Camp Hot Mess (Walker Hills #2) Read online

  CAMP HOT MESS

  BELLA JEWEL 2022

  Also by Bella Jewel

  Jokers' Wrath MC

  Bestie

  Rumblin' Knights

  Knights Rising

  Knights Fury

  Knights Lady

  Knights Burden

  Turf Wars

  Biker Schmiker

  Heart-On

  Pop Goes The Biker

  Tartlet

  Clash Of The Nannies

  Walker Hills

  Camp Hot Mess (Coming Soon)

  Standalone

  Amore - Boxed Set

  Wild Child

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Also By Bella Jewel

  DEDICATION | To my loyal readers, | This series is for each and every one of you. | Without you, I would be nothing. | Thank you xx

  ~*CAMP HOT MESS*~

  CAMP HOT MESS | Copyright © 2022 Bella Jewel

  ~*ACKNOWLEDGMENTS*~

  PROLOGUE

  1 | Years later

  2

  3

  4

  5

  6

  7

  7

  9

  10

  11

  12

  13

  14

  15

  16

  17

  18

  19

  SIX WEEKS LATER

  THE END

  You can find the links here, as well as my socials – I’d love to have you so please pop in and give me a like! | Pre Order Here - http://mybook.to/CampCrim

  Now, for a snippet from Camp Crim – May 2022

  Also By Bella Jewel

  DEDICATION

  To my loyal readers,

  This series is for each and every one of you.

  Without you, I would be nothing.

  Thank you xx

  ~*CAMP HOT MESS*~

  All rights reserved. This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook is copyright material and must not be copied, reproduced, transferred, distributed, leased, licensed or publicly performed or used in any form without prior written permission of the publisher, as allowed under the terms and conditions under which it was purchased or as strictly permitted by applicable copyright law. Any unauthorized distribution, circulation or use of this text may be a direct infringement of the author’s rights, and those responsible may be liable in law accordingly. Thank you for respecting the work of this author.

  CAMP HOT MESS

  Copyright © 2022 Bella Jewel

  CAMP HOT MESS is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places and events portrayed in this book either are from the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, establishments, events, or location is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

  ~*ACKNOWLEDGMENTS*~

  As always, my heartfelt thanks to every single blogger, reader and author that has supported my journey. From reading my books, to sharing them, to raving about them, to being there for me. Thank you. My career would be nothing without any of you.

  A massive thanks to the team at Valentine PR for taking me on, especially to Kim and Nina for helping me with this release and this new series. I am looking forward to working with you all on this book and future books, and I’m incredibly grateful for the hard work you all do.

  A massive thanks to Ben Ellis from Tall Story Designs for this gorgeous cover. You’re the easiest, most efficient person I’ve ever worked with. You make my covers absolutely gorgeous every single time. I couldn’t do it without you.

  To my favorite editor Wendi from Ready, set, edit, for always coming through for me on my edits, whenever I need them. You’re amazing and I’m so thankful to you. You’re super easy to work with and so nice. I’m glad to team up with you for these things.

  And of course, to my admin, MJ, for ALWAYS keeping my page running beautifully. I couldn’t do it without you, girly. I love your teasers and your passion; thank you for taking the time out of your life to help this poor girl keep everything running.

  To my good friend Melissa from next door, for always reading my books. I hope you see this, and I hope it makes your day. Thank you for giving my work a chance and always being the first in to get my books when they come out. You’re awesome!!

  And, last but certainly not least, to my loyal readers. To each and every one of you that picks up my books and give me a chance. To the reviews you write, good or bad. To the time you take to make me a better person. You make this real for me; never stop giving such love and passion. You make our journey so amazing.

  PROLOGUE

  “Little June buggy, in the sand ...”

  “Sing that once more and I’m going to come over there and fly kick you right in your pretty face,” I warn, raising a finger to my sister who is skipping around me singing her version of Dune buggy.

  “Little blue June buggggy, in my hand ...”

  I launch at her, arms circling her waist as I pull her to the ground, our laughter trailing through the living room. She squeals with delight as she wiggles out from my grip and runs around, proceeding to sing the song I absolutely loathe. She’s been doing it since the moment she could talk, and not a single day goes by where she doesn’t wake up and sing that song to me.

  “Seriously, Aspen, stop.”

  She skips off into the kitchen, her little voice trailing out as she continues with her song.

  When you look back on those moments, the ones where you don’t know what’s going to come next, you find yourself wondering if there were signs. Did you have an indication something would happen? Did you know? Did anything happen that day that made you suspect your entire world would be turned upside down?

  I know I didn’t.

  I wish I could go back and call my sister back in, I wish I could take her hand and skip around the room with her like I used to when I was younger, singing that song at the top of my lungs as we laughed and danced. I would do anything to hear her voice fill our house with that song just one more time.

  I didn’t know.

  I didn’t know that she would run outside, so wrapped up in her own little world that she wouldn’t see the drunk driver swerving down our street.

