“Why me?” she finally asked.
Sighing, I touched the end of her hair, fingering it slightly. It felt so silky. “You were the first person I saw at this school. I’d parked in the lot and was walking past the auditorium and saw this gorgeous girl come out of the music room. The sun hit your stunning red hair, and it shone so brightly it almost looked like you had a halo. You were staring down at some music you were holding, and started humming something. I froze. I just stood there and watched you walk by. You were so engrossed you didn’t notice me.” I twisted the loop of her hair around my finger. “You straightened it today. I’ve never seen you wear it this way before.”
She lifted her shake and took a swallow, licking her lips afterward. “I like to change it up every now and then. It’s so thick it takes a long time to straighten.”
I released it and picked up my drink again. “Well, I like it both ways, but when you wear it curly, it bounces like it has a life of its own.”
She laughed. “Just wait until it gets humid in the summer. It frizzes out until I look like I have a crazy red Afro. You won’t think it’s so pretty then.”
I shook my head. “Nah, I bet I’ll think it’s gorgeous no matter what.”
“I’m glad you’re so sure. There are times I’m tempted to chop it all off.” She absently ran her fingers through the length of it.
“Now that would just be a crime. Don’t ever cut it. It perfectly complements the rest of the package.”
“I’m beginning to think you’re a schmoozer, Hunter. I bet you really do have girls falling at your feet, if you talk this way to all of them.” She gave me a soft smile.
“Just telling it like it is. And you need to quit listening to the rumor mill. They don’t have the slightest clue about me and who I am.”
“So you’re saying you’re not some crazy party boy?”
“Depends on who you’re asking, I guess,” I answered vaguely.
“I’m asking you.” She unwrapped her burger and took a bite.
“Okay, tell you what. I’ll give you permission to ask me whatever you want. I’ll answer as honestly as I can, but I get to do the same with you.” I opened my burger and took a bite too.
She looked surprised and appeared to think it over while she finished chewing and swallowed. “Okay. That seems fair. Let me think.”
I dipped some of my fries in ketchup while I waited.
“Do you use drugs?”
I laughed. “Gonna go straight for the heavy questions first, are you?”
“Might as well.” She was waiting for my answer as if she were looking for any kind of lie in what I said.
“Yes, I use.”
She seemed shocked by my completely honest reply.
“A lot?”
A chuckled again. “It depends. Sometimes more, sometimes less—mostly a little weed that I score at some parties.”
“Have you used harder stuff?”
“Yep.”
“Why?”
“It was available once in a while when I was partying with peeps. Just one of those things.” I wondered what she was thinking about me now.
“I don’t mean to judge, but I’ve never been able to understand why anyone would want to try something they know could hurt them.”
“Sometimes people just want to escape, Cami. They like the way it feels when they get high.”
“And you like feeling that way?”
“I guess so, or I wouldn’t be doing it, would I?”
She stared off toward the playground where kids were on the swings, cheering happily with each other. “I went to a dance with Clay a few months before you moved here. It was probably halfway over when one of the most popular guys in school came staggering up. He grabbed me, begged me to help him, and then he fell to the floor and started convulsing. He died a few moments later. He’d had a heart attack from a drug overdose. I keep replaying the scene over and over again in my head, wondering if there was something I could’ve done. I didn’t know what was happening. I wasn’t sure what to do. I thought he was drunk.” She looked at me seriously. “I didn’t know Jordan well, but I couldn’t figure out why he was involved with all that. He was this amazing football player. He had several scholarship offers too. His whole life was ahead of him. I can’t help but think what a waste of a promising future.” She paused before she continued. “It scared me—scarred me. I know you and I aren’t that well acquainted, but I can say you seem like a nice guy, and I’d feel horrible if something like that happened to you. I’m not gonna lie . . . I wish you’d stop.”
What was I supposed to say to that? She’d bared her heart to me, and for one moment I couldn’t imagine a plea that was as sweet as this one. How could anyone say no to something like this?
I shook my head. “The only reassurance I can give you is that I’ll be careful. Lots of things you’ve heard about me are greatly exaggerated and aren’t as bad as they seem. People see what they want.”
She nodded. “I recognize how that can be true. It happens in every social group, unfortunately.”
I nodded; content to watch her for a moment. “So here’s my question for you.” This was probably going to come back and bite me later.
“What?”
“Will you go out with me again, even though you know I do drugs, or is this it for me?”
She looked down at her burger and played with the wrapper. “My parents wouldn’t like it if they knew, and Clay would be furious.”
“That’s not what I asked. I want to know what you think about it.”
She looked solemn. “I think I don’t like the idea of you doing drugs at all, but I also think there’s more to you than that. It wouldn’t be fair for me not to be your friend because I didn’t like something about you. So, yeah, I’d go out with you again.”
Relief overwhelmed me and also made me nervous in the same heartbeat. She was attracted to me, but that could be so incredibly bad. I wished for one moment I was free to sweep her off her feet.
“My turn for a question now.” She smiled. “Are you the womanizer people say you are?”
