“He’s here,” Mark tells me when Banner’s car pulls down our road.
My knees begin to shake when he pulls up to the curb and jumps out. His friend, who’s sitting in the passenger seat, gets out too.
I look between them, feeling jittery. I rub my arms, waiting for Banner to reach me before speaking.
I also can’t help but admire him. He looks hot today, wearing his faded jeans, white crisp T-shirt and grey zip-up hoody with a leather jacket over the top.
Holy crap, he looks fine today.
“Hey,” I greet breathlessly.
He winks, taking my bag from the floor. “Is this everything?”
I nod. “Yeah.”
“Mate, I can see why you’ve been hiding her from us. She’s hot as fuck.” I glance at his friend who had spoken, heating rising up my neck and cheeks.
“Tom?” Banner says, exasperated. “Shut the fuck up.”
I giggle, glancing away when Banner gives me a look.
“I bet he didn’t want us to meet ‘cause he knew you’d run away with me,” Tom says, ignoring the glare Banner sends him. “I’m Tom, by the way. The good-looking and clever one.”
“Emma,” I tell him, waving.
He grins. “Cute.”
“All right, let’s get this show on the road. We’ve still got to pick up Connor and the girls.”
“Girls?” I ask, first I’m hearing of this.
“Yeah, they found a couple of girls to come so they wouldn’t be alone with only each other’s company,” Banner explains.
“Okay.” I just hope they’re nice. One thing I’ve learnt is that girls can be mean when it comes to lads. Lake and I learnt the hard way at school. If a lad showed interest in either of us, they’d attack us like vultures. They were relentless, not giving up until the lad moved on.
“Come on, you can sit in the front. Those fuckers can sit in the back.”
“Wait, there won’t be room if you pick up the girls and Connor,” I tell him.
“John is picking up one of the girls for us. We’re gonna meet them there,” he assures me.
“That’s good, then. I wouldn’t want you to get pulled over.”
“Keep an eye on her,” Mark warns Banner. He holds the door for me, but I stop before getting in. “And be careful. If you want to come home, call me. Okay?”
“I will; I promise,” I tell him, bending down to get in. I’m stopped mid-way when Levi calls out to me.
“Wait, you forgot your pillow.”
I blush when Tom starts laughing behind me from the backseat. “Thanks, Levi.” I grab the pillow, clutching it to my chest.
“Did you tell her to call us if she wants to come home?” Levi asks Mark quietly, making me smile.
“Yeah.”
“Did you charge your phone?” Levi then asks me.
I roll my eyes, my lips twitching with amusement. “I did. Now go, it’s cold out here.”
They both look reluctant to let me go, Mark looking seconds away from carrying me over his shoulder back into the flat.
“Okay, we’ll see you when you get back,” Levi tells me, stepping close Mark and wrapping his arm around him.
“Take care of her,” Mark warns over the hood of the car.
“I will,” Banner replies.
Mark shuts my door after I get in. I wave goodbye to them, chuckling quietly at their sad, pouty faces.
“Brothers?” Tom asks, leaning forward in his chair.
Blindly, Banner slaps him back, looking in the rear-view mirror. “Sit the fuck back and put your belt on.”
“Yes, Dad.”
Smiling at his teasing, I answer him. “No. Mark’s my cousin and Levi’s his boyfriend.”
Tom starts choking. “They’re gay?”
I narrow my eyes, pissed. He doesn’t sound judgemental, but you can never know. When I look at Banner, he doesn’t even blink, not seeming fazed.
“Yes. Why?”
“It’s a shame they aren’t single. My brother needs to get laid. He has shit taste when it comes to men.”
I relax when it’s clear he doesn’t have a problem with them being a couple. Well, not for the reasons I presumed.
“Sorry. I could ask them if they have any gay friends who are single, if you want.”
“Yeah. They can’t be arseholes though. Nathan let his last boyfriend walk all over him. Pissed me off.”
“I bet,” I tell him quietly, feeling the tension ease from my body.
