to the cabin.
This place is so peaceful and serene. I can see why Carson’s parents wanted to make sure they took time every summer to come up here as a family and make memories.
I’m pulled from my thoughts as a slender arm wraps around mine. “Good morning, bestie. Where did you run off to last night?” Kenna asks.
My stained cheeks don’t stand a chance against her knowing eyes.
“The boathouse is a favorite spot of one of the twins, but I can’t think of the last time I was up there since my mom and dad redecorated it for Carson.” She pauses, putting her hands on her hips. “And considering the guys have been looking for him for the past ten minutes, I’m going to guess the two of you had a little boathouse slumber party.”
Shit.
My stomach churns with guilt. “I’m so incredibly sorry, Kenna. We honestly didn’t mean to fall asleep up there. He wanted to show me the space, and then I told him about my book, and then we were drunk and must have passed out.”
Kenna claps her hands together and lets out a howl of laughter. “Oh my gosh! You should see your face right now. Dakota, you’re fine! I was only giving you a hard time.”
I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. “Oh, you’re mean.”
“Wait. Did you just say you told Carse about your book?”
Groaning, I mutter, “I did. Why do I have the loosest lips when I’m drinking?”
“Girl, I don’t know. But I’m here for it. I was having the hardest time keeping it a secret from him. The second I told Griff about it, he made a bet with me, saying I’d crack and spill the beans to Carse within a week. Thankfully, your tipsy ass helped me win the bet!”
“I’m glad I could be of service,” I deadpan.
Kenna shakes her head before throwing her arm around my shoulder. “If it weren’t already obvious, you’re stuck with me, Kota. It’s a good thing we’re getting facials today. Maybe they can wipe that scowl off your face.”
I shoulder her lightly and make my way into her parents’ cabin while she takes the path between the houses to her and Griff’s new place.
McKenna doesn’t realize how serendipitous it is that she came into my life. I found her post about needing a nanny in the college bulletin the same week my school email was about to expire—only a week after Aaron first showed me his true colors.
The Wilder twins have changed my life for the better. I know I wouldn’t be here today without them, and that’s the only sobering thought I need to realize I shouldn’t risk my friendship with them just because a swarm of butterflies erupts in my stomach every time Carson smiles at me.
The theme for today is golf pros and tennis hoes. I’m honestly not sure where Cason and Jackson came up with these ideas, but I’m somewhat in love with them.
Last night, Carson stole the breath from my lungs when I saw him in his cowboy getup. Who knew a cowboy wearing a chain could be so hot?
Today’s theme has Carson looking even more in his element. He’s wearing a teal shirt that makes his eyes look like the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, a backwards white golf hat, and white golf shorts with that damn five-inch inseam that show off his powerful thighs. Since when did I become turned on by a man’s legs? I officially feel like a creep for being attracted to the definition of his tanned calves.
I was surprised to find out the ladies weren’t joining the guys for their round of golf, considering I’m the only non-collegiate or pro athlete in the group. Instead, we’re going for a spa day and I couldn’t be more excited to have a little girl time with McKenna, Brooke, and Alexa.
Carson spots me filling my plate from the smorgasbord worth of food Griffin cooked everyone this morning. He saunters over to me and says, “Who wakes up first and cooks breakfast for the entire group at their own bachelor party? That is a major red flag. I should warn Mack before it’s too late.”
I love an at-ease Carson.
“Someone woke up and chose violence this morning, Carse,” Kenna says from behind us. Carson turns around, resting his hips against the kitchen island. “I know you’re not talking about my soon-to-be husband having red flags. If Griff heard you, I think he’d revoke your best man privileges.”