I grinned widely. “Maybe, once upon a time—a long time ago—but not recently. I really haven’t had the time for girls in my life lately. That’s the honest truth.”
She scrunched up her nose. “Then why are you here with me?”
“I can’t answer that. You already used your question, so it’s my turn now,” I teased her and she laughed, breaking off a piece of her burger and throwing it at me.
“You’re not seriously trying to start a food fight, are you?” I couldn’t believe how she kept catching me by surprise.
“I never start something I can’t finish. Now answer my question.”
“No. I need to ask mine first.”
“You just did. You asked me about starting a food fight.” She laughed hard and threw another piece.
“That doesn’t count!” I lunged, trying to grab her burger.
“Yes, it does!” She yanked it out of my reach, holding it high over her head.
I flopped back onto the blanket. “Fine, you win. Ask me something.”
“I want you to answer my original question. If you don’t have time for girls, why are you here with me?”
I groaned, running a hand over my forehead. “Because I’m stupid and a glutton for punishment apparently, and I mean that in the nicest way possible.”
She looked at me skeptically, as if she didn’t understand.
“There’s just something about you that I like. I’m suffering from ‘moth to flame’ syndrome, I guess. Russ teases me about it. He calls you my eye candy.” I paused, stumbling for what I should say. “There’s something I like about you,” I repeated lamely as I pushed forward. “You’re beautiful, and you’re real. I love that I can talk to you and get straight answers like this. You don’t play games.” I sighed in frustration. “Sorry, I’m rambling.”
She shook her head and smiled. “You’re very nice.”
; “Okay. I have one more serious question, and then we can move on to lighter stuff.”
“All right.” She looked like she was preparing herself.
“It has to do with what you told me about your experience. Why did Jordan come to you for help at the dance? Was there something going on between you two? Were you dating or something? Sorry, I’m just trying to get a better picture.”
If she noticed I’d just listed three questions she didn’t say anything. “I think I was just the unlucky person he happened to be by. I don’t think he was asking me for help in particular though, just saying he needed help. And I do believe it was self-inflicted. He’d been known to party before, much in the same context you’ve shared with me. That’s why I’m worried about what you told me. He partied like you.”
“I get it,” I answered with a nod.
“But you won’t change.”
“I can’t promise that, no. I wish I could, but I don’t want to disappoint you.”
Silence hung in the air between us, and I wished I could tell her the whole truth.
That wasn’t possible, though. I couldn’t trust anyone.
Chapter Nine
Cami-
Hunter annihilated me at Frisbee. It didn’t matter how badly I threw it—trying to make him miss it—he always seemed able to catch it somehow. It was quite impressive, actually.
“Are you like some kind of super secret athlete?” I asked, bending over, my hands on my knees as I gasped for breath.
“Hardly.” He laughed.
“Seriously, you’ve had to play sports at some time.”
“I used to play varsity football and basketball,” he confessed.
“I believe you. You’re amazing.” I went to the blanket and collapsed. “You said you used to. Does that mean you don’t do any sports now?”
“I weight lift still, but not so much of the other stuff. It just isn’t my thing anymore.” He dropped down next to me.
“Well, I’ve already figured out you weight lift.”
He chuckled. “You did? How? Are you spying on my class schedule?”
“No, I’m paying attention to how your t-shirts fit.” I laughed, hoping I wasn’t crossing any weird lines.
“Oh! Nice.” He grinned, looking very pleased. “Glad I could give you something to look at.” He gently tossed the Frisbee in between his hands.
I tried to snag it, but he was too quick, snapping it out of my reach with a chuckle. “You thought you were being sneaky. I can see how you are.”
“Whatever,” I replied, shoving his arm slightly. “You’re just trying to rub in all your physical prowess.”
He laughed loud, turning to look at me. “I like you, Goody. I think you like me too. Come on, admit it.”
“Never.” I smiled.
“It’s not that difficult, really—all you have to say is, Hunter, I like you. Now you try it.”
“Nope. Not gonna say it.”
“I bet I could make you say it.” He quirked his eyebrow, and I saw it as a clear challenge.
“You could try,” I countered.
“What do I get when I win?” he asked grinning.
“It doesn’t matter. You won’t win.”
“I should warn you—I don’t often lose.”
“Me either.” I laughed. “Give it up.”
He rolled over, tossing the Frisbee aside. He moved as quickly as lightning, grabbing me and tickling.
“No!” I screeched, clawing at the blanket as I tried to scoot from his reach. “Stop, that’s not playing fair at all.” I gasped for breath at his assault.
“Say it,” he ordered.
“Noooo . . . ”
He was killing me—I was so incredibly ticklish. He rapidly managed to flip me over, and I flailed, trying to push him away by placing my hands against his rock hard chest. Grabbing me by the wrists he stilled, holding them down against the ground.
He smiled widely, barely winded, knowing he had me effectively imprisoned. “Say the words and I’ll let you up.”
I shook my head as I huffed, refusing to give in as I lay underneath his muscular frame.
