Page 4 of Mud, Love, and Chemistry

I chuckle. “Thanks.”

A silence settles between us, so Walt stands up. “I, uh, need another beer. I’ll be right back.” And with that, he’s gone, leaving me with Sam.

Sam motions for me to sit, so I do. “Sorry about Walt. No manners, that one.”

“It’s okay.” I shrug. “He’s right, I am fucking tough.”

Sam’s brown eyes sparkle as he grins. “I like that.”

Thank God I’m still covered in mud, because his flattery surely has my cheeks as red as a candied apple. “So, is this your first Mud Down?” I take a sip of my beer.

He nods. “You?”

My can stills at my lips, and I hold up five fingers.

He gapes. “Wow. So, you’re like, an expert at the course then?”

I swallow my drink. “Something like that.”

“You’ll have to share all your secrets with me.”

“No way.” I shake my head. “I’m taking those to the grave.”

Sam’s laugh is like music to my ears.

“Besides, I wouldn’t have the time to bestow all my knowledge onto you. My friends and I are going into town directly after this to get ice cream.”

“Ice cream? No shower first?”

I laugh. “The interesting looks we get are always entertaining.”

“I’ll bet.” Sam’s gaze scans my face as if tracing the muddy outline. “I hope the ice cream is worth the attention.”

“Oh, it is. There’s an old timey soda shop that has the best butter pecan.” My mouth waters just thinking about it.

“I’m more of a mint chocolate chip guy, myself.”

The idea of tasting Sam’s mintiness has me salivating, which surprises me. I haven’t had that urge in a long time.

“Brynn.” Lisa taps my shoulder. “We got our bags and we’re going to take a picture under the finisher sign before we go. Here’s your phone.” She hands me my phone, winking at me before glancing at Sam. “Hey, man.”

“Hey.”

She turns back to me. “Hurry up, okay?”

I shoot Sam an apologetic grimace as I stand up. “Sorry. Got to go.”

“Shit.” Sheer panic seems to overtake Sam’s face as he pats all his pockets. “I’d ask for your number, but I don’t have my phone yet.”

My heart skips a beat. He wants my number? “Well, here,” I say, handing him my phone. “Put yours in mine.”

A delighted smile slides over his face as he types and hands it back to me. I chuckle, reading what he input. “Sam Mudboy? Is that your real last name?”

He shakes his head. “It’s Eastman.”

“Well, nice to meet you, Sam Eastman,” I say as I tap my screen. “See you around.”

“Wait,” he calls after me. “Do you have a last name?”

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