Chapter 36

I’m unprepared for the sudden lurch as he lifts me by the waist and tips me upside down in mid-air. He flips me over completely, back onto my feet, so that I’m still bent double but in a headlock, my butt facing away from him with my head against his abdomen. I’m squealing and trying to wrench myself free as he keeps walking, but I’m stumbling backward. I’m no more than a gym bag in weight with his muscles, and I squeal in surprise and choke on the sharp intake of breath.

“Jake… stop it!” I’m laughing stupidly and unable to fight as he has my arms pinned to my sides.

“I can’t. I’m looking for a shady corner so I can administer some much-needed discipline,” he threatens with playfulness in his voice. He finally releases me, hauls me back up, pulls me against him with an arm around my shoulders, and drags me onward. My hood falls free, letting the soft rain cool my heated face while I’m breathless from his antics and disheveled from his manhandling.

“You know how man