Unzipping as fast as I can, I slip into the hole I’ve exposed, big enough for my body but small enough that whatever forest creature is after me can’t get in.
“What the hell?” Brad gasps as I fall on top of him.
The first thing I notice is how warm and solid he is. His hands grab my arms, firm but hesitant, like he isn’t sure of what he should do with me. I shift off him, breath caught in my throat, and flop onto the ground beside him, trying not to overthink how good he felt underneath me.
“There was—” I take a big deep breath. “A noise.”
I can barely see him, but I can make out the silhouette of his body from the light reflecting through the tent from the campfire.
Shit. The fire.
“It was probably just a small animal,” he exhales. “Or maybe another camper. The shared restrooms aren’t too far from here.”
I shake my head. “No, this sounded…scarier.”
“Scarier?” he repeats. I can hear the teasing tone in his voice. It both angers and amuses me.
“Bastard.” I kick at him. “If we get eaten, I’m telling them you never believed me.”
“How would anyone know if it ate us both?” he asks, shuffling through his bag before pulling out a flashlight.
I sit up and grab onto his shoulder. “Where are you going?” I ask, gripping tightly.
Oh, he’s topless.His soft skin under my hand feels…nice. “Okay, I know this issonot cool of me to be freaking out like this, but I’m not a camper. I mean…there could bemurderousanimals out there. Or–” I gasp. “Jason.”
“Jason… from Friday the Thirteenth? Are you talking about the horror movie?”
I nod my head, which makes Brad laugh.
I cover his mouth with my palm and ignore how his soft beard on my skin makes me feel. “Careful. He’s going to hear you,” I whisper, only half joking.
He moves my hand off his mouth, resting it on his collarbone instead. “One, you’re ridiculous. Two, this isn’t Camp Crystal Lake.” He flicks on the light, casting a creepy glow under his chin, immediately illuminating this small space of ours. I only notice now how close I am to him. I’m basically on top of him.
“I’m only slightly impressed that you know your horror movie killers.”
“And you clearly know too much.”
I drop my hands and shrug as he carefully opens the zipper.
“Now, are you coming, or am I going to have to put out this fire myself?”
I guess I should follow. I’d rather know what’s coming than wait here like a sitting duck.
He hands me the flashlight as I climb out behind him. The fire has died down to just small flames and embers now, which is a good sign. This should be quick.
“This weekend was supposed to be about finding out more about each other, but all I’ve found out so far is that you’re kind of a scaredy cat.” Brad laughs, slowly dumping some water onto the embers, logs, and fire ring, effectively sending dark smoke into the air.
My eyebrows pinch as I shine the light straight in his face, making him squint.
“I’m not a scaredy cat. I just don’t want to be eaten.”
“Don’t worry, I’ve gotcha.” Brad smiles, stirring the pit a little with the stick. He says it so simply, like it’s nothing. But it’s not‘nothing’,is it? Not when his voice sounds likethat—low and calm and confident. Not when it makes my stomach flip for no goddamn reason.What is happening to me?
I kick at a rock under my feet.
“I’ve gotta take the food into the truck. Can you wait right there?” he asks, coming over to pick up the cooler next to me.
“What? No. I’m coming with you,” I insist, hurrying after him. This only makes him chuckle more.
