I shrug, grinning. “Hey, I didn’t make it up. Cherry bombs are real.”
“Are not.”
“I swear. They’re a type of firework that looks like cherries.” When she looks unconvinced, I glance around and spot Clarke walking by. “Yo, Clarke.”
“What’s up?” He jogs over.
“What’s a cherry bomb?”
“An explosive.” His eyes track over Maddie’s body, stopping at her chest, which tightens and pulls the front of her shirt. “Why?”
I narrow my eyes, throwing a possessive arm around Maddie, pulling her into me, chest to chest.
“No reason,” I snap.
Clarke shrugs, oblivious of his wandering eye, and jogs off.
“Fuck face,” I grumble, causing Maddie to giggle.
“Were you jealous?” She runs her hands over my shoulders.
I tilt my head, feigning innocence. “Nope. But he doesn’t get to look at what’s mine.” I grip her chin, tilting her face toward mine. “Unless I have a reason to be jealous?”
She rises on her toes, resting her lips on mine. “Never.”
She breaks away far too soon when the voices of other campers pass by.
“So now I’m a cherry bomb, not your goddess?” she teases.
I bury my face in her neck, playfully growling, “Don’t you dare say such a thing. You’re my Mads, my gorgeous goddess.” I press soft kisses up the side of her throat before whispering in her ear, “And sometimes, when you’re acting a little spicy, you’re my gorgeous goddess,Cherry Bomb.”
She hums in amusement, fingers threading through my hair. “So many nicknames.”
I let the moment settle before nudging her gently. “So, are you going to tell me why you went nuclear on Mason back there? That was more than just sibling rivalry.”
Her playful demeanor vanishes, replaced by a halfhearted shrug. “I’m fine.”
“Maddie.” I pull back, searching her face. “I didn’t ask if you were fine. I asked what happened.”
I know my girl better than she thinks, and though I’ve seen her and Mason go for each other’s throats, usually when Maddie’s annoyed at him, today was different.
Her emerald eyes shimmer with unshed tears, and I don’t hesitate for even a second. I scoop her up effortlessly, wrapping her legs around my waist. I ignore the counselors making comments as I carry her toward the cabins, away from prying eyes.
“I’m too heavy,” she mumbles into my neck.
I playfully swat her ass. “You’re light as a feather.”
When we make it to Maddie’s cabin I slow down, scanning both directions to make sure no one sees me sneaking inside.
Her roommate is never around, so I know we’ll have privacy.
I carry her straight to the couch, settling her onto my lap, my arms still locked around her like I can shield her from whatever’s weighing her down.
Gently, I brush her long, dark hair away from her face, my fingers lingering against her skin.
“Whatever it is, I’ll make it better, Mads.” And that’s the damn truth.
Her downcast gaze, the way she bites her lip, gnaws at something deep inside me. I hate feeling useless, like she doesn’t trust me enough to share what’s hurting her.