“So, mate, what are we going to tell Coach when the organisers tell them we brought girls with us?” Tom asks.
“You didn’t tell me there would people working there.”
Banner looks at me from the corner of his eye. “Yeah. They keep the place clean and shit. There’s showers, toilets, a mini café that closes around eleven, and a store that sells essentials for those who forget stuff.”
“Don’t need the café, though. I brought some steaks. Throw them on the barbie and we’re good to go.”
“Sounds yummy,” I murmur, hoping one of them know how to cook.
We pull up outside another house and Banner blares his horn. I wince, wishing he could have warned me so I could cover my ears.
A guy, who I presume is Connor, walks out with a girl in tow, his expression miserable. He gets in the car, sliding over to the middle to give room to the girl he’s with.
“Hey, guys,” he says, sounding as miserable as he looks.
“Do you guys know if there will be bugs? Or if they have some hand sanitizer? I’ve only got a small bottle and Connor said they’ll be a shop there.”
I watch Banner open his mouth to answer, but the girl continues without taking a breath. “And I won’t have to go on long walks or anything, right? I don’t want my feet to dry up or crack. With the cold, it’s been hard to keep them soft. Oh, and I can’t drink anything but bottled water, so I hope they don’t pour it from the tap.”
“Kelsea, seriously, just stop talking for five minutes,” Connor moans.
My eyes widen at his bluntness, but Kelsea doesn’t seem affected. “I need to work my vocal cords. My singing instructor said I should concentrate on talking instead of singing for a bit.”
“Probably wanted to stop you singing,” I hear muttered.
“What?”
“Probably couldn’t believe his ears,” Connor says loudly.
Her giggle has me resting the pillow against the window and covering both of my ears for a second. God, it’s screechy. And loud.
“He told me I had a sinful voice,” she tells him sweetly.
Banner struggles to concentrate on the road when he bursts out laughing. I flick his thigh, shushing him quietly.
“I just bet he did,” Connor mutters. “Hey, you’re the chick who stole Banner. How you doing?”
Not wanting to be rude, I turn in my seat and smile. “Hi, I’m Emma.”
His eyes widen, going from me to Banner. “Bro, I can see why the fuck you’ve been hiding her. Were you that scared I’d steal her from you? She’s fucking hot.”
Blushing, I turn around in my seat, watching the cars pass us by.
“Shut up, Connor. And you can’t steal what belongs to me.”
Warmth fills my chest at his words, feeling love seep through me. He takes my good hand in his, resting it on his thigh as he drives.
“It’s probably all of the layers she’s wearing,” Kelsea pipes in.
“What?” Connor asks, sounding puzzled.
“You said she was hot. I just meant if she took a few layers off, she wouldn’t be.”
Connor laughs, sounding genuine and relaxed. “She can take as many layers as she wants off,” he says suggestively, making me blush.
Banner’s hand squeezes mine for a second before releasing it. “Bro, unless you want me to pull over and lay you out in front of your girl, I suggest you shut up.”
“She’s not my girl,” he blurts out, causing Banner and Tom to start laughing.
“I’m his w
oman. Girl makes me sound five. And how cool is this trip! I wasn’t sure about going camping; I’ve never been. But Connor explained it’s luxury at its finest and I couldn’t resist. While you guys do guy stuff, I’m gonna go get a wax, maybe a pedi and massage done at the spa.”
“Um, it’s not that kind of—”
“Bro, I wouldn’t bother unless you want to drive back,” Connor interrupts Tom.
“She’s doesn’t know it’s not—”
Connor coughs, interrupting Banner. “Bro, I said don’t.”
“I’m so excited. This is going to be the best weekend ever,” Kelsea gushes, completely oblivious to what’s being said.
I look out the window, away from Banner. It will only take one look for me to burst out laughing. I don’t want Kelsea to think I’m laughing at her.
*** *** ***
We pull into a carpark outside a building, which I think is the reception, a gift shop, a tiny food shop/off-licence, and a café.
