Page 51 of Nerdelicious
“That’s fair.” My mouth is dry. I clear my throat. “We’re friends, though. If you ever need anything, I’m here.”
Another short nod and then he’s moving back along the path, faster than before. His long strides put him farther and farther ahead of me. Once he reaches the campsite, he stops and waits. When I get close, he hands me my lantern and towel. Then he practically bolts away toward the tent he’s sharing with Grace.
The Flash is a turtle compared to this guy.
Back in my tent, I stare up at the canvas top like it will give me all the answers. But it’s blank, devoid of stars and explanations.
I did the right thing. So why does it feel like I’ve lost everything?
Chapter Fourteen
“My dad toldme he relates to Tywin Lannister. He’s like, ‘No, it’s hard being the head of the family!’”
–Overheard at Comic-Con
The next morning, everything is perfectly normal. Except I can’t quite look Beast in the eye, I barely slept, and the guilt hanging around my neck is heavier than the Eye of Agamotto.
We cook foil-wrapped eggs and sausage in the firepit, spend a couple of early morning hours on the beach—sans games—and then before lunch, everyone helps take down the campsite for the trek back to Blue Falls.
We could only stay the one night because nearly everyone has obligations back in town. Except me and Beast. We don’t have to work until tomorrow night.
Beast. My heart stutters as I shove my sleeping bag into an impossibly smaller bag.
How could I have ruined everything so terribly? What was I thinking? I stomp my feet into the dirt, hauling some of my bags out to where the guys are repacking Fitz’s truck.
He’s inexperienced. Naïve. I’m like the older, more experienced woman taking advantage of—
My brain short-circuits as Beast lifts the camp box and the cooler stacked together in one mighty heft, the muscles in his shoulders bunching under his shirt.
Okay. Maybe he can’t really be taken advantage of, but still. I shouldn’t have instigated a sexual situation with him. Or continued it. Or brought it to its inevitable conclusion. Not when I’m leaving. Not when it isn’t fair to either of us. Now we can’t be friends, despite our awkward agreement last night. It isn’t possible. And it’s my fault.
Last night.
Memories of his hands on my breasts, teasing my nipples with his wide thumbs, send an avalanche of heat rushing through me.
“Are you okay?” Reese frowns. “You look flushed.”
“I’m fine.” I toss my camp gear down and race back to my tent before my traitorous face gives everything away.
I attempt to take down the tent on my own, tugging at the stakes someone has pummeled into the ground with supreme, immovable force. I take out all my aggression in my attempts to pull the items from the earth, but it’s useless. I’m weak and pathetic.
And then Beast is next to me, reaching down, pulling the offensive item out with little more than a tug.
I take a few deep breaths and watch him yank out the remaining stakes like he’s done this a thousand times.
I focus my gaze in the direction of the campsite, but I can’t see the others from here, although occasional bits of conversation and laughter reach me through the trees.
And then Beast is in front of me.
He gives me the sign forokay, his pointer and thumb creating a circle while the remaining fingers are lifted up, a question in his eyes.
“I’m okay,” I say, my voice whisper-soft.
And then without warning, his arms are around me and I’m surrounded by the most overwhelming and somehow tender embrace I’ve ever received. It lasts a second, maybe two, and then he pulls back, his hands still on my shoulders.
Our eyes lock and he smiles.
It’s a forced smile. Doesn’t quite reach his eyes. Nothing like the beauty he revealed last night on the beach, but... it’s something. And because of that, I know it will all be okay.
