Rumor Has It (Rumor Has It #1)(20)

We pull into the parking lot and make our way down the sand; the bonfire is already blazing. There are a lot more people than I thought there would be, but I shouldn't be surprised. Tamara's not only popular with a lot of kids in our school, but she's also the type of girl who knows people everywhere. I scan the crowd, looking for a place to hang out when I spot Sarah with a couple of her friends. She's wearing tiny shorts and a pink zip-up hoodie. As soon as she starts to turn her head my direction, I look away, so we don't make eye contact.

“There’s Lucas,” Matt says, pointing over to him, Jeremy, and a few others who are tossing around a glowing football.

After throwing the ball around for a while, we end up back over with the large group. I hear whispers going around about beer that was supposed to show up, but I guess whoever was supposed to bring it either got caught or decided to flake because everyone's either drinking bottled water or soda.

There’s a log set up near the fire, and I take a seat, as Matt goes to grab us a drink. That’s when Sarah plops down next to me.

“Carter,” she says in a high-pitched tone. “I’ve been looking for you.”

I raise my eyebrows, staring at the fire. “Well, here I am.”

I'm trying to not even make eye contact, but I can't help noticing her stand back up and unzip her hoodie. At first, I'm wondering why, because even next to the fire, the breeze over the beach has picked up a little. Then I see why. She ties the hoodie around her waist, and she's wearing a bright, lime green bikini top. She's definitely well endowed, but I know she's not usually that tan, so I'm guessing she went to a tanning salon recently. And as much as I want to look away to avoid any encouragement on her part, I can't. I am a guy, after all.

“I just got this.” She motions to her top as she sits back down next to me. “You like it?”

Trying to regain my focus, I nod casually and look down at the sand. "Yeah, it's nice."

“OMG,” she says, and I cringe. I never understood why some girls do that, abbreviate things as if we’re talking through texts. The thought makes me think of Emerald, but Sarah continues. “It’s so cold out tonight.” She wraps her arms around herself but does it in a way that she’s pushing her boobs out.

I know exactly what she’s doing, so I can’t resist the logical explanation that comes out. “Um, then put your hoodie back on.”

She does that giggle that some girls do when they’re trying to flirt and leans in closer to me. “Mm-mm.” She shakes her head.

I know she's either about to make a move or waiting just long enough for me to, so relief floods through me as I see Matt walking back to us.

Sarah gives me an annoyed look, as I call him over.

“Here.” Matt hands me a soda. “They’re all out of water.”

“Thanks.” I pop it open and take a drink. Matt’s eyes are darting between myself and Sarah, while I’m trying to avoid her.

“Where’s mine?” Sarah looks at Matt.

“Uh …” Matt gives her an unsure look.

“It’s over there.” I point to the cooler on the other side of the group.

I know it’s rude and makes me sound like a dick, but she’s giving me no other choice here.

Sarah plays it off, giggling again, then reaches for my soda. “I don’t want a full one, just a sip.”

I let her take it out of my hand, staring at her in annoyance. Again, she’s playing the game, taking a drink of the soda in the most erotic way possible, letting out a moan, and then hands me back the can. My eyes narrow at her and I hear an uncomfortable cough come from Matt. But it’s all a game. It’s all fake. And realizing that, I know I need to just end it now.

“You drink everything like?”

“Just the stuff I like.” She throws flirty eyes at me.

“Sarah, what is this? Look, I don’t want to be rude, but I’m not into it, okay?”

Instantly, her demeanor changes. She straightens up and stares at me. “What?”

“Seriously.” I wave around the crowd but keep my voice down. “There are a ton of guys here. Just go talk to one of them.” Her mouth drops, before I add, “Sorry.”

I look over at Matt, who’s half amazed and half in horror. Sarah stands up, zipping her hoodie back up. “You’re an asshole.”

I should just let her go and ignore it. But the fact that she’s mad at me after she’s been the annoying one this entire time pulls at me.

"Yeah. But I'm an asshole you gave a handjob to. Have a nice night."

The appalled look on her face morphs into pure hatred. "Fuck you."

“Oh, my God, dude,” Matt whispers as she storms away, trying to contain his laughter. “That was unbelievable.”

I just look back at the fire, not feeling good about any of it. I wish I hadn’t said it, even if it is true. I wish I could’ve just been friendly, or at least courteous. I think of Emerald and how she seems so sweet. If she didn’t like someone, she probably wouldn’t try to embarrass them.

“I’m gonna take a walk,” I say, getting up and leaving Matt behind.

As I get further away from the crowd, I pull out my phone and scan the recent text messages I've sent. Maybe tonight's the night I should just put it all out there. Tell her I want to meet and find out just what the hell this thing is between us. Before I can type anything, my phone chirps.