Slow No Wake - By Dakota Madison Page 0,41

asked.

“I would prefer you didn’t,” Eddie replied. “At least give it a try.”

“This is a disaster waiting to happen,” Trinity said.

“Maybe you want to be a little more positive,” Eddie encouraged. “Thinking and believing you can make it across is half the battle.”

“I think and believe I’ll most likely fall on my ass,” Trinity mumbled.

“Maybe Daniel can hold your hand while you do it?” Eddie suggested. Daniel glared at him.

“Maybe Ricky can do it,” Daniel suggested. He gave Ricky a pleading look.

“Sure, no problem,” Ricky said and glared at Eddie.

The tension between Eddie and Daniel was getting ridiculous. I almost wanted to take the rest of the day as a sick day.

Ricky helped Trinity climb onto the log, then he held her hand as she walked across the length of it to the other side.

I noticed when Trinity jumped down from the log on the other side, she nearly thrust herself into Ricky’s arms and spent a few too many seconds hanging on to him. Hmm. It would be interesting to see if Serenity had a similar attraction to him.

Ricky went through the same routine with Serenity and just as I anticipated, Serenity jumped into his arms and spent a few too many seconds in his embrace. When I caught Ricky’s eye after he let go of Serenity, he looked flattered by the attention. He certainly did have a way with the ladies.

Only Daniel and I were left to make the trek across the log. Daniel jumped on the log and hurried across it with ease. It almost looked like he was going for a morning stroll, he was so comfortable on it. With Daniel at the other end, Eddie grabbed my hand and pulled me over to the log. As he helped me up, I could see Daniel hurry over and get into Eddie’s face.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Daniel demanded.

Eddie clamped my hand in his. “What does it look like I’m doing?”

“Let go of her hand,” Daniel insisted.

Eddie’s eyes narrowed. “No.”

Daniel pointed a finger in Eddie’s face. “I don’t want you touching her.”

“You don’t get to make that decision.”

I tried to pull my hand from Eddie’s but he just tightened his hold on me.

“I’m going to help Alexandria across the log,” Eddie said.

“No, you’re not,” Daniel countered.

I suddenly felt like a bone that two dogs were fighting over. Finally, Ricky stood between the two men. “Because I’d like to get this over with and get home sometimes before it gets dark, I’ll help Lexie across the log.”

Eddie dropped my hand, but his eyes remained fixed on Daniel’s. Ricky shook his head then grabbed my hand. “Come on, kiddo,” he said. “Let’s rock and roll.”

With Ricky helping me to balance, I made it across the log quickly and relatively easily. When I got to the other end, Daniel was waiting for me and I noticed he made sure that Ricky dropped my hand as soon as I hopped down from the log.

“My man,” Ricky said to Daniel. “You’ve got it bad.” He patted his friend on the back as he passed by him.

It took so long to do the first two elements, by the time we all finished walking the log, it was almost time for lunch.

“We don’t have enough time to start the climbing wall,” Eddie said. “So why don’t we break for an early lunch?”

The twins both applauded that idea.

“Tom gave us money to get subs or pizza,” Eddie said. “Who has a preference?”

“My preference is for food,” Ricky joked. “I’m starving. How about pizza and subs?”

Brad raised his hand. “If we have to make due with fast food, I would prefer subs.”

“Pizza,” said the twins in unison, which earned a death stare from Brad.

“What would you like, Lexie?” Daniel asked.

I shrugged. “I don’t have a preference. I could go either way.”

That earned a snicker from Ricky. Now I was the one giving him the death stare. I was clearly talking about food, not Daniel and Eddie.

“My vote is for pizza,” Daniel said. “Sorry, Brad.”

Brad heaved a sigh. “I supposed I can make do with the excessive cheese and grease for one day.”

“Alexandria, would you like to come with me to pick up the pizzas?” Eddie raised an eyebrow in my direction.

“I’ll go,” Daniel said.

“I don’t recall inviting you,” Eddie said.

I placed a hand on Daniel’s shoulder. “It’s okay. I can go to pick up pizzas.”

“I don’t think it’s a good idea,” Daniel said through clenched teeth.

“It’ll be fine,” I reassured him.

“I don’t mind tagging along,”