Page 54 of If the Summer Lasted Forever
“Will do,” Landon promises.
We say our goodbyes, and I breathe a great big sigh of relief as soon as we’re out the door. We walk a few yards before I peek at Landon. “Are you cold?”
He gives me a sideways look, smiling in a satisfied sort of way. “No. You?”
“I’m good.”
“Do you think your mom noticed the chocolate in your hair?” His smile grows just the tiniest bit wicked.
Frantic, I raise a hand to my head. It must have smeared on me when we were…doing what we were doing.
“Oh my goodness,” I say, groaning. No wonder Mark was looking at us like that.
Landon laughs and wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me to his side as we walk. A breeze blows through the trees, and he holds me tighter, feigning a dramatic shiver.
“Cold?” I ask, snuggling next to him with the excuse of keeping him warm—it’s bad business to let our campers freeze to death after all.
“Frigid,” he bluffs, meeting my eyes. Then there’s another cool breeze, and he shudders for real. “Okay, that’s actually pretty cold.”
I laugh as we continue to his campsite.
“Couldthe two of you be any cuter?” Paige demands.
I shift my phone and continue watering the planter in front of me. If I move even a foot, my cell will drop the call. The petunias are about to do the backstroke, but I don’t care because Landon’s weaseled his way into my life and become my very favorite topic of conversation.
“And have you read the comments they got on that last video? You’re public enemy number one for a whole group of girls who were hoping Landon would fall in love with them.”
I stay away from the comments. It’s better that way.
“This is the part where you admit to your best friend that you’re head over heels for him,” she coaxes.
Not happening. If I say it out loud…well, then I’ve said it out loud. And you can’t take that sort of thing back.
No matter how true it might be.
I’m doomed.
“We’re excellent actors,” I hedge. “Seriously, I should make a career out of it.”
“Liar,” she says with a laugh. “You are so gone for him.”
I roll my eyes. This is why you shouldn’t have best friends—they know you too well.
“Oh!” Paige exclaims suddenly. “I think Tanner’s here. I have to get the door before Trenton.”
“Why exactly do you have to beat your brother to the front door?” I ask.
“He doesn’t care for Tanner.”
“Really.”
“Stop. You know very well none of my brothers have ever liked anyone I’ve dated.”
Which tells you the stellar taste Paige has in guys.
“Best hurry then,” I tease. “Run little rabbit, beat your brother to the door.”
“Bye!” she chirps, and then she’s gone.
