Cat & Mouse Games (Tempting Mr. Parker) by Gia Blue Page A

it’ll take to make things right. Just have to figure out how I can talk with him and apologize.
    My dad and Mr. Parker chat about going hunting and my mom offers to pack them lunch and a thermos of coffee. Since I’m not a fan of shooting animals for the fun of it and I don’t want to be stuck in a cabin with mom and Mrs. Drunk, I ask Brandon if he wants to join me on a hike to Cedar Point. The trail begins about four miles from the main road, and then up to the hill that overlooks a small lake.
    Brandon welcomes my idea and I figure he doesn’t want to be around due to his mom’s behavior. He needs fresh air as badly as I do.
    So, it’s settled. Dad and Mr. Parker will take the ATV to their usual spot while Brandon and I hike to Cedar Point. I pack two water bottles and a few snacks into my backpack as well as a book and my iPod. As soon as dad and Mr. Parker leave, Brandon and I set out for the trail.
    But, an hour into our hike, I can hear Brandon huffy and puffy like a wolf trying to blow down the little piggy’s house. The fact that this fit, perfect young body has no stamina is depressing.
    “Tired?” I look over my shoulder to yell to him.
    Brandon wipes his forehead with the back of his hand. “No, I’m good.”
    “I take it you’re not a big hiking fan?”
    “Yeah… I lift weights twice a week, but I rarely settle in for cardio.”
    “Ah…” So many useless muscles.
    “I guess you like hiking then?” He groans and pants behind me.
    “I run four miles every morning, if I can.”
    He whistles. “No wonder you have…” His gaze envelopes me, touches me from head to toe. “Such a stunning body.”
    “Thanks.” I grin. “Wanna take five?”
    “Nah,” he waves me off. “I’m good now.”
    He doesn’t look too good, but whatever… He may be hot, but he is definitely a city boy and doesn’t look comfortable navigating the steep hill or cutting through the dense underbrush. He’s as awkward as a chubby, nerdy guy at the prom without a date. With Brandon’s family cabin not far away, I’d just figured he’d enjoy exploring the forest behind his family’s property. Apparently not.
    Twenty minutes later we take five beneath a big oak tree. The leaves have already changed and those that have fallen make a tawny blanket over the tree’s gnarly roots. The temperature is in the mid-fifties and just perfect for hiking.
    I hand over a bottle of Evian and open one for myself. Brandon drains his in five minutes, but I only drink a bit of mine, making sure I have more for later.
    I roll to my feet and stand still for a moment, listen to the quiet chirping of the birds and the sounds of leaves brushing together… just the quiet, living hum of the forest.
    I love nature. The fresh air. The ambience, serenity and tranquility.
    Unfortunately, I find myself unable to relax like usual. I can’t shake the feeling we’re being watched. I glance around, peer into the shadows, but don’t see anything suspicious. There’s no wild bear waiting to pounce or a bogey man up a tree.
    Hmm…
    I don’t like this. Not at all.
    Good thing I always carry a Taser for protection. Shit happens and I like to be prepared. Okay, my Dad likes me to be prepared and it’s something he’s drilled into my head since I was little. I dig the Taser from my pack and slide it into my pocket.
    When Brando is ready to go again, we continue on the trail and get back to heading to Cedar Point. After the break, he’s looking less like death warmed over and a bit healthier. His cheeks are nice and rosy, his blond hair tousled messily. I have to admit he’s one terminally cute guy. But… there’s something a bit “off” about him and I haven’t quite figured out what it is.
    The terrain turns rocky, growing more steep, and difficult to navigate the closer we get to our destination. I’m familiar with the area, but Brandon isn’t and he stumbles here and there, nearly doing a face-plant a time or two. When I hear a heavy