All I hear when he says clear his head is that he needs space from me. There’s something here. I know there is, but it’s obvious he doesn’t want there to be.
Well, screw him. Like it or not, we’re friends. Or we were before he ditched me. He can still go home if he wants to, but I’m making sure it’s with a clear name.
He doesn’t follow me as I bolt outside. The day’s activities will start any minute, but I’m not doing anything until this mess is cleared up. I search for Scarlett’s red ponytail in the sea of people, spotting it by the entrance of the cafeteria.
On a mission, I snag her hand and ignore her protests as I drag her to Mr. River’s office. He’s just stepping outside when I march my way up and his eyes land on us and narrow.
“Shouldn’t you two be getting set up?”
Scarlett’s wide eyes dart to mine. It’s clear she has no idea what’s gotten into me, but if I need to drag it out of her myself, she will fess up to last night.
“Mr. River, Shane didn’t steal from you.”
His shoulders sag as he lets out a long sigh. “This matter is not up for discussion. Go find your campers. And Miss Morse”—he turns to Scarlett—“your group will be combined with another since we are now short a couple of counselors.”
I stand my ground, gripping Scarlett’s hand tighter when she tries to pull away. “He didn’t steal from you. He shouldn’t be punished for something he didn’t do.”
“Miss Underwood, I suggest you meet up with your campers unless you would like to join Mr. Novak.”
“Fine. Send me home. And since Scarlett drove up with me, she can leave as well. How many counselors would that leave you with?” My words shock even me. I’ve never been the most outspoken person and I hate confrontation, but what’s happening is wrong.
It’s clear that Mr. River is doing the math in his head. Five counselors short would spell trouble.
Now that I’ve gained his attention, I try again. “Shane would never steal from you and I’m pretty sure you’ve already sent the two people responsible home. They’ve had a problem with Shane from day one. They even went as far as injuring him last night, in case you didn’t notice his black eye.”
“It’s true,” Scarlett says, stepping forward. “They had nothing but terrible things to say about him. I almost believed them too, but after they pulled an idiotic prank on him and Ly last night and he walked me to my cabin after dropping the boy off, we talked. Then I watched from the window as he walked straight back to his cabin.”
“It was Jason and Dax who talked me into leaving camp the first night. Shane brought me back.” I purposefully leave out the fact that Scarlett left too. No need to get her in trouble for something that no longer matters.
Mr. River rubs a palm across his stubbly chin. “All right, ladies, you win. But all three of you are on thin ice. One more slipup and I’ll send you packing. I would rather watch after all these kids by myself then put up with unnecessary drama.”
With that, he leaves us and I turn to Scarlett, pulling her into a tight hug. “Thank you.”
“No—thank you. I think I lost my head there for a few minutes.” She lets go and steps backward. “Now go stop him before he gets away. And thank him for covering for me with Mr. River like he promised.”
“Miss Morse,” Mr. River calls from the tree line. “You have campers waiting for you. And Miss Underwood, you can move back into the cabins after today’s activities.”
I give him a tight nod. If I have to trade cabins to keep Shane here for the rest of the summer, that’s fine by me. I’ll still have plenty of time to figure out whatever these weird feelings between us are.
But first, I need to stop him from leaving.
I toss my duffel into the bed of my damaged—but working—truck with a growl. At least the mechanic was able to get it running, even though I’ll need to do something about the body damage when I get home.
God, I still can’t believe those idiots pulled one over on me. I’m observant, and this is something I should have seen coming.
If Lyla didn’t twist me up and keep me on edge every second of the day, I would have caught on to their idiotic plan sooner.
Maybe.
Framing me for theft?
That’s a step lower than I figured they were capable.
Whatever. At least now they’re gone and I won’t worry about Lyla the whole freaking time.
I run an aggravated hand up the back of my sweaty neck and stare out at the tree line. This is for the best. At least now I can be at home with my mom in case anything happens. My aunt is great, but not the best in stressful situations. One time when she was watching me, I fell off my bike and busted my face open, she almost fainted.
No clue how she’s a teacher. Most kids are as stupid as Jay and I used to be.
“Shane!”
I spin around at the sound of my name being shouted and see Lyla jogging down the dirt road toward me. Her face is bright red, and her hair is a wild mess, whipping in the breeze.
This is not what I need right now. My restraint is wearing thin. One more touch and I’m liable to do something that will get the crap kicked out of me by Jay.
“Go back to camp, Lyla.” I push off the bumper of my truck and round to the driver’s side.
“Stop. You don’t need to go.”
The desperation in her voice freezes my hand on the handle. “Don’t make this any harder.” My words are whispered and when she doesn’t react, I’m left wondering if she heard.
“I talked to Mr. River. Those jerks are out, but you’re still in.”
“How?” I ask, turning to face her and shoving my hands into my jean pockets to keep from reaching out and tucking a wild lock of hair behind her ear.
“I told him what happened last night and Scarlett backed me up. I can’t understand why those two would stoop so low.”
I can. Jason wanted her, and I was in the way. The idiot saw an opportunity and took it. Can’t say I blame him even though I don’t agree with his twisted methods.
Right now, there should be nothing but relief and yet a pit is forming in my stomach. This past week forced all of my long-buried feelings for Lyla to resurface. And as much as I want to pull her into my arms and thank her, I need to leave.
I made a promise to Jay.
“Well, at least I can leave with a clear name.”
Her face falls. “Wait…what? Didn’t you hear me? Mr. River said you could stay. I’m moving into my original cabin because now you’re the only one on his shit list, but you don’t have to go home. You can stay here with me.”
The word me is nothing but a whisper and she takes a step forward sending my heart rate skyrocketing into dangerous territory.
Leave. Leave now.
“Stay.” She reaches for me and against better judgment, I let her twine our fingers together.
With my heart beating painfully in my chest, I reach out and tuck that damn loose curl behind her ear. When my thumb glides across her jaw, she leans into it, closing her eyes.
The last bit of my willpower evaporates and I lean in, pressing a brief gentle kiss to her lips. It’s such a light touch I’m not sure she felt it at first, but when she freezes and a shuddering exhale warms my skin, I know she did. And I know I’m screwed because I can’t lie my way out of this one. There is no deer. No crash. Just her and me in the middle of an empty parking lot.