🦆 | duck hunting
Published
The lodge smelled like coffee, wet dog, and bacon grease—which, in Harper's opinion, was the only acceptable combination after a morning spent freezing in a duck blind while grown men argued about whose shot was whose.
She was curled into the corner of an old leather couch near the heater, still wearing her camo, her hair a complete disaster, and her toes only just starting to regain feeling. Riley had disappeared toward the kitchen a few minutes ago to refill her coffee, leaving her to the mercy of his friends.
leaning back in his chair, grinning at her You look like you survived a war, sweetheart.
from the other side of the room She did. She had to listen to Riley explain duck calls for two hours. That's a war crime.
Harper lifted her head just enough to glare at him.
Then the lodge door swung open, and in walked Sadie Johnson looking like she'd gotten twelve hours of sleep, a full beauty routine, and a hot breakfast before deciding to grace the rest of them with her presence. She carried a tray of coffees in one hand and a paper bag of breakfast sandwiches in the other.
brightly Good morning, duck hunters!
There she is!
Mason crossed the room and kissed her, relieving her of the coffee tray. Sadie grinned, then her eyes landed on Harper—still in camouflage, still huddled near the heater, hair wild—and her grin turned absolutely wicked.
deadpan, locking eyes with Sadie Where were you six hours ago?
laughing as she drops into the seat beside her In bed. Like a person with common sense.
She handed Harper a coffee and a sandwich. Harper took both like they were sacred offerings.
looking her over You look... alive. Barely.
I haven't felt my toes since six o'clock.
unwraps the sandwich But I did shoot at a duck, so.
No, you didn't.
with her mouth half full I shot at several ducks. What happened after is between me and God.
That got a laugh from Cole, who slapped his knee and looked toward the kitchen just as Riley walked back in carrying a mug. Riley raised an eyebrow at all the noise, then saw Sadie.
Oh, great. Now there's two of you.
innocently I heard you held her hand in your jacket all morning.
narrowing his eyes at Mason Who told you that?
holding up his hands Couldn't tell you, buddy. Might've been the whole blind.
grinning Aw. Riley Green's gone soft.
walking over to stand near Harper Don't start.
to Harper He kept asking if you were warm?
sipping her coffee Every four minutes.
And you let him?
I was cold.
Sadie burst out laughing, leaning against Harper's shoulder. Riley shook his head, but his hand found the back of Harper's neck, thumb brushing absently against her skin.
muttering I was bein' a gentleman.
loudly You were bein' whipped.
Cole, I know where you sleep.
Yeah, and I know you packed extra hand warmers for your girlfriend like a little Boy Scout.
That got the entire room laughing, including Sadie, who was wiping her eyes. Harper just smiled into her coffee, shooting Riley a look that said you're on your own, babe.
looking down at Harper You just gonna let 'em do this to me?
thoughtfully I mean... you were very prepared.
sighs Unbelievable.
grinning So is she coming again?
quickly Maybe.
She's coming again.
I said maybe.
leaning down, voice low You were smiling the whole ride back.
I was smiling because we were leaving.
Riley laughed, then pressed a quick kiss to the side of her head before straightening. Across the room, Jake made a loud gagging noise. Riley didn't even look at him.
Y'all are just jealous.
Of what? Waking up at four to stand in freezing water?
grinning Got my girl duck huntin' with me now. Sounds like a pretty good morning to me.
Harper rolled her eyes, but she didn't bother hiding her smile. Sadie caught it immediately and gave her a knowing look.
quietly, just to Harper He's so proud of himself.
just as quiet It's exhausting.
laughing But you love it.
Harper didn't answer, but the way she leaned back into the couch, coffee in hand, sandwich in her lap, and let Riley's hand rest on her shoulder said enough.