Page 71 of Boots, Bucket Lists & Bad Ideas
She lowers herself beside Josie, looking oddly suspicious. “Good morning.” She straightens the dress over her knees.
“What were you doing in my cabin?” I ask.
“Had to use the bathroom.” She adjusts her position to reach for a glass of water.
“What’s wrong with your bathroom?” Our glasses click when I take one too, and I sit across from her
“It isn’t mine anymore. And it’s out of toilet paper.” She takes a sip, but her eyes flicker away like she’s avoiding me.
“What’s in the bag?”
She tightens her grip on the bag, clutching it firmly against her side. “Purse stuff.”
“Purse stuff?”
She nods.
“Uh-huh.”
Natalie reaches over the back of the sofa to grab Josie’s ice pack. She hands it to her and plops back down in time forJuniper to jump on her lap. He’s getting older now. Got to be going on eight years of him making himself part of the family.
Josie glares at the animal. “If he sprays—”
“Has he ever?” Natalie runs her hand over his thick white and black fur.
Josie watches him closely as she presses the ice pack to her forehead.
“Hungover Josie is very grumpy,” Natalie teases.
“Leave me alone. I’m suffering ugly today.” Josie sips her water. “That’s so good.”
“That’ll teach you to try and outdrink Jade. She’s a rock.” Natalie looks at me. “But I was expecting a little more repercussions.”
“My head is foggy. It’s taking my brain a second to catch up.” I smile. “And aside from all of that, I did have a good time last night.” Here comes my buttering-up tactics. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had that much fun, so thank you.”
“That’s perfect timing.” Hope rubs her belly in slow, steady circles. “Since you decided to come with us to the rodeo.”
Josie gasps. “That’s right. You lost the bet, Jade.” She takes off her sunglasses. “You’re all ours for a week of fun bucket list things because we guessed one of yours.”
She squeals and then presses her palms to the sides of her head, instantly regretting it. One hand still holds the glass of water, while the other grips the ice pack, and I half expect her to spill water on herself.
“Actually, Hart guessed it.” I don’t like the way Natalie says it, as if she’s almost curious about how he guessed it.
She’s always been observant.
Josie slaps her and then flinches when it hurts her. “Which doesn’t mean it’s void because Jade agreed Wildes could help. Hart is a Wilde.”
I’ll never forget it.
“He was weirdly detailed.” Juniper yawns on Natalie’s lap.
“Lucky guess.” Why did I reply so fast?
Natalie shrugs, as her nails scratch lightly behind Juniper’s ears. The skunk leans into her touch, eyes half-lidded in pure bliss. But that shrug throws a hundred accusations my way.
I set down the water I’ve been sipping on. “Listen, about that. I might have been a little too enthusiastic last night. I have a lodge to run.”
“Noooo.” My sisters stretch out in unison.
