The Hazards of Skinny Dipping (Hazards #1)(38)
Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy

“You’re too proud to admit you overreacted.”

“That’s definitely not true.”

“Do you want me to beg? Is that it?” He sat up, and I had no doubt he’d drop to his knees if I asked him to. He walked toward where I stood in the doorway.

“No! I don’t want you to beg. I want you out of my room.”

I used his momentary surprise to push him out of the room. I slammed the door and locked it. He banged on the door. “Juliet! Come on, we need to talk.”

I didn’t even bother to listen. I put on my headphones and found the perfect song: Beyoncé’s Independent Women. On impulse, just as I was about to fall asleep, I texted Reed.

Do you really sleep naked?

LOL Still thinking about me naked, Juliet?

I’m just worried a female slasher might get you.

I appreciate the concern. I’ll be sure to lock my door. You do the same.

I already did. Dylan’s on the other side of it.

Do you need me to come over there?

Nope. It’s under control.

You sure?

Positive.

See you in the morning, Oakley.

If you make it.

I will. I’m not missing the chance to take you paint balling.

Chapter Twenty

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Subject: Hey

Dear Amy,

Things are looking up.

Just Juliet

“I like the ponytail.” Reed tugged on the end of my hair to make his point.

“I figured I’d blend in better this way.”

“You’re not going to blend in, but I like the look.”

I glanced down at my worn out hooded sweatshirt and jeans. “This is the real me.”

“I know, and it’s nice.” He pulled away from the curb.

“Where are we going exactly?”

“A field in North Charleston. It won’t take too long.”

“And who are we playing with?” Surprisingly, I hadn’t questioned that yet.

“It’s mostly Al’s friends and a few guys I went to high school with.”

“Does that mean Al’s going to be there?”

Reed turned. “Yeah. Is that a problem?”

I remembered how awkward our first meeting had been. “I don’t think I made the best first impression.”

“Yeah you did. He thought you were cute and humorous.”

“Humorous?”

“Yes. Evidently you were funny before I got there.”

“Not intentionally,” I mumbled.

Reed must have heard me because he laughed.

I tried not to get too nervous about playing a game I’d never played with a bunch of older guys, but it was a little bit intimidating.

Reed pulled into a parking lot, and I prepared myself. By the time I got out, Reed already had a black bag slung over his shoulder.

I pointed to the bag. “What’s in there?”

“My equipment.”

“Was I supposed to bring my own?”

Reed laughed. “Yes. I expected you to buy your own equipment in less than twelve hours.” He shook his head. “I have gear for you.”

I followed him over to where a group of guys waited. Al noticed us and took a few steps toward us. “You brought Juliet?”

What? Al didn’t know I was coming?

Reed didn’t seem concerned about his uncle’s reaction. “She’s our secret weapon. Trust me on this.”

I grabbed Reed’s arm. “Secret weapon?”

He grinned. “That’s what you are.”

After introducing me to his other teammates and the guys we were playing against, Reed sat down on a bench and unzipped his bag. I got even more nervous. All but two of them were dressed head to toe in camo. What the hell had Reed gotten me into?

I watched in disbelief as they all pulled out guns, ammo, and other things I couldn’t name from their bags.

“Heads up.” Reed tossed me a pair of goggles.

“Where’s my gun?”

“Cutting right to the chase, huh?”

He handed me a gun and showed me the basics. “I think I’ll catch on.”

“I’ll take your word for it.”

I liked it that Reed didn’t question me.

We walked out into the field. It was pretty much set up with a team on each side and the main field in between. The field consisted of obstacles, like broken down cars and these man-made structures you could climb. I had absolutely no idea what I was supposed to do, but I assumed Reed would let me know.

He came up behind me and leaned in to whisper, “You need to get over to that structure and climb to the roof.”

“The roof? Aren’t I asking to be hit?”

“They won’t bother with you. They’re going to be more concerned with Al and me since we’re the biggest.”

“Okay…”

“When the other team passes, take them out one by one.”

“You make it sound easy.”

“It might be.” He grinned. “Have fun, Oakley.”

The horn blew, and I did exactly as Reed said. I climbed up and waited. As Reed expected, they weren’t even looking for me. I double checked my gun as I waited for our opponents. They moved past, thinking they were safe, and I hit the first one on the arm. I did the same for the second, and then got the third guy in the back. I knew there were two more left, but I figured three out of five was pretty darn good.

I climbed down and hid around the back side of the structure. Before long, Reed and Al took out the remaining men.

“Nice going, kid.” Al patted me on the back when I met up with them.

“Thanks, but it was all Reed’s idea.”

Al turned to Reed. “You knew she could shoot?”

“I had a hunch.” He grinned, remembering back to laser tag. “Where’d you learn to shoot like that?”

“My dad’s retired Army. He made sure his kids could handle a gun. I didn’t like it, but I put up with my yearly lessons.”

Reed smiled. “Your dad sounds like an interesting person.”

“He is. You’d probably get along with him.”

He put an arm around my shoulder. “You want to play the next round?”

“I think I might sit it out.” I was having fun, but these guys took things seriously, and it might be more entertaining to watch.

“That’s fine. Maybe we can grab lunch after this?”

“I’d love to. I skipped breakfast.”