Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 74698 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 373(@200wpm)___ 299(@250wpm)___ 249(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74698 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 373(@200wpm)___ 299(@250wpm)___ 249(@300wpm)
“Just stop it,” Trey groans, tipping his own beer up as if to erase the thoughts and we all laugh. “All right, my turn. Never have I ever… kissed someone in this circle.”
It’s a gimme question, knowing that Gabe has to drink again, along with Kat. But Trey and I should be drinking too, yet neither of us are willing to admit that truth. I have to wonder if he’s pushing the boundary to see if I would, but I’m not about to open that can of worms and I hope the blush to my cheeks is well hidden by the firelight.
Kat snickers. “Nice one, Trey. Let’s see… never have I ever… gone skinny-dipping.”
Abby takes a sip, looking unashamed. “It was liberating. Everyone should try it at least once.”
Snickering, I give her a nod of respect before I ask, “Never have I ever… been in a fist fight.”
Wade and Trey exchange knowing glances and tap their bottles with a grin. “State fair,” Trey says, chuckling.
Wade nods. “Yeah, some jerk was mouthing off about our horses. Had to set him straight.”
Gabe looks around, thinking hard. “Okay, never have I ever… ridden a horse bareback.”
Pointed question knowing each of us will have to drink. “That’s a rite of passage around here, babe.” Kat pats Gabe on the stomach. “You’re going to have to get up on one at some point.”
“I’ll pass,” he says dryly. “It’s enough I’m out here camping with you heathens, having to piss in the woods and brave ticks.”
“Speaking of peeing,” I say, setting my beer down. “I’ve got to make a trip into the woods. Where’s the flashlight?”
“Right here,” Trey says, rising from his chair at the same time I do. “I’ll escort you.”
I almost exclaim a denial, afraid that any extra attention from Trey will reveal our secrets, but Kat starts hammering Gabe about his tattoo, Wade and Abby egging her on. No one is paying us any attention, so I just nod. “Okay… thanks.”
Trey and I head off into the woods with my toilet paper, hand sanitizer and plastic baggy. The flashlight beams a narrow path through the trees, and I follow Trey closely, grateful for his company. While I love camping, I can freak myself out in some dark woods.
When we’re far enough away from camp we can barely see the glow of orange fire through the trees, Trey whirls on me. He grabs my arm, pulling me close. Before I can react, his lips are on mine, warm and insistent. I kiss him back, my hands gripping his shoulders, but then I pull away, laughing quietly.
“Trey, I really have to pee,” I say, a grin spreading across my face.
He chuckles, the sound low and intimate. “Fine, fine. Go ahead. I’ll keep watch.”
I find a spot behind a tree, and Trey turns his back, keeping the flashlight trained away from me. “No peeking,” I tease.
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” he replies, his voice full of humor. “Although I’ve seen everything you have to offer up close.”
Yes, he has. I’d venture to say that summer of love ensured he knew my body better than I knew it.
After finishing my business, I rejoin him, feeling a rush of exhilaration from our secret interlude. We stand close, the darkness wrapping around us like a cloak.
“It’s hard not to look at you,” Trey whispers, his words warm against my ear. “Not to touch you.”
I shiver, both from his words and the cool night air. “I know. This is… complicated.”
“It’s going to be hard to keep out of your tent tonight,” he says, his tone playful yet serious.
“I don’t think Abby would appreciate you sneaking in.” We brought three tents and Abby and I are sharing one, Trey and Wade the second and Kat and Gabe the third.
Trey steps closer, his hand cupping my cheek as he kisses me again. It’s slow and deliberate, a promise of things to come. I wrap my arms around his neck, losing myself in the security of his gentle touch, connected by more than physical attraction.
I can admit that now. My heart is demanding it and I’m not sure exactly when it made the choice to crack open and allow him access.
When we finally pull apart, I’m panting, and my heart is racing. “We should get back before they notice we’re gone,” I say, though I’m reluctant to leave this bubble of intimacy.
Trey nods, but not before pressing one last, lingering kiss to my lips. “Falling for you again has been the easiest thing that’s ever happened to me,” he murmurs.
I smile, both happiness and fear swirling in my chest. “It hasn’t been so easy for me, but… it’s happening.”
Even in the dark and shadows, I can see Trey’s bright smile. One more kiss to my forehead and then he’s leading us back through the woods and into camp where my friends wait.