Page 10 of Fine, Dork

Lyla rolled her eyes and kept walking. Preston and Selena passed me next. Selena had blisters because she chose to wear slip-on canvas shoes without socks. I told her it was going to be a long hike.

“Preston…” she whined. “I hate hiking!”

Preston sighed. “I’m sorry, baby. Come here.” He then switched their backpack to the front of his body and stooped down to let her climb on his back. I snapped another photo. If this girl ever complained that Preston didn’t do enough for her, I’d slap this photographic proof in her face.

Jaxon hung back and fell into step beside me. “Savannah texted me this morning.” He rubbed the back of his neck and glanced sideways at me.

Panic pricked my heart. “Oh yeah? What did that frigid genius have to say for herself?”

Jaxon scoffed. “She said she missed me.”

“Oh, hell no.” I shook my head. “Don’t fall for it, J.”

Jaxon raised an eyebrow. “That’s rich, coming from the girl that always fell for that line with her stupid, cheating boyfriends.”

I narrowed my eyes and pursed my lips. “Shut your face. I learned my lesson the hard way, and I don’t want you to go through the same shit.”

Jaxon nodded. “I didn’t answer her.”

“Did you want to?”

“Honestly, no.”

I aimed my camera at his face and captured his honest, thoughtful expression. “Good.”

We walked in silence for a few minutes until we reached a fork in the path. I could see the rest of the group several yards ahead, down the wrong trail. I cupped my hands around my mouth and yelled, “Wrong way, assholes!”

They turned around, cursing me and rolling their eyes. After another twenty minutes of hiking, we reached our destination, and all their ungrateful attitudes melted away.

“Whoa!” Beckett yelled when he caught sight of the waterfall cascading into serene emerald pools.

“Oh, shit! Good call, Kinley.” Lyla smiled and gave me a thumbs up.

Beckett yanked her shorts down, revealing her bright yellow bikini bottoms. “We’re jumpin’ in, baby!”

She smacked his arm and snapped, “You don’t pull my pants down like that in public!”

I laughed and perched on a smooth black rock to take a few photos of the waterfall. I turned my gaze back to Lyla and Beckett, who were now standing off to the side, deep in conversation. Beckett beamed down at Lyla like she was his queen, and Lyla gazed up at him with sweet adoration. She reached out and brushed her fingertips gently across his lips, and I snapped a quick picture. I couldn’t help it. I saw pure beauty, and I wanted to capture it.

As soon as my camera shutter clicked, Lyla’s big gray eyes flashed over to me. “Did you take our picture? Delete that freaking picture right now, Kinley Elise Summers!” Lyla snapped. Then she lowered her voice and smirked. “But first, print me a copy.”

Beckett laughed. “Aw, baby, you love us!” He kissed Lyla’s neck, and she tried but failed to hold back her smile.

I took another picture and called over, “Do you want 8x10’s or bigger?”

“Bigger. Duh.” Lyla rolled her eyes and let Beckett lead her to the edge of the small cliff.

“We’re going to jump. Ready, baby? One, two, three!” They clasped hands and jumped into the water, both screaming and laughing.

“Can I see the pictures you took?” Jaxon sat next to me on the rock and held out his hand for my camera.

I smiled. “Sure.” I watched his face as he scrolled through my photos. I knew I was a good photographer. I wouldn’t make a living with my pictures if I weren’t, but I was still anxious to see Jaxon’s reaction. I cared what he thought, maybe more than anyone.

“Wow, K, these are amazing.” He held up the camera, pointing to one I’d taken of a fern beaded with morning dew. “It’s a freaking plant, but you made it look inspiring.” Jaxon grinned and turned back to my photos. “I love the way you see the world, K.”

“Aw, thanks, J.” I felt all warm and tingly from my head to my toes, like a little puppy being praised. I was going to start wagging my tail here in a minute if Jaxon kept up the compliments. I held J on this pedestal of perfection, and when he loved my work, it sent me straight to cloud nine.

A laugh burst from Jaxon. “When did you take this one, you little creep?”

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