by Shane Morgan
My stomach drops. My heart hurts. But I quickly clear my head and focus on doing better next time.
The assistant coach tosses another ball to me. I make a second attempt; it hits the post. Gawd!
Coach Dobson said four was favored. I’ve already failed twice. Scoffing at myself, I jog in for my third try and kick the ball too aggressively. It goes right into the arms of the goalkeeper.
“Last one,” Coach Dobson yells behind me. I feel so disappointed. I really wanted to make the team.
Swallowing, I let go of the tension, tell myself it’s just for fun now, and give it my last best shot. The ball sails past the goalie, landing at the back of the net.
My eyes broaden in disbelief. So does hers. I made it. I scored. But my elation dissolves just as quickly as it came. It’s a worthless goal. I’ve missed three.
Turning to Coach Dobson, she sighs and looks down at her clipboard, making notes on the sheet.
“Great effort. You’re all set for today,” she says, just as she told the player before me. “I’ll let you know tomorrow.”
I’m overwhelmed with a feeling of defeat as I leave the field. It heightens when I glimpse Parker in the stands. He’s been watching.
Parker comes down the steps as I retrieve my bag from the bench.
“Well, I did my best,” I say, looking at him. “Sorry, your girlfriend’s a loser.”
“No, babe.” He offers a consoling smile that makes everything feel better. “You worked hard. I’m proud of you.” Draping his arm around my shoulder, Parker kisses my cheek and tows me along with him from the soccer field.
Some people have the toughest poker face. Coach Dobson is one of them.
“Have a seat,” she says when I enter her office after leaving my final class of the day.
My heart won’t stop racing. I sit with my bag on my lap, legs shaking.
Coach Dobson shuts the door and sits across from me at her desk. There are certificates and large photos of her playing soccer plastered on the wall. Anjali told me she was on the national team until five years ago.
Clasping her hands on the desk, Coach Dobson begins, “Look, Sydney, I’m impressed with how much you’ve improved since your first week of training. Your control is great. Even the other players agree. But—”
“I know my shooting is terrible. My technique is off. I understand why you can’t put me on the team. Thank you for everything.”
She wrinkles her thin brows. “Sydney, I want you to join.”
My mouth falls open. “Really? But I missed three shots yesterday. You told me I needed to make four.”
“That was just to push you.” Coach Dobson snorts and leans back in her chair. “Yeah, your kicking needs a lot of work. But everything else is better. I think you’ll do well as a midfielder.”
Relief crashes over me like a tidal wave.
“I really made the team?” I confirm, excited.
She scoffs. “Well, you certainly can’t be a starting player in matches. But I trust you enough as a backup for the rest of the season in case a player is injured.”
I’m grateful. I’ve achieved this one thing I wanted to do for my mom.
“Thank you, coach,” I sputter, elated. “You have no idea how much this means to me.”
Coach Dobson smiles at me. “I can tell it does. Congrats. I’ll see you at practice on Saturday.”
I remember my plans with Parker. “Actually, I wanted to ask if I could practice until later tonight and take Saturday off?” I give her the puppy look.
She wears a stern expression as she says, “All right. Three laps around the field instead of two.”
“Ouch.” I gulp, then quickly reply, “Sure, coach.” I stand. “See you at practice. Thanks again for letting me join.”
A warm smile appears. “You’re welcome. Good work. You should consider playing in college, improve your skills.”
I nod slowly. “We’ll see. Thank you.”
I’m spilling over with excitement. When I step out of Coach Dobson’s office, I’m surprised and happy to see Parker standing nearby.
He smirks. “Didn’t I say you’d make the team?”
Laughter shoots from my belly. “I can’t believe it.”
“Congratulations, babe.” He crosses the hallway and swoops his arms around me, pressing a sweet kiss to my lips.
“Mm, wait…” I tear my mouth away and narrow my gaze on him. “You didn’t persuade Coach Dobson, did you?”
