My eyes refocus on the eager man kneeling in front of me. “Fine,” I sigh, trying to sound like I’m not excited. “When? Campus should be empty tomorrow.”
“Eddie, Eddie, Eddie.” Red tufts of hair flop as he vibrates with excitement. “I was thinking we could go right now.”
I’m swaddled in Kenneth’s clothes. His T-shirt hangs down to my knees, and the pair of shorts he let me borrow are loose around my waist. Submerging myself in a lake in my favorite silk top was not happening, and I’m actually enjoying being enveloped in the familiar smell of Kenneth.
I point at a warning sign. “See this? It clearly says not to swim in the lake unless you have a pass.”
He slips his shoes and socks off, placing them beside my sandals. “You’re such a stickler for the rules. I’m guessing you made sure to get a pass when you dipped with your team?”
“Yup. My dip was sanctioned by campus.”
“Well, I have a pass. It’s called the ‘don’t get caught’ pass. Don’t worry though, Eddie. I made sure you’re covered too.” He winks, barely managing to dodge the sandal I toss at his head.
When was the last time I spent a Sunday night not studying? Actually, I can’t remember the last time I did something fun with someone other than Cade or the girls. Babysitting the twins doesn’t count because they’re forced to spend time with me. And now I’m spending time with Kenneth. Outside of our three required meetings. Outside of the Brain Bowl.
And it might end with me being arrested for breaking campus rules.
The last bit of worry I have about this situation slips away as Kenneth threads our fingers and leads me to the edge of the lake.
“If you don’t want to do this, I understand. I can do it by myself, and we can go back to working, or I’ll take you home. Whatever you want.”
His grip on my hand loosens, and I find myself tightening it for the both of us. “No, it’s okay. I want to do this,” I promise. “I’m weirdly honored and mildly freaked out that you picked me.”
His smile lights up the darkness around us. “There’s nobody else I’d rather do this with, Eddie.”
Although we should be quiet to avoid getting caught, we’re already here. In honor of our school spirit, we chant together, our voices loud and proud.
“Victory is ours. We’re number one. Get a CLU because we’re second to none!”
With that, I leap off the grassy bank and icy water engulfs my body. Pushing soaked curls out of my eyes, I find Kenneth’s already on me. A blast of laughter leaves my chest from the goofy smile on his face. I cover my mouth, but it doesn’t stop the sound of joy from leaking between my fingers. His concerned expression relaxes as he joins me with his velvety laugh. It’s insane to be so happy because we know if we’re caught, we’re in big trouble.
But I couldn’t care less anymore.
“I can’t believe that in two months, I’ve willingly swam intwolakes. I feel like I missed out on so many pool parties and recovery days.”
“And chicken fights.” Kenneth grins. “I’ll make sure to remind you how much you enjoy swimming from here on out. Hopefully you’ll come back to Lake Anita soon, yeah?”
“Yeah.” I smile back at him. “Soon.”
He is so handsome. Just looking at him is making my stomach flip, and it’s not from the lake water I accidentally swallowed.
Hair sticks to his forehead, crimson and curled at the ends. Freckles glow in the moonlight against his tanned skin. Cade was right. He just needed a little bit of sunlight.
Trying to rid his beautiful face from my vision, I send a wave of water at it and try to get away, but my efforts are in vain. A large hand wraps around my ankle and drags me back to him. The stitch in my side returns with a vengeance as he promises payback will not be sweet.
I don’t even recognize the noises coming from my own mouth, and they get louder when he spins me to face him. These gasps of air sound like freedom and feel like true comfort.
It’s not until Kenneth cups my cheeks that I fall silent.
Green eyes drop down to my lips and rise.Painfullyslowly.
Even in this icy lake, my body floods with heat. Like the night of the St. Patty’s party, I’m struck with the thought that Kenneth looks like he wants to kiss me. And if he did, would I be okay with it?
My eyes flicker down to his lips, and a nervous laugh slips out at the words my brain is literally screaming.
Yes. Hell yes. Please kiss me already.
My breath catches when something presses softly against my lips.
