When You Least Expect It

41

It's insanely hot unpacking Corey's truck at the lake. How we're ever going to get any sleep out here, I don't know. The girls start figuring out where the tents are going to go while we finish up. Ashley takes charge, directing where to put everything.

Once we've got everything out they start trying to put together the first tent. Jason cracks open a beer from the ice chest, "This ought to be entertaining."

Riley cuts her eyes at him, "You think we can't do it?" He shrugs. "How about a race then. You all put up our tent and us girls will put up this one."

"What's the prize? We have to have some incentive to win after all." Corey adds as leans up against his truck bed.

Ashley puts her hands on her hips rolling her eyes at him. "Don't be gross Corey."

"Gross?" Corey closes the gap between them. "That's not what you said last night sweet cheeks." Her face goes bright red. He tilts her chin up so she's looking up at him. "Do we need to go for a drive so we can decide if I'm being gross?"

She drops her arms to her side when he kisses her. "Besides, I was thinking losers gather up the fire wood while the winners relax and have a drink. What were you thinking young lady?"

Jason laughs, "Sounds like an easy win to me. Let's go!"

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We're still trying to figure out which way the rain cover goes on when Riley shouts, "Done!"

"What the hell do you mean done?"

"Ha! You jerks got beat by the girls! Did you think we were stupid or what?" Katie laughs jumping up and down.

Jason throws his hands up, "Corey I thought you knew what you were doing. You got us beat."

He laughs, "Hey, I said I knew how to build MY tent. This one had more poles, I don't know what to tell you."

"I have two older brothers, my whole life has been a competition! We used to go to the lake and camp out all summer. I got tired of losing so I learned how to do it all myself." Riley shrugs giggling.

"Oh so you're the reason I lost? Come here!"

She squeals as Jason chases after her. "Well, I guess that means we need to go find some wood. Now I know there's a joke in there somewhere, Ashley what do you think?" Corey says eyeing her.

"Leave me out of it, that's what I think."

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After dinner we're all just sitting around the campfire chit chatting. This has been exactly what we all needed, no party, no drama. Just peace and fresh air. The wind has started picking up a touch, a shiver runs through me. "I don't know about y'all but I'm getting chilly. That wind is freaking cold."

"Yeah, we probably should be thinking about packing it in for the night anyway. I've enjoyed it though." Corey pats Ashley on the knee. "Why don't you round up our blankets while I get this fire put out?"

Jason stands and stretches his arms over his head. "I didn't want to be the first one to say it but I'm a little tired. That heat kicked my ass today." Riley reaches out her hand and he helps her out of her chair. "You ready for bed honey buns?"

"I sure am. It really has been a lovely evening though. I've really enjoyed hanging out with you all. See you folks in the morning."

"Goodnight you guys. Keep it down though."

"Never." Jason laughs.

Corey pours a bucket of water on the fire. It sizzles putting off thick smoke. "You think it needs another?" I ask.