As I wander the short aisles, I grab all sorts of stuff. A bag of chips. Two cherry Cokes—one for now and one for later. A giant bag of skittles for Beck and a Hershey bar for me. Oh, and one of those snack packs of meat and cheese that Jake likes so much.
Not that it’s for Jake. I’m starving. I kind of regret missing dinner. I need some protein.
Not that I would ever admit that to Mom.
Once I pay for my stuff and exit the store, I come to a stop, watching as what seems like hundreds of teenage boys suddenly spill out of a giant building, filling the walkways, their constant talking and laughing overwhelmingly loud. I guess the movie’s over.
Crap.
Of course, I see Eli immediately. How I notice him among a swarm of boys who all look similar, I don’t know, but I do. He spots me too. It’s like we’re connected, which is frustrating. He is the last person I want to be connected to. And the moment he sees me, a giant smile spreads across his face as he heads in my direction, leaving his teammates without a backward glance.
Shit. No. I can’t do this. I refuse to talk to him.
But it’s like I’m rooted to the spot. I can’t move. I stand there with the bag of snacks clutched in my fingers, my gaze never leaving his as he makes his way toward me. He’s got a bit of a limp. I’m sure that’s thanks to me stepping on his toes, and that gives me a hint of satisfaction.
Just a hint, though. Not like I want to rub it in his face. I definitely don’t want to talk to him. I’d rather tell him to kiss my ass and run.
But if I said that, he’d probably tell me to bend over. I’d bet he’d actually enjoy kissing my ass.
A shiver steals over me at the thought, and I banish it away.
“Haven’t seen you all day, Callahan,” he drawls as he comes to a stop. There’s still quite a bit of distance between us, which I’m thankful for. I’m on the store’s wraparound porch near the entrance, and he’s on the trail in front of it. “Where you been hiding?”
I ignore his question. “Your toe hurts, huh?”
“Not too bad. I’ll forgive you for trying to injure me.” His grin somehow grows wider. “Beat your brother in a scrimmage today.”
“Really?”
“Don’t sound so skeptical. It’s true.”
We don’t say anything for a moment. We just stare at each other. His good looks annoy the absolute crap out of me. I hate that he’s cute. Worse, he knows he’s attractive. He’s got good hair, a lean cut jaw, perfectly shaped lips and pretty hazel eyes. He’s wearing a white T-shirt with a black RVCA logo on the front that stretches across his chest and black shorts.
“You got some sun,” he finally says.
“I was on a boat,” I tell him, immediately regretting it. I sound dumb.
“Wouldn’t mind seeing your tan lines later,” he says.
I grimace. “You’re so crude. Seriously. Do you have sex on the brain at all times or what?”
“Whenever you’re around? Yes.” He nods, his expression utterly sincere.
“Right, because I’m your secret girlfriend,” I say, my tone snotty.
He laughs. “In my dreams.”
“True. Because it’s never going to happen,” I remind him.
Eli rests his hand against his chest. “I’m wounded.”
“I’m sure there are plenty of other girls who are interested in you. Find one of them to be your girlfriend.” I’ve heard the rumors, not that I’d tell him that. He’s flirtatious. Charming. Girls follow him everywhere he goes, hoping for a chance.
“But they’re not you.”
He sounds like he means what he says, but he can’t. This is a game to him. I’m just something to distract him while we’re stuck at this camp together.
“Please.” I snort, then immediately cover my mouth with my hand, embarrassed I just made that sound.
He’s grinning. Like he knows I just embarrassed myself. “You’re cute when you do that.”
I drop my hand. “When I do what?”
“Snort and laugh at the same time.”
“I wasn’t laughing.” Irritated, embarrassment still flowing through me, I start down the porch stairs, walking right past Eli. Ready to make a right and head back to our cabin when he gently grabs my arm, halting my progress. His fingers pressing into my skin is like a jolt to the system, the air suddenly becoming electric between us. I glare at him. “What do you want?”
He tugs me closer, his voice going low. “You still meeting up with me later?”
I jerk my arm out of his hold. “No.”
A couple of guys walk past us, headed for the store, and I remain silent while Eli greets them like they’re old friends.
Annoying. Everyone loves him. Except the entirety of our football team and…
Me.
Once the boys disappear into the store, Eli turns to face me once more.
“You feeling confident about your decision?” He tilts his head in my direction. “I’ll make sure the rumors will be flying first thing tomorrow.”
My mouth falls open. “You’d really tell everyone that?”
I suppose it’s not a big deal, the lie he would tell. But it’s dumb. Completely outrageous. And if Jake ever found out, he’d lose his mind.
“Yeah,” Eli says softly, his gaze never leaving mine, “I really would.”
I glare at him. He watches me. Calm and collected, like he doesn’t have a care in the world. I feel like I’m about to lose my mind and go ballistic on him, which I don’t do to anyone.
Why does he make me feel this way?
“You’re an asshole,” I finally say.
“So I’ve been told.”
“I won’t meet with you.”
“Suit yourself.” He starts walking. Unfortunately, in the same direction I am.
I stay where I’m at, hoping he’ll gain some major distance before I follow after him. “You won’t do it,” I yell at him.
“If you say so.” He lifts his hand up in a little wave, but otherwise, doesn’t look back.
Huh.
Unable to help myself, I run to catch up with him, walking right beside him. “You’re not that much of an asshole, are you?”
“Kind of.” He shrugs, then full blown shivers. “It’s cold out here. Want to loan me your hoodie?”
“I don’t think so,” I tell him, taking a step back.
“It’s soft.” He sends me a look, one that’s full of meaning. “I remember how soft it felt last night.”
Memories flood me of being in his arms, pressed up against his naked chest, struggling to get out of his hold, my butt brushing against his groin. Swear to God I felt him. Like maybe he was getting hard or something.
My entire body goes hot at the thought, and I look away, hurrying my steps as I start for the cabin. After gaining speed on him, I’m actually walking in front of him.
I need to get out of here.
“Nice view,” he says, and I glare at him from over my shoulder.
“Stop staring,” I tell him.
“Why? I like what I’m looking at.” His gaze is glued on my butt.
Figures.
I come to a complete stop and whirl around, my finger out and poking his very hard chest when he stops directly in front of me. “Let’s forget about our little argument last night, okay? We’re good. We’re even.”