Daring the Bad Boy (Endless Summer)(26)

Her confusion, the way she was looking at me, made me feel like shit. I shouldn’t be so mean to her. Even if she just basically threatened me. “Sorry,” I bit out, the word raspy. She had no idea what a big deal that just was. I never say sorry about anything. “Let’s meet at eight o’clock at the pool, okay? How does that sound?”

Annie lifted her chin, her expression defiant. “Fine,” she muttered. Without saying another word, she turned and climbed down the tower, her feet landing on the ground with a soft thud before she ran away.

…

ANNIE

I waited by the pool, pacing the length of it back and forth, my flip-flops slapping against the ground. No one else was around, everyone was getting ready for movie night, and I wondered if it was a mistake, meeting Jake when I should be waiting for the signal from Kyle.

I ran into him on the way to the pool, and he’d given me the details. Everyone was meeting behind the arts and crafts building at nine fifteen. Lights-out was later on movie night, which gave us an extra hour to get drunk, according to Kyle, who’d grinned at me.

And I’d only grinned back like a fool, caught up in the light hazel color of his eyes. He was so freaking pretty…and then I remembered Jake’s eyes. How dark they were. How they seemed to see right into me, like he understood me. I practically ran away from Kyle after that, barely caring if he wanted to talk to me or not.

All I could think about was Jake, which I realized, after leaving Kyle, was totally pointless.

Right?

He was late, which I guess shouldn’t surprise me, but I was still disappointed. I needed these swim lessons. As silly as it sounded, the more confident I’d feel around water, the more confident I’d feel around Kyle. I knew this. Yeah, he was talking to me and wanting me to hang out with him while they all passed around a bottle of peppermint schnapps, but what if that was it? I needed to keep his interest, prove to him that I was strong and interesting and unafraid of anything.

I needed to convince myself of that, too.

Frowning, I glanced around, but I was still alone. I had no idea what time it was, since I didn’t wear a watch and I didn’t have my phone, but it felt like I’d been waiting for Jake for hours. That had to do more with my serious case of nerves versus how long I’d actually been waiting. I’d guess he was only about five minutes late.

He’d better show.

Kelsey was the one who’d coordinated my outfit. She pulled my hair into a topknot, made sure I remembered to wear earrings, and she put waterproof mascara on my eyelashes so if I actually got my face in the water—fat chance of that happening—then it wouldn’t run. Then she chose what she deemed was my cutest bikini and had me wear a plain white T-shirt over it and a pair of black cotton shorts that I’d brought to wear to bed.

I worried the makeup might make it look like I was trying too hard, but as Kelsey put it, “If Jake becomes interested in you, then Kyle will be interested in you, and bam, you get exactly who you want.” I didn’t see Jake finding me appealing at all. I think I annoyed him more than anything. The feeling was mutual.

Mostly.

Who was I really trying to impress? Kyle or Jake? I wasn’t even sure anymore.

Sighing loudly, I went to the gate and peeked over it, looking for him. Everyone was headed to movie night. Our cabin had already walked there and I’d walked with them, Kelsey whispering that she would cover for me if needed once I took off toward the pool. I didn’t want anyone to notice I was gone, especially Hannah. I really liked her, despite her scary organizational skills and easy command of camp songs.

“Hey.”

His deep voice startled me, and I turned on a gasp, my mouth dropping open when I saw him standing in front of me, his expression all business. He had on a white T-shirt that said “Camp Pine Ridge” that fit him to perfection. As in, it showcased his muscles without being too tight. And he’d changed out of the red lifeguard swim trunks, wearing a pair covered in a subtle blue-and-white Hawaiian print.

He looked…good, as much as I hated to admit it.

“Sorry I’m a little late,” he said, offering no explanation. Not that it was any of my business, but I could tell he wasn’t going to be friendly. He even looked a little irritated, and I guess I couldn’t blame him. He’d probably rather do anything else but this.

“It’s okay.” I tried to smile, but it felt funny so I let it fade. “Are you ready?”

“Shouldn’t I be asking you that?” When I said nothing, he rolled his eyes. “Yeah, I’m ready. Let’s do this.” Without warning, he tore off his shirt and dropped it on a nearby chair. My gaze roamed over his bared chest, taking in every detail I could, which only left me feeling like a complete pervert. Thinking like that sent my blush into overdrive, and my cheeks felt like they were on fire.

Turning away from him, I went over to the lounge chairs and kicked my flip-flops underneath one. Then I pulled off my T-shirt, folding it carefully before I set it on the lounge chair. I quickly stepped out of my shorts and folded them as well. I swear I heard him laugh behind me, but I decided to ignore it. He could laugh all he wanted. I was the one who got her way, not him. I hoped he remembered that.

“Come on, let’s go sit down,” he said. I turned to watch him walk over to the shallow end of the pool. He sat on the edge and dunked his feet into the water. When I didn’t so much as move from my spot, he waved a hand, indicating he wanted me to come sit by him. “Yo. Come here.”