Claimed by the Mate, Volume 1

Claimed by the Mate, Volume 1 by Kate Douglas

Book: Claimed by the Mate, Volume 1 by Kate Douglas Read Free Book Online
Authors: Kate Douglas
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“I’ve never been skinny-dipping with anyone. Ever.” Then she poked Wils with her elbow. “I think it was all your fault.”
    Wils laughed and wrapped an arm around her waist. Cherry’d noticed that the two of them had definitely hit it off. “C’mon, darlin’. Your cabin’s just through here.”
    â€œIt is? Mine’s next to Darnell’s?”
    â€œYep. And Christa’s on the other side. I’ll see you to your door, poor thing. I mean, since you’re obviously so exhausted and all. Besides, then you can complain about me all you want since I’ll be your only audience.”
    The two of them peeled off to the left and disappeared in the thick forest, though Cherry could hear them talking. Then she heard the sound of them walking up the steps to Steph’s cabin. The door opened and closed. There wasn’t any sound of Wils’s returning footsteps.
    Ronan was watching the trail. A moment later he grinned. “It appears Wils decided to escort Steph inside.” He started walking again.
    â€œI thought we were more isolated, a lot farther from each other.” Cherry turned to Ronan.
    â€œYou’re really quite close to one another,” he said. “You can thank Brad for the sense of privacy. The design is all his baby. He’s an architect who plans his structures to blend with the landscaping. He’s pretty well-known, actually, but he has a personal interest in this place. Brad wanted guests to be more aware of the forest around them than of the other cabins, so the six cabins form a half circle behind the lodge, but each is hidden from the others, and the lodge.”
    They’d only walked a few more steps before Ronan stopped and pointed to a small trail leading into the woods. “Cherry, I’m going to walk your sister to her cabin. I’ll be right back.”
    Except Cherry had a feeling Ronan would much prefer to linger, and just as strong a sense that Christa hoped he would. “Take your time,” she said. “The trail’s easy to follow and I think I know where I am. Thank you, Ronan. Today couldn’t have been more fun.”
    He really did have a beautiful smile. “You’re welcome,” he said. “You’re sure you’ll be okay on you own?”
    â€œNot a problem. Now if it was Christa…” She grinned at her sister.
    Christa groaned. “She’s referring to my nonexistent sense of direction. I can get lost in the parking lot at Walmart.”
    Ronan merely shook his head. “Then I’m definitely walking you to your door. Thanks, Cherry.”
    Cherry gave Christa a hug and whispered, “Enjoy yourself.”
    Ronan grabbed Christa’s hand; she waved and followed him down the trail. Cherry took the wider trail that would take her directly to the lodge. Giving Christa time with Ronan was the least she could do for a sister who cared enough to trick her into coming along on this most amazing adventure.

Chapter 6
    Cherry’d only taken a few steps before she saw the back side of the lodge through the trees. She decided to go that way first—just in case Brad or Cain was there. Brad was behind the bar making margaritas for Fred and Suni, but there was no sign of Cain.
    â€œHey, Cherry. You’re back!”
    â€œHi, Brad. The margaritas look so good.” She slowly parked her butt on one of the stools at the bar. Her legs were really sore from all the hiking.
    â€œTrust me, they are,” Suni said. “Did you have fun on the hike?”
    â€œIt was terrific, though my muscles might disagree. You’ll have to ask Darnell about the day’s activities. Ronan and Wils are better than any cruise directors for making things fun.”
    Brad set the drinks on the counter for Suni and Fred. After they each took theirs and left, Brad smiled at Cherry. “Would you like one?”
    Regretfully, Cherry shook her head. “I’d

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