He laughs short. “Geez, Sydney. I would never threaten a teacher. You earned a spot on the team because of your talents. You’re that amazing.”
I link my fingers at his neck. “Thank you for supporting me.”
“I always will.” Parker kisses me slow and sensually, right there in the hallway, amid all the jealous stares and snickers from our schoolmates.
28
Anticipation for camping sets in the second I wake on Friday. But it wavers a tad as Aubrey catches up to me while I’m heading to Chemistry class.
“Congrats on making the soccer team. I hear you’re a backup for the rest of the season.” A cunning mask blankets her sun-kissed face. Her tone is far from sincere.
“Thanks,” I reply, not stopping.
Aubrey stays at my pace. “Must be exhausting dating Parker Prescott. A guy who is adored by so many.”
“It isn’t. None of that matters.”
“But aren’t you uncomfortable with the nasty looks?” She gestures with a wave to all the girls we pass in the hallway.
“No. I get it.” I slow to a stop and tell her, “Look, Aubrey, you really need to give it a rest. Parker doesn’t want you. He wants me.”
Her hazel eyes flare with fury. Red lips go rigid. She’s clearly offended.
“Listen, you—” The late bell resounds, interrupting her.
In a serious tone, I say, “Just leave me alone.” I waltz off before she can reply. What the hell is her problem? Why won’t she quit trying to steer me from Parker?
I doublecheck my backpack to make sure I have everything I need for camping, then meet Parker in the student lot once he texts me.
He’s grinning from ear-to-ear. “Who’s ready to become one with nature?”
“Clearly you,” I tease. “Is camping like your favorite thing ever?”
“Nope. Kissing you is,” he quips, drawing me in to plant his lips on mine. Afterward, he gestures to my backpack. “All set? You got everything?”
“Think so.” I put my bag on the backseat. “You?”
“Definitely.”
Before I climb into the car, Parker twists me for another sweet kiss. It never gets tiring. “It’s gonna be great. Promise.”
“I’m sure it will be.” I smile in return and hop in. He hurries around to the driver’s side. We leave school soon after.
The journey from Laguna Hills to Los Padres is nearly two hours. Parker shares stories about the forest, how beautiful and endless it is, and the few times he’s been with his family as a kid.
When the GPS indicates we’re almost there, I start feeling anxious. He pulls over at a gas station. I use the bathroom and browse the store while he fills the tank.
Glimpsing condoms on a shelf reminds me of the ones from Leighton. I made sure to pack them this morning. Just in case.
“Ready?” Parker asks behind me.
I yelp and spin away from the condoms.
He snorts when he sees them.
“Ahem.” I lower my eyes and step past. “Let’s go.”
Back in the car, we’re both quiet, letting the music play until Parker turns it down to speak. My heart begins to sprint in anticipation of his words.
“Sydney, listen, I want you to know I don’t expect you to do anything.” He glances over briefly. “I’d never pressure you.”
“Oh.” I swallow and pick at my jeans. “I know.”
Parker releases a deep breath before adding, “I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable in any way. My only intention is to give you a
cool camping experience and show you how much I care in however way you’re okay with.”
His words and tone are so sweet. It causes me to lift my head, beaming at him. “Thank you for saying that. I care about you a lot too, Parker.” I stare ahead. “It’s pretty deep and almost nerve-racking to admit.”
“Believe me, I know, that’s why I don’t take it lightly. You make me feel like one lucky guy, Sydney Bell.”
Keeping his left hand on the steering wheel, Parker reaches the other for mine.
“Well, I feel quite special, too,” I say, squeezing his hand.
He flashes a cocky grin and a wink, making me giggle.
We fall back into joking around until reaching the entrance to where we’ll be camping for two nights and two days.
Parker pulls into a vacant spot outside the visitors’ post. There are a few other vehicles around.
Getting out of the SUV, we walk inside the log cabin to inform the staff of our arrival and pay the fees. Afterward, we gather our things and begin the trek.