His look changed into something different—something smoldering, and I all of a sudden wondered if he was going to kiss me. His head dipped closer, until his full lips were a mere fraction from mine, and I could feel his breath against my skin. Goose bumps flared over me as he caressed my face with his gaze, and I stopped squirming in anticipation. I wanted him to kiss me.
“Tell me you like me,” he whispered. He was so close I could almost imagine the feel of his lips as they moved, but not quite.
I pursed mine together, trying to stop my mischievous smile. “No,” I replied.
He shook his head. “That’s not an acceptable answer.”
“Well, it’s the one you’re getting.” I laughed and he did as well, releasing me and flopping onto his back. The spell was broken.
I placed my hand on my stomach, trying to calm the butterflies that were beating in there more like a bunch of bats gone wild.
“This is not over by any means. I will get you to say it.”
“It’s on.”
He stared at me. “You think I’m kidding, don’t you?”
“Not at all. I just think I happen to be a really good person at resisting peer pressure.”
He laughed again. “We’ll see about that.” He propped up on his elbow. “So what else do you want to do today? I’m having too much fun to take you home yet—unless you’re sick of me. I don’t want to keep you prisoner.”
“I’m having a great time, actually. Thank you.”
“You’re having a great time because you like me, don’t you?”
I was silent, and he chuckled again, shaking his head. He climbed to his feet and held his hand out. “What shall we do?”
“I have a place I want to show you if you don’t mind driving out of town a little ways.”
“Just tell me where to go. I don’t mind at all.”
“Are you taking me into the woods somewhere to execute me?” he joked as I directed him where to turn.
“No, but on second thought, it might not have been the best idea to bring your nice car here. I didn’t remember the roads being so bumpy.”
“That’s okay. I’m not in any kind of rush.” He cast a glance at me and winked. “I don’t mind going slow.”
“You’re an incredible tease,” I replied, unable to help my smile. I was not unaffected by his flirting. He knew exactly what he was doing.
“True . . . , but you like it. Don’t you?”
I couldn’t help the giggle that bubbled up from within me uncontrollably. He was so much fun.
“I’m not going to say.” I bit my lip as I smiled, and he shook his head. “You may want to slow down or you will drive your car into the river right around this bend.”
He stepped on the brake, and we came to a stop before a sandy stretch of dirt that led down to the edge of the water. It was only about knee deep and around twenty feet wide but had a decent amount of swiftness to it.
“That’s what I wanted you to see.” I pointed to the far cliff face. The afternoon sun was angled just right, highlighting the ancient Indian ruin, which had been built into a cave in the side.
“This is incredible!” Hunter exclaimed, getting out so he could take a better look.
I followed suit, and we met in the middle, leaning back against the hood.
“There’s a visitor center and a hiking trail you can take up into them. It’s down the main highway a bit. The last part of the trail is pretty rough, though. I like coming here to sit by the river and enjoy the view instead. It’s so peaceful.”
Hunter cast a grin in my direction before turning back to the amazing sight. “We should come and hike into it someday. Can you imagine what it must’ve been like to live in a place like that?”
I shook my head. “Well, I wouldn’t have wanted to be the kid constantly being sent after water, that’s for sure. I’m thinking th
ey must’ve been pretty strong to keep on making that climb over and over again.”
“I’m sure you’re right. I can’t fathom the kind of work it would take to make a place like that run properly. I wonder if defense was really that important to survival. Just imagine carrying all that rock up in there to build it. That’s some serious dedication.” He surprised me when he wrapped his arm around my shoulders, giving me a friendly squeeze. “Thanks for bringing me here. This is awesome.”
I felt the heat creeping into my cheeks. I was happy he was pleased with it. It was one of my favorite places to come sit and unwind. “I’m glad you like it. I didn’t know if you would. You seemed kind of horrified when I told you about things there are to do.”
He chuckled keeping his arm around me loosely. “I guess it’s more enjoyable when the person you’re with is a great part of the view too.”
I snorted and shoved him away. I started walking backward toward the water, keeping him in my sight. “Now you’re just laying it on thick.”
“And you like it. I can tell by that pretty blush spreading so nicely over your skin. I think it’s gonna paint you all the way down to those tiny, cute ankles of yours.” His gaze traveled over my entire length and back up. “You really should just admit it.”
He was going to do some serious damage to my heart I was afraid. I’d never felt so easily comfortable with someone in my life, not even Clay. There was definitely something about Hunter Wilder that drew me. He made my heart race every time he looked at me. It was exhilarating and scary at the same time.
“I can’t admit it. You keep reminding me you don’t have room for girls in your life right now.”
The smile slid from his face, and he grew serious, his eyes watching me like a hawk from where he leaned. He pushed away and stalked in my direction, catching me by the arms and pulling me against him. My hands slid up his chest of their own accord, and my breath caught in my throat as I tipped my head to look at him towering over me.
“A girl like you tempts me to change my mind.”
He literally took my breath away. I wanted him to kiss me, but he held me rigidly, not moving any closer. I wanted to know what his lips would feel like against mine. He made all other guys I’d known pale in comparison. Deciding to take the initiative, I slid my arms farther up, wrapping them around his neck and pulling him down closer.
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