Manfax (Winter Brothers #2) - Jacob Chance Page 0,20

We’re not experts on bear types,” Dani sounds exasperated.

“What color was its fur?” I question.

“Black, I think. He was dark and fast,” Roxanne tells me. “Especially when he was running toward me.”

“Black bears aren’t usually aggressive unless you have food with you. Did you guys bring any?”

“No, none,” Dani replies.

“Okay, time to get you ladies down. Rocky, you first.” I scramble up the large rocks next to the tree and hold my arms up to assist her. “Come on. I’ll help you.”

Roxanne swings one leg over the limb, lowering herself until she’s hanging by her hands. Wrapping my arms around her hips, I catch hold of her dangling form.

“I’ve got you. Let go.” She complies, and I absorb her weight fully, which places her ass in my face. I’m tempted to drag this moment out as long as I can, but Violet is still precariously perched on the branch waiting for help. I set Roxanne on her feet, and she whirls around to face me.

“Thank you.” She presses against me, giving me a quick, unexpected squeeze before climbing down the rocks to the flat ground below.

“Come on, Violet. You saw what Roxanne did. I need you to do the same.” She does exactly what’s needed, and she’s on her feet in seconds and then next to Roxanne.

I move down to the path joining them while Rex helps his fiancée down from another perch.

“How did Dani end up on a higher branch than you guys?” I ask.

“She’s a better climber than we are. We were lucky to get up there at all,” Roxanne explains.

Once we’re all together on the path, Rex mentions that he’ll take the front and I’ll take the back, so the girls won’t be worried.

As we progress back toward the house, I find my gaze fixated on Roxanne’s beguiling heart-shaped ass. I’m trying my best to be a gentleman, but it’s not easy when I’ve never seen such bangin’ curves in my life. Too many of the women I’ve dated starve themselves trying to squeeze into some arbitrary clothing size.

That’s not the case with Rocky. Last night, watching her dig into the steak dinner with gusto, I was pleasantly surprised and maybe even a bit turned on.

“How long were you guys hanging out in the tree?” I ask, trying to get my mind on more appropriate content.

“Oh, about two hours,” Violet responds. “But it felt like much longer.”

I chuckle. “I bet. How did you manage to get up there?”

“Roxanne and Dani lifted me,” Violet informs me.

I turn to Rocky. “That’s impressive.”

She shrugs. “Not really. Dani helped and Vi’s light.”

“Not that light,” Vi retorts, vigorously scratching her arms. “When we get back to the house I’m jumping in the pool first thing. I’m itchy as hell.”

“Me too.” Roxanne adds. “I feel like bugs are crawling all over me.” She twists from side to side examining her legs.

“You should check yourselves for ticks. There are deer all around our place and in these woods.”

“Oh, great.” Rocky's sarcasm is thick. “This is why I’m not a nature lover. I’ll stick to walking on the treadmill at the gym, thanks.”

The trek back to the house goes much quicker and without running into any more bears. As soon as the pool is in sight, the three friends race across the grass, squealing and laughing. Rex and I snigger as we observe them playfully pushing and shoving each other. When they reach the pavers that surround the pool, they kick off their sneakers and socks. Water splashes everywhere as the three of them jump into the placid surface. Waves and ripples flow away from the three women as my brother and I stop at the edge of the pool.

“Are you thinking of joining them?” I ask.

He shakes his head. “Nah, I’ve got a few phone calls to make for work. What about you?”

“I’m thinking of grilling some burgers and dogs, since we missed lunch.” I rub my stomach.

Rex nods. “I like that idea. I’ll take one of each.”

We walk around the patio together, my brother heads inside, and I fire up the grill.

“Oh, dear future brother-in-law, please tell me you’re about to grill us something delicious,” Dani calls out.

“I’m making a late lunch/early dinner. Who wants a burger or a dog?” My gaze automatically strays to Roxanne.

“Yes.” Danika fist pumps. “You’ve now solidified your place as my favorite of Rex’s brothers.”

“You’re obviously as smart as you are beautiful.” I grin.

“Hey, stop flirting with my fiancée,” Rex complains, appearing in the open sliding glass door.

“Mind