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Rin—

It cut out

Great

I had two options PutI’d stuffed it in) and try her that way Bud was here, so chances were high that Nikki was babysitting, but her phone always see was nil

My other choice: “Nikki! Nikki! NIKKI!”

She ca down one ar up her pants, and her hair was all frayed everywhere

I—

I couldn’t

Not at all

Her eyes ide seeing ed

Her face was all red and splotchy

Her lips swollen

She ca under her breath, and unlocked the door She opened the door, stepping back I stepped in, and hissed under !”

More cringing fro around to s, and surot round all over again “Oh no, Cale”

I wrinkledYou! Bud locked the door on me”

“Bud?!” She whirled around

And Bud decided to cos, arms in the air Still naked

“Bud!” she gasped, rushing to hi here?”

She lunged right

He jumped left

She jumped left

He dodged, then climbed up on a chair

“BUD!”

Still giggling, he got up on the kitchen counter, and ran the length of it He was fast approaching the point where he’d be caught or have to juerator

I heard Nikki draw in a swift breath of air, at the exact same time as I held mine

He launched—

“BU—”

He was caught mid-air by two muscular arms

He was curled up to a very manly and shirtless chest, and he was carried the rest of the way into the living area where I was still standing, still holding allthat whiskey because I was still hoping to crack this sucker open tonight and drown every last sorrow

“Uncle Creah-pitched the with all his ht at his Uncle Brad’s hair