“I remember this cool spot by the river,” Parker says, thrilled. “Hopefully, no one’s claimed it for tonight.” He squints at me. “Maybe we could go swimming before sunset.”
“Will we reach in time? It’s already getting late.”
He nods. “Yeah, it’s a fifteen-minute walk. We’ll make it.”
I stay close to his side as we continue through the vast forestry.
Coming to a fork up ahead, Parker points to the trail that curves left. “This way.”
“You’re sure?” I ask, and gnaw at my bottom lip.
“Yep. I remember.”
We take the left trail. Ten minutes later, we come to another that swerves off to the right.
Parker gestures into the trees. “The site’s down there.”
I twist my mouth, hesitant. “Are you sure?”
A frown warps his features. “Uh, maybe not really.”
“What?” My eyes expand. “I thought you said—”
He bursts out laughing. “I’m just messing with you, Syd.” He pulls a folded map from his pocket and wiggles it in front of me. “I’ve already checked to make sure. This is the right place.”
“I didn’t even see you pick that up.” I roll my eyes at him. “Gosh, you’re...”
Parker winks and kisses me quick. “I know. Come on. This way.”
We turn off the trail and wander into the forest, continuing our hike. I peer over my shoulder. We’re putting quite a bit of distance between ourselves and the path.
Damn. So this is camping.
In no time, I start to see the water through the bushes on our right.
“Over there,” Parker says, pacing ahead.
I follow him to a clearing, and we set our things down. The river is a few steps below.
“We’re here,” he says, grinning and waving his hands about.
Laughter spurts from me. I joke, “Oh, really? I didn’t realize it.”
“I’ll pitch the tent,” he says after chuckling.
“Let me help.”
He proceeds to take the stuff out of his large camping bag. We set up the tent together and place our things inside.
“I’m gonna gather sticks for the fire. Won’t go too far, okay.” He has such a gentle look on his face; it tickles my tummy.
“K,” I say softly. “I’ll change to go swimming.”
“Be back in a bit.”
Stepping into the tent, I put on my swimsuit, denim shorts, and sneakers.
Parker returns with a bunch of sticks in his arms. He sets them down and hauls off his shirt.
Shit. I could never get over how impeccable this guy looks. His broad shoulders seemed to have gotten toner of late.
Feeling thirsty all of a sudden, I massage my throat as I trail my eyes down his firm torso and swallow as my appetite for him grows.
When Parker looks up, I quickly lower my eyes to the sticks. He ambles inside the tent to finish changing and emerges shortly in his swim trunks and sneakers. We grab towels before trekking down to the river.
Parker tests the water first, quivering as he sinks inside. “Shit, it’s cold.” He splashes himself, dips, and comes up again.
I linger at the edge after taking off my sneakers.
“Come on,” he waves me in. “It’ll only be cold for a moment.”
“K.” I slide out of my shorts and step into the water. “Oh…crap…uhh… Cold is an understatement.”
Reaching for me, he says, “You have to come in fully. It’ll feel nice in no time.” I grasp his hand and walk with him further out. The water does start to feel better. We bob around and observe the gorgeous scenery.
“This is amazing,” I gush. “So peaceful.”
“Yeah. I love it.”
After a minute or two, Parker creeps closer and pulls me into his strong arms, indulging me with an ardent kiss that causes me to shudder from the intense lust between us.
He places his hands at the back of my thighs and hoists me off my feet, wrapping my legs around his waist. Going nervous, I quickly lock my arms around his neck.
“Shh,” he hushes. “Relax.”
“Parker, I’m not a great swimmer,” I remind him.
“You never have to be afraid when you’re with me, remember? Just hold on.”
I release shaky breaths and tighten my hold as he begins to move, going to the other side of the river where there’s water cascading from the crevices in the rocks above. He leans me against the stones so that water is streaming down on me.
“Uhh…”
A pleased smile appears. “Feels good, huh.”
“Yeah,” I giggle. “It really does.”
Butterflies gather and multiply in my tummy the longer he stares with utter adoration.
