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“You know what, stop being sassy and go back to sleep, Goldie,” I grumbled, then knelt down, crawling across the top of the blankets covering the small bedroll on the left. “And I’ll have you know, I’m not ashamed of my body.”
“Good, you shouldn’t be,” she teased.
My entire body froze, even the rain that trickled down the side of the tent dripped more slowly. My heart pounded in my chest, and I wasn’t sure if it was because I was cold, wet, and tired that everything in me tingled, or if it was because of her words.
“Don’t take that to heart, Cassidy. I still don’t like you,” she added as she rolled over so her back faced me, snapping me out of my stupor. Sure. I crawled forward and pulled myself beneath the blankets.
“I thought you said I was perfect?” I taunted.
“I would never say something like that.”
“Uh-huh.” Pulling the covers up to my chin, I quickly undid my belt and wriggled out of my damp jeans.
“What are you doing over there? You’re shaking the entire tent, and if anyone sees, they’re going to get the wrong idea!” she exclaimed.
“Then you better not look my way at all, cause I’m takin’ my pants off,” I teased and heard her sharply inhale.
“Don’t you dare!”
“They’re denim and wet. I’m not sleeping in them tonight if I don’t have to.”
“Only one of us gets to not wear pants tonight, and that’s me!”
“Speaking of, how are you planning on getting them on without anyone seeing you without your britches? I’m pretty sure they were hanging by the fire.” I tossed my jeans to the end of the bedroll by my feet.
“I was…” Her voice trailed off, and I glanced briefly at her. Her back faced me, her blonde hair—no longer drenched in mud—was hanging in a very wet braid that disappeared beneath the sheets.
“Better be nice to me, Goldie. Otherwise, I might not get them in the morning for you,” I answered, and her entire body shivered.
“Cassidy?”
“Yes, your highness?” I smiled to myself, knowing she just had to have rolled her eyes.
“I already said it’s not like the princess,” she grumbled and then suddenly flopped over and faced me, tucking her own blankets up to her chin.
She simply looked at me for a moment and then her voice softened. “I am sorry. For nearly dying and dragging you into it.”
I raised my brows, scanning across her face. Her eyes were once again wide, the gentleness I’d seen upon her cheeks earlier, though, was not as prevalent. “I’m also sorry for making you mad a few nights ago. I tend to…”
“Why’d you do it?” I asked, genuinely curious. I wanted to know how much she knew about me. I wanted to know what Rooney told her, by her mouth, not his. Calling him would be a last minute attempt only if necessary.
“Do what?” Her brows lifted, her gaze locked intently onto mine, and I faltered in my response. Everything in me started to run warm, heat dancing low in my torso. She was so close, her hot breath washed over my face, sending a shiver running down my spine.
I inhaled slowly and finally managed to answer. “Dig at me like you did.”
“I didn’t!” she snapped, the storm in her eyes returning, the brief guilt now replaced by annoyance.
And just like that.
“Never mind. Go to sleep,” I grumbled and rolled away. So much for making amends. Curse whatever was making me feel like this.
Chapter 8
BRIAR
I stared at the back of his head. His dark hair held perfect waves, tousled in such a non-deliberate way, it looked intentional. I hated how good he looked after the literal mess I’d made. I hated how much I’d enjoyed seeing the mud drip down his body, rolling over his shirt, which stuck against his lean, muscled frame.
And of course he’d shown up without a shirt to sleep in. I couldn’t blame him, though; I was literally wearing some random dude’s button up at the moment. But why? Why did he also have the most perfect chiseled abs I’d ever seen? Well, there was a small layer of something softer coating them, which only reinforced how perfect he was.
