Wicked Places (An Ivy Morgan Mystery Book 4) Read Online Free

truck on the first day of their camping trip and glancing around. “That will allow us to pick the best spot for our tent.”
    “It’s not a competition, honey,” Jack said, following her to the back of his truck so they could start unpacking. “For the record, though, I’m glad we’re here first, too. This way I can watch you put up the tent and take credit for it when they all get here.”
    Ivy smirked. Jack was taking his camping deficiencies in stride and was eager to learn. He’d watched her ready bags of food for hours the previous day, content to let her plan their menu and figure out exactly what they would need for their week of fun and relaxation.
    In the back of his brain, Jack always worried Ivy’s vegetarianism would come back to bite him at mealtimes. In truth, she always went out of her way to make sure he had something to enjoy. He hadn’t been surprised when she packed hot dogs, hamburgers, and steaks for him. In fact, he’d been thankful … and a little awed at the pragmatic way her mind worked.
    “Okay,” Ivy said, taking charge as she looked around the area. “According to the information they sent you we have these three campsites. Two of your friends have campers, right?”
    Jack nodded. “They made fun of me because I didn’t have a camper.”
    “That’s the wimpy way to camp, honey,” Ivy said. “You’re going to be happy we’re doing it our way.”
    “You mean your way,” Jack corrected, although he winked to let her know he was joking.
    “Okay, smart guy, why don’t you pick the spot for our tent?” Ivy suggested, her hands landing on her narrow hips.
    Jack pursed his lips at the challenge. He loved riling her up. “Fine,” he said, brushing off his hands and moving away from the truck so he could scan the campsites. “I think we should go over there,” he said, pointing at the slot on the right.
    “Why?”
    “Because … I always sleep in the right side of the bed.”
    Ivy wanted to maintain a serious façade, but she couldn’t stop herself from laughing. “It’s a good thing you’re handsome,” she said. “I think we should put the campers on either end, thus creating kind of a wall to block other people off, and the tents in the center where we’ll probably have most of the bonfires.”
    “You’re good at this,” Jack said, tweaking her nose. “Of course, you’re good at everything. I really shouldn’t be surprised.”
    “You’re trying to be charming because you want me to put up the tent so we can have a few hours alone before your friends show up,” Ivy said. “Admit it.”
    “There’s absolutely no reason to deny it.”
    “I like the way your mind works,” Ivy said, grabbing Jack’s face and planting a sloppy kiss on him. “I think we should take the spot closest to the end of the slot so we can be buffered by the trees and also look out at the water. I can position the tent so when we open the flaps we’ll have a lake view.”
    Jack grinned. “Now I like the way your mind works,” he said, grabbing her before she could wander away and kissing her senseless. When they separated, Ivy instinctively tidied her hair and Jack tugged a restless hand through his. “Get that tent up.”
    “Yes, sir,” Ivy said, kicking her heels together as she mock saluted. “Is there anything else you want me to do, sir?”
    “Not until you get that tent up.”
    The couple set about their tasks, Jack carrying everything to the location Ivy picked for their tent while she unpacked the box and placed all the items on the ground to study them. When he was done, he watched her with unbridled fascination as she slapped everything together without even glancing at the instructions.
    “I wouldn’t even have the box open yet,” Jack admitted.
    “You’re out of your element,” Ivy said. “You’ll still have fun, and I won’t say a word when you take credit for putting up the tent.”
    “Did you camp a lot when you were younger?” Jack asked,