Page 19 of Pretty Wild

At that thought I actually laugh out loud.

Yeah, Ryan. The crazy townspeople lure the tourists to a cabin right in the middle of the action, hoping the other out-of-towners surrounding them won’t see or hear a thing. And don’t get me started on the fact that all their personal vehicles are littered around the property, right out in the open.

Except that could be the perfect crime.

Hiding in plain sight.

A knock raps on my window, causing me to jump and screech. Ellie is there, her eyes wide as she holds up a welcoming, yet hesitant hand. “Hey, sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”

I can’t help but chuckle. “It’s okay!” I holler through the window then turn off the vehicle. Before I climb out, I check her other hand, making sure she’s not wielding a weapon or whatever to incapacitate me the moment I step from the safety of the vehicle. When I don’t spot anything, I get out and shut the door.

“Welcome! I’m so glad you came. I mentioned to Hallie and Logan you might join us, and they both agreed, the more, the merrier,” she says, flashing me a wide, genuine smile.

“I appreciate the invitation.” Remembering the fruit, I reach for the back door and retrieve the bowl. “I brought fruit for the cookout.”

“Oh, that’s so great, thank you, but you didn’t have to bring anything,” she replies, leading me away from my vehicle and toward the grassy area where chairs and tables are set up.

“Well, I’ll be honest. I don’t really cook, but I can cut fruit or chop a mean salad,” I reply with a chuckle.

“The fruit is great, really.” She threads her arm through mine and adds, “Come on, let’s go meet everyone.”

Ellie guides me toward a man throwing a football with who I assume is his son. “TD, come meet Jade,” she says to the man as he catches a pass from the boy.

The man turns around and offers a friendly smile. He’s a good-looking guy, with broad shoulders and brown eyes. “Hey, nice to meet you.”

“Likewise,” I reply, taking his offered hand and giving it a gentle shake.

“Brody, this is Jade. She’s in town for the next month,” Ellie hollers to the young man standing at the far end of the grassy area.

“Nice to meet you, ma’am,” Brody hollers with a wave, which I return.

“Come on, let’s go meet the others,” Ellie says, steering me toward the front of the cabin. A group of guys exits, all good-looking in their casual shorts or jeans and T-shirts. “Everyone, this is Jade. She’s the one I told you may stop by. Jade, this is everyone. Gabe, Logan, and Gavin.”

“Hello,” I acknowledge, earning a variety of greetings in return.

“Make yourself at home. We’re getting ready to throw food on the grill, and the ladies are finishing up some of the sides.That’s code for gossiping in the kitchen,” Logan states with a smile and a laugh.

“Come on, let’s go meet the girls.” Ellie drags me inside the super cute cabin. The décor is a bit more modern than what’s in my cabin, and you can tell by all the baby stuff everywhere they use it frequently. “Ladies, the woman I was telling you about showed up! Meet Jade,” she says, pulling me into the kitchen to where the trio of woman stand, chatting.

“This is Blair, Ava, and Hallie, and those two little sweet faces are Makenzie and Wrenlee,” she informs me, pointing to the two sleeping babies inside a playpen.

The first two welcome me with smiles and waves, but it’s the third one that catches my attention. “Holy shit, you’re Ryan Marcotte!”

My eyes widen as my chin automatically lowers, hoping the hat shields more of my face. Before I can reply, it’s Ellie who speaks. “This is Jade,” she reiterates, saying the words a little slower this time.

“No, this is Ryan Marcotte ofRyan’s Reality! It’s on E!,” Hallie insists, her eyes alive with excitement. “I’ve watched every episode of your show!”

All eyes turn toward me. “Holy crap, you’re right! I’m Blair, by the way. I just started watching your show because Hallie insisted. I wear your makeup line.”

My mouth falls open, but no words rush out. I feel like a fish out of water right now, wishing I knew what to say or do. Instead, I focus on the last part of her statement and mutter a quiet, “Thank you.”

Ellie turns to me, her eyes full of confusion. “You’re Ryan Marcotte? Why did you tell me your name was Jade?”

I clear my throat, feeling terrible for having deceived her. “My name is Ryan Jade Marcotte, and when I’m trying to fly under the radar, I will use my middle name.”

“I can’t believe you’re here!” Hallie proclaims, practically jumping up and down where she stands. “Everyone is buzzing about where you went.”

I can’t help but roll my eyes. “I’m sure the stories and speculation are horrible.”

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