“And those.” She swung her arm around to another group hanging out by the volleyball net. They were taller and leaner, but every bit as gorgeous. “They are half of the Wicked Bay Wreckers.”
Oh.
My eyes found him first. Maverick Prince in all his shirtless glory as he lunged for the ball, fist clenched out in front of him. I ran my slick hands across my jean shorts. Jesus, it should have been illegal for my step cousin to look so hot. I mean, he’d been gorgeous last summer, but he was different then. Even though he’d left me feeling cheap and confused in a darkened corner of the beach, he’d been nice to me.
Kind.
I’d sensed a vulnerability about him. It was the reason I talked to him in the first place. But something told me nice and Maverick Prince weren’t words that belonged together anymore.
A hand clapped me on the shoulder and female laughter pulled me back into the present. “Don't worry, we've all been there. Once you get used to seeing him like that, life can resume. Soak it up, store that shit in your Jill till, and move on.”
“Jill till?”
She exploded with laughter. “You know, spank bank?”
“What? No! That's gross, he's like family.” Or something.
Laurie sniggered again. “You should see your face. It's a completely normal reaction. It's like he was crafted from Adonis himself. But trust me when I say that what's on the outside is far more beautiful than what's on the inside with him. Look, enjoy, but don't fall for the illusion.”
“Laurie, I'm not—”
“Not what?” Devon reappeared with bottles of beer balanced precariously in his hands. “A little help?”
We relieved him of the drinks and fell into easy conversation. He lingered a little too close for comfort, but I needed the distraction. Now I knew where he was, my eyes insisted on trying to search him out, and I couldn’t risk getting caught. Not in front of Devon and Laurie.
“So, Lo, how you are liking it in Wicked Bay so far?”
“It's okay, I guess. I haven't really...” My spine tingled, the hairs along the back of my neck electrifying. I shook off the sensation, inhaling a steadying breath. “Had much time to explore yet.”
“Well, if you need a tour guide, just shout.” Devon was talking, his lips were moving, but I couldn't respond, too paralysed by the person burning holes in the back of my head. I glanced over my shoulder slowly. Sure enough, Maverick was watching me. His eyes dark and emotionless.
Seriously? He couldn’t be that hung up on that night. It wasn’t like I was the one who left him feeling dejected and unwanted. I held his gaze, refusing to be intimidated. He broke away first, when a petite brunette strolled up to him, commanding his attention.
“So, what do you think?” Devon watched me with eager eyes, but I had no idea what he’d just said. “Hmm, sounds good.” I smiled wondering what I'd just agreed too.
When the sun disappeared on the horizon, the party really broke out into full swing. Someone turned up the volume on a docking station and music filled the warm air. Laurie and Devon introduced me to some more people, and we formed our own little gathering by a smaller bonfire. Devon came and went, and I was grateful for the space. Whilst not uncomfortable, I wasn't entirely at ease being here either. I watched Kyle make a fool of himself but realised it was his front. He was the joker. And people loved him for it. I tried to avoid looking in Maverick's direction, choosing to sit with my back to his group. And it worked, for the most part.
“Hey, do you mind if I bail?” Laurie whispered to me, clutching her cell phone to her as if it was her lifeline. I'd noticed her texting someone for most of the night. Funny, because I'd also spotted Kyle with his nose buried in his phone more than once.
“Where are you going?” I said unable to hide the accusation in my voice.
“Nowhere.” Her gaze flickered to Autumn.
“Your secret is safe with me.”
She grinned and left me. They were discreet. She wound her way through the crowd completely ignoring Kyle. He waited a few minutes then slipped out of the party after her.
“Where'd Laurie go?” Devon dropped down beside me offering me another beer but I declined.
“Hmm, she said she had a thing.”
“Okay. It's getting late. What time do you need to be...” he stopped, something over my shoulder holding his attention. I didn't need to turn around to see what... or who it was.
“London, let’s go,” Maverick's voice was so cold a chill rippled through me.
“London, who's London?” Devon glanced between us. “What is he talking about?”
“Don't worry about it, Devon,” I said not wanting to cause a bigger scene than Maverick was already making.
“Say goodnight to your boyfriend, I'll be at the car.”
Boyfriend? What the…? Red hot fury sizzled through my veins but Maverick was already moving, cutting through the crowd of people, most of whom were watching us. I squeezed my eyes shut, pinching the bridge of my nose.
“Lo, what just happened?”
When I opened them again, Devon was looking at me like a wounded puppy.
“Your guess is as good as mine,” I murmured getting to my feet, and he followed me up.
“You don't have to go with him, I can give you a ride back.”
I eyed the beer in his hand. He was more than above the legal limit. “Do me a favour, yeah? Don't get behind the wheel tonight. I kind of like hanging out with you.”
He stood a little taller wearing a goofy grin. “Yeah?”
“Yeah. I'll catch you tomorrow at school. Promise me, no driving.” I gave him a pointed look, and he nodded. “Scouts honor.”
I smiled and went after Maverick.
4
“What the hell is your problem?” I marched up to Maverick as he stood next to the Audi, his arms folded over his chest, jaw clenched tight. His eyes widened a fraction, as if my outburst surprised him, but he narrowed them quickly. “Get in the car, London.”
“Stop calling me that! It's not my name. My name is Eloise. Or Lo. Not. London.”
He looked bored. It only infuriated me all the more, and I got right in his face, craning my neck up to meet his ruthless gaze. “You might get to boss around the rest of your friends and family, but newsflash, tosser, I am neither of those things.”
He cocked his eyebrows, a momentary flash of amusement in his eyes. “Tosser?”
“Yes, you know idiot… jerk… dickhead.”
“You think I'm a tosser?” His voice was smooth with a hint of annoyance.
I annoyed him?
Good.
“Well, you are, aren't you?” It was my turn to arch my eyebrow.
“Get in the fucking car, London.” It came out a low growl.
Aargh. I wanted to scream or punch his pretty little face, but I did none of those things. I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction.
Maverick slipped out from between me and the car and went around to the driver’s side, and I got into the back seat. The further away from him the better. But as if the universe hadn’t had enough fun at my expense, the passenger door opened and Macey ducked inside.