  I didn’t know that she would collide with that car.

  I didn’t know that her life —her short, beautiful life — would end right there.

  I didn’t know.

  If I had known, would I have changed that day?

  Could I have changed it?

  Or is that the whole purpose of life?

  You can’t change a path that has already been mapped out.

  You can only choose how you pave the rest of the way.

  I’d do anything to change that day.

  But I couldn’t.

  No matter how hard I tried.

  1

  Years later

  “Hey, lady, wake up.”

  I open my eyes, the world spinning around me as I look up into what must be the entirety of my spank bank all wrapped into one, gorgeous piece of man. I mean, words can’t describe what I’m looking at right now, which makes me wonder if I’m dreaming. Am I dreaming?

  I don’t even know where I am.

  Did he kidnap me? I can’t say I’d be sad if he did. Hell, I’d probably welcome it. Imagine being tortured by this fine specimen?

  “Am I dead?” I ask, rubbing a hand over my face.

  God, I’m drunk.

  I’m so drunk.

  I didn’t realize it at first, but now...oh now...my head is spinning, and my entire body feels foreign to me. I can’t feel my le
gs, which is both scaring and weird. What the ever-loving hell did I do?

  “You’re not dead, but you will be if you stay out here any longer.”

  Out here?

  Where the hell is here?

  I squint, looking up at Prince Charming again. “Care to tell me where here is?”

  He looks a mixture of horrified and impressed as he stares at me, eyes narrowed, lips slightly pursed. “Fuck me, how much did you drink?”

  What a stupid question. “Well, if I knew, I wouldn’t be here, would I?”

  He exhales, reaching down and carefully pulling me to my feet. It’s then I realize I was on the ground, in the dirt, out in the freezing cold. My head pounds as I get to my feet, and even though I try my hardest, my body does not want to do what I’m asking of it, and I find myself clinging to the hot stranger who is currently taking all my body weight.

  “You’re at a retreat, remember?”

  Oh.

  Shit.

  I remember alright.

  We are on a month-long retreat, this one for mothers. There are eight of us, and we’re all quite different and mostly perfect strangers, but boy did we drink some wine on the trip here. I literally don’t remember a single thing after that. My memory is completely blank, and that’s more than a little terrifying.

  I haven’t had that much to drink since I was a teenager and could handle the hangover the day after. I already know what this is going to do to me tomorrow, and I’m not looking forward to it.

  At all.

  “Right,” I murmur. “I guess we made it then.”

  Hot rancher stares at me, his eyes narrowing as he looks down. “You don’t remember a fuckin’ thing, do you?”

  This is the moment when you know what he’s about to say is going to horrify you and make you feel shame on a level so deep, you’ll wish you were buried in a hole.

  “Why do I have a feeling you’re about to tell me some pretty horrific stories?” I grunt.

  “I’ll leave that to your friends. They sent me to find you.”

  Friends?

  I don’t know anyone here.

  “They’re not my friends, I don’t even know them ...”

  “Well, better get to know them, you’ve got a month of time to spend with them.”

  I grunt and take a few wobbly steps as he tries to lead me toward what appears to be some cabins in the distance.

  “You’re a mom?” he asks me as we slowly walk.

  Obviously, dude. I didn’t come here to pretend to be one. That shit takes strength, a strength you don’t have by pretending. Moms are warriors, and I feel like his question is more a judgement than anything.

  “Why do I feel like you’re judging me?”

  He snorts. “Not judgin’ you. I’m just askin’ a question.”

  “Yes, I’m a mom. My, ah, ex sent me on this retreat. Apparently, I needed it. I call bullshit, he just wanted time with our son.”

  “How old is your son?”

  “He’s seven.”

  “Nice.”

  “I didn’t even ask your name,” I mumble. “Sorry. What’s your name, cowboy?”

  He stops, dead in his track and his voice comes out like a whip. “Call me cowboy again and the only name you’ll remember is the holy lord as I tan your fuckin’ ass.”

  I pause and look up at him, a sly grin on my face. “Hit a nerve, did I?”

  His face is stony. I lose the grin.

  “Fine, I won’t call you cowboy again. Give me a name and I might have something better to call you, yes?”

  “Lorenzo, you can call me Enzo. But we’ve been through this already, Juniper.”

  Oh crap.

  I don’t even want to know what I may, or may not, have said to this man.

  “So, we’re well acquainted then?”

  “Not so much, but you sure made a strong first impression.”

  God.

  I don’t even want to know.

  “I’m not even going to ask what I have said or done while under the influence. You can keep that in your book of secrets, yes?”

  “Noted.”

  We reach the cabin, and I look up, admiring the quaint beauty of it. It sits in a line with some others, backed by mountains and trees. It is beautifully made, with exceptional wooden craftmanship that is to be admired. It looks cozy and comfortable, and I can’t wait to get inside and find the bed.

  “This is something,” I murmur, stumbling a little as we go up the front stairs.

