All They Wanted (Wanted 5.6)

Gunner laughed. “How about you both do it at the same time. First one up and back down can declare himself king of Garner State Park.”

Walking over to Josh, I placed my hands on his chest. “This is silly, Josh. Let’s move along and enjoy our hike.”

He gave me the sweetest smile and kissed my forehead. “I love you, princess.”

I breathed a sigh of relief.

“But I’m taking this dickhead down once and for all. I owe you for the whole Ford truck stunt.”

My shoulders dropped as I stared at a very determined Josh.

Jeff was about on the ground laughing. “Damn. How you liking that truck, Josh? Got enough balls for ya?”

Josh let out some weird growl then placed his hands on my upper arms and looked into my eyes. “I need to do this.”

I shook my head. “No. You really don’t, Josh.”

He smiled and kissed me quickly on the lips. “Thanks for understanding, babe!” My eyes widened in shock as he walked over to the side of the hill with Jeff. They faced each other like they were about to enter a boxing ring.

“Oh hell … I have a feeling this isn’t going to turn out so good,” Ari said as she stood next to me.

My body shuddered as I watched Josh and Jeff race up the hillside. I held my breath when they started pushing each other out of the way.

“Same here,” I whispered.

Oh, he thinks he’s gonna win? Hell no he isn’t.

Jeff and I were neck and neck as we ran up the hill. L

ittle did he know I’d been doing Crossfit classes for the last four months. My ass was in top shape.

“Fucking hell, Hayes!” Jeff called out as we raced to the top. With a wide grin, I knew I was going to at least beat him to the top. Knowing Jeff, he’d slide back down on his ass just to win.

I reached the top and pulled myself up. Lifting my hands above my head, I took in the moment to gloat at my victory. Jeff was almost to the top and I could tell he was struggling to make it.

“Steeper than it looks, isn’t it?” I called out.

“Fuck you,” he spat back while lifting himself over the edge.

Glancing down, Heather jumped and clapped. “Now be careful coming back down!” she called out.

Pesh, I had this. “I’m the king of the—”

Something crawled up my leg, causing me to look down. My eyes widened in horror as I let out a scream so loud I was sure my parents heard it in Austin.

“Get it off!” I yelled as I shook my leg. My foot slipped and I tumbled forward. Jeff reached out for me, but missed. The only thing I could do was hope and pray I didn’t hit my head on one of the rocks on the way down. At the rate I was tumbling down the side of the hill, I was for sure going to win now.

Turning to Heather, I asked, “Are they out there?”

She attempted to hide her smile, but failed. “Yes.”

I rolled my eyes. “Great. I’m never going to hear the end of this.”

Heather shook her head. “Probably not. I’m just glad you’re okay. You scared me to death when you slipped and came down that hill.”

There was no denying Jeff would never let this go. Even my future wife and the mother of my kids was about to bust-out laughing.

Letting out a frustrated sigh, I motioned with my hands for her to let it out. “Just get it out now, will you.”