“I thought you were humoring me.” Dakota leaned into me too. This close up I saw the slight shadow of hair he’d trimmed from his jaw since the last time we spoke. It was a shame he didn’t let it grow out, but the unobstructed view of his face was nice. The curve of his jaw was his strongest feature by far, and I found myself staring at it move as he spoke.
“Humor you? Why would I do that?”
“You didn’t want to give me your number.” Dakota shrugged with a smile.
“My decision wasn’t targeted. I meant it when I said I stopped giving my number out to all guys.”
Dakota nodded. “No need to explain. I understand.”
It felt good to not have to explain myself to someone, but old habits die hard. I barreled forward, wanting to make sure he understood this was a me problem. “Gives guys the wrong idea.”
Dakota tugged on the bright orange vest Yara had given to him in honor of being a captain. The fabric stretched across his chest; a size too small. “What idea would that be?”
“That they could contact me for reasons. Awkward reasons.” I tilted my head to the side, trying to think of a better way to phrase my thoughts but coming up short.
Dakota considered my words for a moment before saying, “I can assure you, I had no intentions of contacting you for awkward reasons.”
“Of course.” I ran a nervous hand across the top of my shaved head. Maybe I’d been a bit too hasty assuming Dakota asked for my number with ulterior motives?
“Making things awkward is always my last goal. I only ask for numbers when I’m sure things won’t get to that point.”
He winked at me and then, started towards the other captains. I watched him in wonder and a little awe. Did he just tell me he wasn’t interested in me? Of course, that was what I wanted to keep things simple. So, why did it feel strange hearing it?
I suppose I did need to be knocked down a peg if I assumed he was into me after meeting me in absolute shambles last year.
Yara called for everyone’s attention. Kevin lifted her up on his shoulder so she could be seen amongst the crowd. I rejoined Kai and Silas as we listened to the game’s instructions.
“You alright?” Silas wrapped an arm around my shoulder and pulled me close.
I nodded. “All good.”
My gaze wandered to Dakota again. Surprisingly, he’d already been looking in my direction. His eyes narrowed in on Silas’s arms around me for a second. When his gaze met mine, he gave me an easy smile before looking back at Yara.
I noted his unbothered expression and let out a breath, glad my comment didn’t seem to rub him the wrong way. The last thing I wanted was for anyone to think I was full of myself. I scratched at my neck at the lingering embarrassment.
“Four teams,” Yara shouted while holding up her fingers. She nearly lost balance, but David was close enough to reach for her hand. He steadied her on Kevin’s shoulder once more.
“Thirty-five fountains. Winners will be posted on the BWDC socials, so be sure to follow. Now, let’s start with co-captains. David, you get first pick.”
The teams were different colors, correlating to their dye color.
David picked a large, redheaded guy from the crowd. Yara chose my brother — a very strategic move on her part. I guess she could sense he was the type who refused to lose.
Kai gave Silas and me a long glare before taking a spot by her side.
“He’s pissed, in case you didn’t gather,” Silas whispered in my ear with a chuckle.
“Oh, I gathered.” I gave my brother a one-finger wave.
I hated these types of ‘pick for teams’ things too. It was like middle school kickball all over again.
There was no doubt in my mind I’d be picked last, based on my outward appearance alone.
I’d be the first to admit, I didn’t look athletically gifted in the slightest. My middle was soft and large. My arms could use a bit of toning along with my thighs. So, I didn’t blame people when they assumed I couldn’t keep up. I did enjoy the look on their faces when I did prove to be an asset, though.
By far, one of my favorite memories from school was kicking a home run when I was on the popular kid’s team during recess. The green-eyed guy every girl in our grade liked was captain and so stoked I helped him finally beat his nemesis. He kissed me in front of everyone, which bought me enough cred to sit at the good table at lunch for the rest of the year.
When it was Dakota’s turn to choose, his eyes trailed to me. I thought he was looking a Silas at first. You know, his actual teammate who knew how to duck and weave his way down a fifty-yard line. When my name passed his lips, I blinked and stayed in place until he repeated it.
