Midsummer Night Rain

Judy had clearly felt Ryan's gaze too, and she made no effort to hide it. "You're really enjoying this, aren't you?"

"It's a nice view. I don't mind looking."

"You just said that right out loud."

"That wet dress can't be comfortable to wear."

"But isn't a girl's wet dress a badge of honor for a man?"

Ryan didn't understand a word of what she meant.

There was no telling how long the rain would last.

Ryan turned and went back inside.

Inside, everyone except Christian had grasped the situation.

That was good. When faced with a new environment, the usual thing to do was adapt. Those who adapted well were more likely to survive.

Ryan found an umbrella in the house and called to Christian. "We're going out."

"It's raining. My shoes will get wet if I go outside." Christian stopped just short of saying he didn't want to go.

His lazy manner almost made Ryan laugh. He walked over and lifted Christian off the sofa with one hand. "Then don't wear shoes. They won't get wet that way."

"If I stay inside, I won't have to think about any of that," Christian muttered in protest, though he had no control over where he was going.

Ryan held him aloft. All Christian could do was sulk; he didn't dare struggle.

Ryan told Boyd they were leaving, then carried Christian outside.

The air was damp, and the rain fell without pause.

Ryan dropped Christian beneath the eaves. Christian rubbed his backside as he got up. "You actually dared to do that to me."

"How are you planning to get back at me?" Ryan offered him an umbrella, but Christian pushed it away.

The man clearly had his principles. "It doesn't warrant revenge. There are only two of us. One umbrella