Page 68 of Class Clown

I blew out a big breath. “That’s a dirty card to play. Fine. Here.”

I went for the big guns, reaching for the hem of the shirt as though I was going to strip right there. Brothers hated that. It was how I’d always gotten him and our older brother, Porter, out of the bathroom when I needed it.

“No, no, no. Stop,” he called, holding up a hand. I gave him my most innocent look. “Just, wash it and give it to me for the Sunday camper arrival.”

I nodded. “Still not sure it’s yours, but if you’re going to make such a big deal about it.”

He looked to Nico who was studiously looking out the rear window of the cabin. A neutral party, smart man.

“Maybe I need to make my own list about why staying single is the best option. Starting with no one steals my clothes,” Cole groaned.

“Youaresingle, and someonehasstolen your clothes.” Nico cracked.

I laughed and Cole threw us both a look.

“Fine.” I shook my head with a grin. “I will give you back your shirt as thanks for handling the rat situation and for getting Quinn removed. I think I’d like to say my goodbyes to him. How long do I have?”

“About fifty minutes, give or take,” Cole replied.

“Is there a boat oar, or an ax handle I can offer him as a going away present?” I asked. “I could rub my sweaty hands on it.”

Nico grinned and Cole rolled his eyes. “No. There will be no going away gifts for your rodent stalker.”

“It occurred to me that maybe all the rats were around because of Quinn. Maybe he was Lord of the Rodents and when he disappears, they’ll go too, in search of a new town and a new lord to serve.” I moved to the back window, and peeked out. “Seems feasible.”

“Or, the maintenance guy did his job and got rid of them,” Cole stated.

I tried to shoot him an irritated look, but Nico was standing next to me and blocked my view. I put a hand on his biceps and pushed a bit. He willingly backed up and I shot that sister-specific look at my brother.

“Who killed your imagination?”

He pointed at me. “You and Porter. Mostly Porter, but still. I am the product of my upbringing.”

I tried to fight it, I really did, but a laugh bubbled up at the look of exasperation on his face, and I slid past Nico, my shoulder brushing his chest before he backed away, to launch myself at Cole and wrap my arms around his shoulders. I kissed his cheek and hugged him close. He laughed and hugged me back.

“I just love you,” I said.

“You too.”

“Thanks for getting me this job, and giving me this shirt.”

“You’re a thief.”

“Shhhh . . .” I squeezed. “Let’s not ruin this beautiful moment.”

His shoulders shook with mirth and we released each other as he said, “I’m heading out. I’ll see you in a bit.”

“Okay.”

I turned and Nico was standing directly behind me with an amused expression. “Sibling relationships are something I’ll never fully understand.”

“Do you know much about the animal kingdom?”

“A little. Survival of the fittest, alphas, that sort of thing.”

“Yes. It’s just like that,” I joked. Then, because I was feeling free and silly, I snagged his mug out of his hand and lifted it to my nose. “Ooh, this smells good.” I took a sip and sighed. “It is good. Thanks.” I took another gulp before handing his mug back, and did my best to not fall over laughing at the shocked look on his handsome face. “Andthatis what it’s like to have a sibling,” I sing-songed as I made my way back to my sleeping area to get clothes and prepare for the day.

Cole’s arm was tight around my shoulders as I watched the ranger truck drive away from the lodge with Quinn safely inside an hour later. There had been no fight, no chasing. Quinn had simply waddled into the cage as I stood next to it, tempted by both me and the bait. Now, the crunching of rocks and gravel under the ranger truck was the sound of heartbreak to me.

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