  We reach the patio and the door swings open and out pops the bubbliest, bounciest, brightest woman I’ve ever seen in my life. She looks like a little pixie, with short dark hair, striking green eyes, a tiny build, and the biggest smile I’ve ever seen in my life. She is incredibly alert for the time of the night we’re currently in, and she looks like she is about to hug me, which is terrifying.

  “There you are, Juney,” she cries, “Gosh, I was so worried about you.”

  I’m sorry, Juney?

  Juney?

  Who the hell is this woman?

  I stare at her.

  She rushes forward, throwing her arms around me.

  I knew it. I knew she was going to hug me.

  “Oh, thank you so much, Lorenzo. What a strong and capable man you are. I was so worried about her. You’re really a lifesaver.”

  Enzo releases me, but I latch on, hanging onto his arm before turning and whisper hissing, “Who is this woman? You can’t leave me here.”

  He smirks. “This is your cabin mate, Faye.”

  Cabin mate?

  As in ... we’re staying together for a whole month?

  No.

  I thought we would be on our own.

  No.

  Help.

  “Come on, silly,” Faye cries, tugging my arm. “We’ll get you some tea and put you to bed. We’ve had a big day. My gosh, I haven’t had so much fun in so long. This is going to be great. Bring her in, Enzo.”

  I look up at Enzo, still clinging to his arm. “You cannot send me inside with her. There must be another cabin? Somewhere? Anywhere?”

  He grins, and oh boy, he really is something else. Under the porch light, I can see him so much clearer. There is something so incredibly masculine about his features, and don’t get me started on his incredible looks. Long dark hair that curls at the base of his neck, olive skin, a body covered in tattoos, muscles that seem to have no end, and that scar in his eyebrow that goes down to his top lip makes him look dangerous.

  I like my men dangerous.

  And it has always gotten me into trouble.

  “You two were bondin’ great earlier.”

  “Listen, Enzo, I don’t know if you care, but let me tell you a little something about myself. I don’t do people. I only came on this retreat because I had to. I’m awkward, anti-social, and I don’t do bubbly. She’s terrifying, you can’t leave me here.”

  “Come on, Juney. I’ve got your tea ready!” Faye calls.

  Enzo’s grin gets wider. “Then maybe she’ll be good for you. Enjoy your night, Juney.”

  “I swear to God if you leave me here ...”

  He pries my hand from his arm and forces me to take a step back. I sway a little on my feet, but mostly, I’m trying to stop myself from lunging at him and hugging him like a monkey so he can’t leave me here. People like Faye terrify me because they’re way too high energy, and I simply don’t know how to handle people like that.

  “Have a goodnight, sweetheart,” he murmurs, turning toward the steps.

  “Come on, I’ll do anything, just don’t leave me here. Please,” I call out.

  He looks back over his shoulder. “Daddy has to go.”

  I blink.

  He grins.

  Then he’s gone.

  Daddy?

  Oh god. Why is he saying that?

  Faye’s laugh has me spinning around. “He’s never going to let you live that down, it was so funny.”

  “What was so funny?” I cry, frustrated.
>
  “You don’t remember? When we got here, you walked right up to him and called him daddy. It was hilarious.”

  Oh no.

  No.

  Sweet mother of mercy.

  What the hell is wrong with me?

  “WAKEY WAKEY! THE SUN is shining! The world is spinning! Let’s go.”

  I open my eyes to see Faye looking down at me with a bright smile on her face and a cup of coffee in her hand. My curtains are open, and the sunlight is shining right into my face, burning my eyes. I sit up, groaning as I do. The pounding in my head reminding me of the massive day we had. I press a hand to my face, exhaling, and then I look to Faye. “Listen, Faye, I’m sure you’re a nice person and all, but I’m going to tell you something about me ... I don’t do bubbly people. Hell, I don’t do people at all most days. No offense, but you’re way to happy for me.”

  She laughs. “Don’t be so silly, everyone needs people. Come on, get up, we have adventures ahead.”

  “I’m not getting up; I’m staying here all day.”

  “No, you’re not,” she reaches down and hauls my blankets off me then flings them off the bed, “Breakfast is ready and we’re doing some swimming today.”

  Swimming.

  That could be nice.

  When I don’t feel like I’m going to die.

  “I need you to be a little less excited, Faye, and leave the room so I can get up.”

  She puts the coffee down. “Don’t be long.”

  She leaves and I groan, pressing my hands to my face before climbing out of bed and having a shower. I put my hair in plaited pigtails because I’m too lazy to do anything else, and then I dress in some denim shorts and a tank. I drink the coffee as we walk down toward the main house on the ranch. I don’t remember a single damned thing about it, but as we near closer, I see a whole heap of gorgeous cowboys standing with the other ladies who came on this retreat with us.

  I don’t know any of them.

  At least, I don’t remember any of them.

  I have no doubt yesterday I was best friends with them all.