“Do you guys like cheese on your burgers?” he asks, using a spatula to point at each of us.
Ryan answers for us. “Yeah, that sounds good, man.”
Jared is over by the grill, drinking a beer and keeping an eye on the burgers. We get to our feet and head over to them.
“The girls went inside to freshen up and get some toppings. They’ll be out in a minute. Can I get you guys a beer or some water?” Jared offers.
“I’ll take a water,” I state instantly.
“A beer for me,” Ryan answers in a hoarse voice.
Jared leans down next to the grill, and I spot a huge Yeti cooler as he grabs the drinks and passes them to us.
I slam the water back in one go; my mouth was so dry. AJ is back to flipping the burgers.
“Do you guys live around here?” Ryan breaks the silence with small talk.
AJ chuckles. “No, we live up north; just thought we would do some exploring while we are off for winter break from school.”
“Where do you go to school?” Ryan inquiries.
AJ points the spatula at Jared’s sweatshirt. “We all attend UF and heard this place was great; we weren't expecting it to be so dead, though.”
“What about you guys?” Jared questions.
“We live in Orlando and wanted to check this place out while we are on vacation from our jobs. Ryan is really into the whole camping thing.” I let out a short laugh, since it’s an inside joke between us.
“Who owns the RV?” Ryan nods over to it.
AJ replies, raising his hand, “That would be me. I’m into the whole camping thing, too.” He playfully winks at me, and for some reason, it makes my skin crawl. There’s just something about him that makes me hyper-aware of his persona, and it makes me nervous. After he plates the burgers, I stare over at him, and he licks the spatula, regarding me intently while cleaning the grease off with his tongue. I make an effort to keep my face neutral, but fail. Diverting my attention from him, Inotice a foldable table, so I get to work on setting it up. Ryan and Jared must be hungry because they immediately jump in to help.
As soon as we get the last chair in place, the girls come barreling out of the RV with toppings in Styrofoam bowls that they lay on the table.
“Were you guys fucking in there again?” Jared asks, grinning.
My face flushes with heat and embarrassment at the memory of what just transpired between us.
Cora giggles. “I don’t kiss and tell.” She adds a gesture of pretending to zip her mouth shut.
Ryan clears his throat, steering the conversation elsewhere. “The burgers smell amazing.”
My stomach grumbles just thinking about them melting in my mouth. Georgia plates everyone a bun and a burger. “Help yourself to whatever toppings you want. Sorry there are no sides.”
“This is more than enough,” I retort as I hop over to the cooler. “Do you mind if I grab another water?”
“Help yourself!” Georgia exclaims.
I sit back down next to Ryan and load my burger up. I’m absolutely famished. The burger is thick, and the juices slide down, soaking into the bun and all over the plate. Casting a glance in Ryan’s direction, I notice he’s already halfway done with his, not bothering to breathe.
I take a large bite of mine and close my eyes, the delicious flavors and heat hitting my tongue. I let out a delighted “Mmm.”
As I chew, I feel the toughness of the meat, and it isn’t as tender as it looked. It’s taking me longer to eat and swallow it. I look over at everyone else, and they’re practically shoveling theirs in. Jared obnoxiously licks all his fingers as he finishes.
“Babe, you really outdid yourself. That was one of the best burgers I’ve ever had!” Georgia calls out to AJ.
Ryan chimes in, “It was really good, man, thank you.”
AJ nods with an ominous look in his eyes that I’m sure Ryan didn’t catch. “You guys should come over tomorrow night, too.”
