but laugh as Clint did his best to evade the friendly animal. To their relief, it didn’t seem interested in spraying them. It just seemed to want Clint’s attention. “Are you wearing cologne?”
“No,” he managed to answer. “Just some new kind of soap.”
“Well, I think you’ve found the perfect scent to attract the ladies.”
“Attracting a skunk wasn’t part of the plan, dammit.” Clint was tired of evading the little creature. “To hell with it, I’m going after the flag. She can come with me or wait until I get back.”
“Hey, don’t leave me here with…” Jensen stepped out far enough to see what was going on. Clint had taken off for the red flag tied to a distant tree branch. “She’s coming after you!” she called, amused to see the skunk was running at a fast clip trying to catch up with the football player.
Standing on tiptoe, Jensen watched as he trotted down the steep hill to retrieve the flag. When he had the red bandana in hand, he held it up in victory. “Sorry, girl. I gotta run.” With a move straight off the football field, he evaded the amorous skunk, outrunning it up the hill. “Alright, let’s get out of here, retrace our steps, and claim our prize.”
“I’ve seen it all now.” Jensen fell in next to Clint, a smile still shining on her face.
“Yea, who knew skunks had such good taste.”
“Now, we know the type of woman you attract. Skunks and cheerleaders with great racks.”
“I’d rather attract a pretty doctor.” He cut his gaze toward her. “Besides, that cheerleader has nothing on you. You’re the one with the great…”
“Clint! Don’t!” She couldn’t stand to hear what he was about to say. “Don’t compare me with anyone else.” Her voice wavered.
He was startled to hear tears in her voice. “There is no comparison, Jensen.”
“Just…don’t.” She couldn’t bear to hear his compliments and could never tell him why.
“I’m not trying to be disagreeable; I’m just telling the truth.”
When Jensen looked over to give him a warning glance, her eyes widened with surprise. “Why just be disagreeable? With a little more effort you could be a real stinker…like your friend.”
When Clint glanced over his shoulder to see what Jensen saw – he sped up. “What the heck?” His striped admirer was gaining on him.
Chapter Seven
“Are we running to win the contest or because the skunk is still following us?” Jensen asked as she did her best to keep up with Clint. She felt a bit winded but refused to show any sign of weakness.
“Both.” Clint answered with a hint of amusement in his voice.
As they emerged from the woods, Clint held up the red flag. “Did we win?” he called out loudly.
Ten waved them on in. “You are the first to return. Congratulations.”
“What in the world?” Joseph exclaimed when he saw what was trailing along behind Clint and Jensen. “You’ve got a damn skunk on your tail.”
“Yea, it seems infatuated with Clint.” Jensen spoke up with a grin. “I don’t think there’s any danger, it hasn’t attempted to spray or bite.”
“Weird.” Ten eyed the animal with suspicion. “Should I get my gun?”
“No. No.” This protest came from Clint. “No need for that.”
“He’s right,” Beau announced as he stepped off the lodge porch. “No need for that. Hey, Bowie! Come here.”
Hearing his name called, Bowie Malone came hurrying from the parking area. “What’s up?” When he drew closer, his eyes sought out what everyone else was looking at. “Oh, what have we here? Hey, little one!”
To Jensen’s amazement, the big man approached the small animal and knelt down next to it. “Is that wise?” she couldn’t help but ask.
“I think so.” Digging into one of his pockets, he pulled out a few nuggets of some kind. “I have a menagerie at home – dogs, cats, goats, a pot-bellied pig and a camel or two. I always carry treats with me. Somebody, get me some water.”
Joseph stepped forward with a coffee cup. “Got any left in your canteen?” he asked Clint.
“Sure.” Clint filled up the cup, then handed it to Bowie. “Here you go.”
“If I’m not mistaken, this little girl used to be somebody’s pet.” While everyone held their breath, he picked the skunk up to let it sit on his knee.
“Holy moly,” Adam whispered as he and Zion approached the group cautiously. “Have you lost your mind, Malone?”
“My faculties are intact,” Bowie assured him. “She’s harmless. Her scent glands have been removed. Although, I don’t think she would’ve sprayed any of