Suddenly shy, I blink away, grinning like an idiot.
Parker snorts cockily, then carries me back to the riverbank. We relax on the sand, talking until sunset.
Orange gold tones reach far and wide in the horizon, quickly giving way to the gloomy evening sky.
Trudging back to the tent, Parker starts the fire while I peel off my swimsuit, haul on a sweatshirt and leggings, and warm up while he changes.
We huddle on a log, watching the embers and listen to wood pop. It gets colder as night falls, so Parker drapes a blanket around us.
“I’m glad you said yes,” he says, nuzzling my neck.
“Yeah, me too. It’s awesome out here.”
“Hm.” He kisses my cheek, making me relax more in his arms. “Hungry? I have a pot. I could make ramen for dinner.”
“You remembered to bring a pot?” I squeeze his arm. “Cool. I wasn’t even thinking about that. I thought we’d be all right on meal replacement bars.”
Parker laughs short. “That works, too. But ramen’s so good. Mm-mm.”
We chuckle together.
He retrieves the pot and a bottle of water, resting it on sticks over the fire. We wait for the noodles to cook and eat straight out of the container once it finishes.
It feels creepy outside the darker it becomes. I hear the hoots of an owl and other critters rustling in the bushes and trees nearby.
“Let’s go lie down,” Parker suggests when I flinch at a sound.
My heart begins to gallop, awaiting what’s to come.
I slide off my leggings and change into a pajama bottom. Parker comes into the tent after putting out the fire. He glides over my shorts, taking in the moon and stars.
He smirks. “Cute.”
“Don’t judge.” I tug at the fabric shyly.
“I’m not. It is cute.” He hauls his shirt over his head, exposing his muscular upper body yet again. Damn. My boyfriend is fricking hot.
I bite my lip while watching him. Parker is about to take off his jeans. He pauses at the waist and arches a brow as he looks at me.
“Hm? Oh.” I quickly turn around. “Sorry.”
He chuckles. “It’s cool. Don’t turn around if you don’t wanna. I’
ve checked you out more times than I can count.”
“What?” I almost spin around.
Parker laughs. “Come on, Syd. Have you seen you? You’re very sexy.”
Flattered, a smile stretches my lips.
He taps my shoulder a little after. I turn to face him again. He’s wearing sweatpants now. Still shirtless.
Yes!
Parker lies on his back on the thick blanket. I get comfortable beside him, and he pulls the cover over us.
“So,” he mutters, brushing my arm. This would feel so much better without my sweatshirt. But I’m a little nervous.
I swallow and repeat, “So...”
He reaches for my hand beside him. “Wanna pack up and hike someplace else tomorrow?”
“That sounds good. Yeah, let’s do that.” We fall silent for a beat. Feeling braver, I admit, “I like being here alone with you.”
“Me too.” He rubs my fingers with his thumb. “Want me to turn off the lantern?”
“Um, okay.”
Parker eases up to shut off the light. I shift onto my side when he resettles beside me, and he does the same. My body trembles as he slowly drapes his arm around me. I have the urge to take off my top now so I can feel his skin against mine.
“Is this all right?” he whispers at my ear.
I reply softly, “Yes.” Hell, yeah.
A quiet air lingers between us again, with only the sounds of crickets and that owl nearby.
Parker’s breathing intensifies suddenly, and his arm tightens. Heat flows over my body at a swelling, and I can’t help but shudder as he throbs against me.
Loosening his arm, Parker shifts away. “Sorry.”
I turn to him, barely seeing his face in the shadows.
“It’s okay,” I breathe out, touching his chest. When he grasps my hand, I bring it to my waist.
Parker understands my signal and moves closer, kissing me tenderly. In a matter of seconds, the temperature soars, and our kiss deepens with us moaning with longing for each other.
He slides his hand under my sweatshirt. Gawd! His touch is invigorating as his fingers caress my skin.
I flatten on my back, and he climbs on top.
We continue making out, hands going everywhere.