Page 72 of Even Exchange

“Having a good first day?” I ask, relishing in the looks we’re getting as the Andrews U team, Jonathan included, walks by us.

“So far so good. You?” she replies.

“Just got better.” I throw my arm around her shoulders, and she squirms in an attempt to shrug me off.She’s terrible at this.I grasp tighter and lean down, whispering, “Jonathan’s coming.”

She freezes and whispers back, “I’m really sweaty.”

“That’s fine.” My lips graze her ear as I speak, and she shivers. “Pretend I said something funny.” She giggles, then looks up at me, our noses touching. “Perfect,” I tell her, pulling away as Jonathan passes, giving me a look that says I might end up buried in the woods.

Better share my location with the boys later.

“Doesn’t the camp have a no-fraternizing policy?” she asks, glancing around hesitantly.

“We’re all consenting adults. They aren’t stupid enough to believe a bunch of tightly wound athletes would refrain from sex for a month.”It’s the truth. I checked.“And if anyone asks, we’ll say we were dating before camp started, which we could prove with pictures and whatnot.”

Easily.It’s as if she forgot we’ve been friends for months and have an arsenal of fun facts to prove it.

She chews on her cheek. “That makes sense.”

“Come to my cabin tonight?” I ask, and she furrows her brows. “So we can discuss somedetails.”

“Okay, what’s your cabin number?”

“Three.” I lean down, and whisper, “You did great by the way.” I press a kiss on her cheek and walk away, my lips tingling as I fight a smile.

“Noah!”

Turning, I find Elijah and Theo chasing after me.

“Damn,” Theo says, clapping me on the back. “I guess you got your own tits and tequila now.”

I laugh, shaking him off. “Shut up.”

“Only took you what?” Elijah counts on his fingers. “Ten months?”

“She was taken for most of them,” I point out, trying to suppress my annoyance at the unwelcome reminder.

“She shouldn’t have been.” Elijah shakes his head.

“Touché to that.” I agree, and we bump fists.

A group of guys passes us, and Jonathan’s gaze pierces me.That’s right, McFuck Face.I shoot him a wink and keep walking.What was it you said about Charlotte not being mine?

“Is he gonna be a problem?” Elijah asks.

“Nah, but it would be nice if he’d back off my girl,” I say, and damn if that doesn’t feel good flying off my tongue.

My. Girl.

FAKE. DATING.

“Say the word. It’s done,” Theo says. “I mean it. I know people.”

“Um…” I give him a sideways glance. “Appreciate the offer, but I don’t think that’ll be necessary.” Elijah and I share a look, then burst out laughing.

“Glad you guys think it’s so funny,” Theo says with a mocking smile. “Like I said, let me know if you ever want to make someone disappear.”

I chuckle, shaking my head. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

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