Page 70 of Wolf It Down, Knot Me Up

Soon, we’re at the river that glints green in the sunlight. The pair set their axes down at the bank and start taking their shirts off over their heads.

Steph fakes fainting, and her friends catch her, yet all their eyes are bulging out at the delicious sight of all those muscles. These Alphas are big.

That green beast inside my chest growls, Mine.

This is all new to me, and I’m trying to avoid being appalled at myself until later when I’m alone.

By the river, Roman and Wolf crouch and use their hands to pour water over their heads and necks. Then they’re on their feet, dragging their wet palms down their chests.

I need to turn away and pinch my lips to stop myself from howling.

I assumed Ethan had made them agree to this program, but according to Grayson’s earlier comment, they’ve done this package before for guests. And that means, Grandma developed the concept. She sat down and added a river-washing scene for these lumberjacks.

How am I supposed to ever sit down through Sunday dinner with that woman again?

“Right!” Grayson whistles. “In the mood for lunch cooked over an open fire and a chance to speak with our stars today?”

Yep, the crowd goes wild.

Wolf and Roman collect their shirts and axes, then stroll downriver, with the rest of us following.

Grayson’s at my side, and we follow the group at least ten feet away. “If we slipped into the woods right now, nobody would even notice.”

“And why would we do that?” I tease.

“Why are you torturing me?”

I bat my eyes at him. “Whatever do you mean?”

His hand slides across my lower back, and inches lower, where I swat him away. “You’ll survive.”

“I really won’t.” He places a hand to his heart. “I might die.”

“I’ll arrange a closed casket then?” I stare at him over my shoulder, smiling a bit too widely.

“I want it open,” he demands. “So everyone can see what you do to me.” Then he’s staring down at his groin and at me with raised eyebrows.

I’m giggling too hard, and keep strolling forward. The rest of the day becomes one long blur of lumberjacks, muscles, and squealing women. I do find it entertaining, having watched Grayson cook over coals, Wolf answering everyone’s questions, and Roman teaching the ladies how to tell a spruce from a fir. Then the Champagne comes out of the picnic baskets.

As part of their tour, the guests have all signed waivers and know exactly where the men have been. Grandma ensured that there are no secrets kept in the business. Regardless, the women are completely wild about the three lumberjacks. And I don’t blame them.

By the time we’re back at the lodge, the sunlight has dipped, and the women gather around the fireplace with drinks, chatting and laughing. Grayson and Roman get things ready for dinner. All while Wolf brings in wood for the fireplace.

Finally, I sink into a chair and just breathe. The three Alphas are running the whole package, and I couldn’t be happier. Dinner’s handled, the fire’s roaring, and everyone’s happy. A girl could easily get used to this.

A sudden knock comes from the front door. Up on my feet, cross the main room and answer it. I pull the door open and instantly flinch back.

A man towers in the doorway, bag in one hand, a portable speaker beneath an arm. And he’s wearing a full-head black skull mask that disappears beneath the collar of his shirt. It appears almost molded over his head and neck. While black fabric conceals his eyes.

Okay, I hadn’t expected that.

For a long second, I stare at him. “Oh…”

“I’m the booked stripper,” he states through the mask. “For the bachelorette party.”

His voice is almost lost in the women’s giggling behind me. “Right. Of course.” I nod as my brain catches up. “Sorry, I was just expecting a police officer, based on the booking.”

“He got double-booked.” He adjusts the speaker under his arm. “Figured you might enjoy the dark, dangerous stalker instead.”