Pulling to a stop, we all get out of the car. I stretch my back, groaning at the crack that feels so good after sitting down for so long.
“Um, Connor, where’s the spa?”
Connor pops his head out of the boot, grimacing. “I just need to set up a tent. We’ll talk later,” he tells her.
She pouts, looking around with a puzzled expression. “A real tent?”
“A real tent!” Tom yells, looking ready to strangle her. She did spend the drive yapping everyone’s ear off.
“I thought you were joking. I know how much you love to tease me. I can’t sleep on the floor. It’s not good for my back. I need a real bed.”
“Babe, don’t worry, I have an air mattress to blow up.”
The look she gives him has me stepping back, bumping into Banner. “Sorry,” I whisper, unable to look away.
He wraps his arm around my waist, watching along with me. “This should be fun. Three, two, one—”
“I am not sleeping on something so… so… tacky,” she screeches, stomping her foot. “Go book us a room at a hotel. Preferably five stars.”
“You can sleep on the floor if that’s what you want, but I’m sleeping on the air mattress. I paid twenty quid for it. And there aren’t any hotels around here, babe. Just chill. You’ll love it; you’ll see.”
“I can’t believe this is happening to me. I’ll be back in a minute. I need to call my therapist,” she tells him, before stomping off.
Tom glares at Connor. “Bro, I’m gonna have to book an appointment to see one by the end of this weekend. What were you thinking?”
Connor throws his hands up. “I was thinking she has great tits.”
Tom scoffs, disgusted. “And the mouth is worth it?”
“She’s not that bad,” Connor tells him, but doesn’t sound so convinced himself.
Tom glances at us. “I’m sleeping next to you two—far away from those two. And if I disappear, follow me. I’m probably trying to hang myself from a tree.”
I place my hand over my mouth to smother the giggle.
“I’ll go talk to her,” Connor murmurs, his shoulders slumping.
Banner waits for him to leave before laughing. “He’s gonna end up ditching her before the weekend is up.”
“I’ll take that bet, but I’ll raise you: he’ll drown her before it’s up.”
“You two are bad,” I tell them, giggling.
Banner takes my hand, dragging me towards the boot. “Let’s get these tents and go set up. The others are already here.”
“Okay.”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
When Banner said we would be going camping with his friends, I felt kind of anxious. It’s been a long time since I was surrounded by a group of friends, let alone been included with them. I wasn’t sure where I would fit in, but in one night, I’ve come to like every single one of them, even the girls they brought along. Most of the girls already knew each other, but it didn’t stop them from including me. One girl—Sammy—has been the only one to give me the cold shoulder, but she hasn’t been nasty about it.
I’ve seen the looks she’s sent Banner when she thinks we aren’t looking, so I can’t blame her for being pissed. It’s clear as day that she has a thing for him, even though she came with Ross.
I let the looks go because if roles were reversed, I’d be sending her evil looks too.
Last night was kind of rowdy, but it wasn’t as overwhelming as I thought it would be. We had fun and it was nice meeting all of Banner’s friends.
Today, they spent the day doing activities, whilst me and Kelsea watched on. Kelsea didn’t want to get dirty or break a nail, whereas I watched with envy, cursing my broken arm.
It’s getting dark out as Tom starts another fire—or tries to. The timid girl, who is dating Tom, pushes him to the side, lighting it herself.
“How do you do that?” he growls. Bless his heart, he’s been trying for at least twenty minutes. The night before it was late before he finally let her have a go, and within minutes, she had one going.
I turn to Ross, who is flipping burgers, annihilating them until they break up. He growls, making me giggle as he throws on some fresh ones.
I snuggle up to Banner on the chair, since some of the lads forgot to bring spares. The only other place is the ground or on a tree trunk that has been cut down. And there is no way I’m freezing my arse off. I’m already cold enough. Plus, cuddling up to Banner is my favourite thing ever. He’s also toasty warm.
“You having fun?” he whispers.
“The best. You have great friends,” I tell him, watching as Connor shoves Ross away from the barbeque when he nearly breaks up the last lot of burgers we have.
“They’re okay,” he chuckles. “Want to go for a walk after we’ve eaten?”
“Yeah, sounds good,” I tell him. “God, it’s cold tonight.” I rub my gloved hands together.
“It’s supposed to warm up in a few weeks. Though I don’t see how when it’s this cold.”
I give him a dry look. “It’s England, anything can happen.”
He chuckles. “Word!”
“Food’s ready,” Connor yells to the group.
“I can’t eat any more meat. Is there any salad?” Kelsea whines from the chair she’s sitting in, a blanket covering her legs.
“No!” everyone but me and Banner shout. The argument last night was over the burgers being cheap ones. She whined for a whole hour, refusing to eat them. Once it was clear Connor wasn’t going to go find her something else to eat, she made him light up another bag of coal.
She shrinks into her chair. “All right.”
Banner taps my thigh, indicating for me to jump up so we can grab our food. I do, and we head over to the small fold out table where Connor and Ross have laid out all the food. I grab a hot dog and a burger before scooping up some potato salad we bought from the small shop earlier. I wait until Banner finishes filling his plate before heading back to our chair.
“You sit there,” he tells me. “I’m gonna sit on the log to eat this, and then we can go for our walk.”
“You can’t sit on that; it’s cold,” I protest. “You’ll get piles.”
He laughs at my horrified expression. “Just eat your food.”
“No, I’ll sit on your lap like before.”
He shakes his head, sitting down on the log. “Just sit down and eat your food, Emma. I promise, my arse will be fine. But, I’m glad you’re looking out for it.”
When he winks, I blush, mumbling, “Oh, all right then.”
It doesn’t take us long to finish our food. Banner grabs us some torches from the tent before coming back for me, handing me one.
“Guys, can you keep some water boiled for when we get back? We want to make some hot chocolate before we go to bed,” he tells the lads.
“You have hot chocolate?” Kelsea asks, licking her lips.
“Only two sachets,” Banner lies, not looking at her. I look away, so she can’t see my smile. We still have half a box and a m
assive pack of marshmallows.
He takes my hand and we head towards the path leading into the forest.
“Don’t let any bugs bite you on the arse,” Tom yells, before laughing.
“And don’t fuck up a tree. You’ll get splinters,” Connor shouts.
“Connor, you said you wouldn’t tell anyone,” Kelsea hisses.
Everyone laughs around the campfire, and I can’t stop my own from spilling free.
“Fuckers!” Banner groans. “We’re going for a walk to get away from you sad fucks.”
“Keep telling yourself that,” Rafner shouts.
We both turn to see him spanking mid-air, thrusting his hips. I giggle, shaking my head.
Banner squeezes my hand, pulling me towards the entrance of the forest. A cold shiver runs down my spine, as I feel eyes on me. I look around, not seeing anything, and only hearing the noises from the lads in the background.
I shine my torch on the ground to light up the path, not wanting to get lost.
“It’s kind of creepy in here,” I whisper, looking around the darkened forest.
He laughs, pulling me close. “Sorry, but I wanted to get you alone for a bit. I think Tom and Connor have a crush.”
I giggle. The two are always flirting with me, but it’s just banter. “They’re harmless.”
“They’ll be armless if they keep on,” he mutters. “How are you feeling? Are your ribs still hurting you? I’m sorry about the sleeping conditions—I didn’t even think.”
I squeeze his hand. “Banner, it’s fine. They ached for all of an hour. I can deal with that.” Sleeping on an air mattress wasn’t the best idea for my ribs. I woke up stiff and sore. It was the first time for a few weeks that I had to take something for the pain.
He stops us by the edge of the river. The slope leading down looks steep, and I shiver, stepping back. It looks angry, running fast and smacking up the side of the bank as it flows downstream.
Almost Free Page 17