Page 55 of It Started at the Lake

So do I.

CHAPTER 25

Camille

Something cold and wet soaks my butt. Startled, I sit up, taking in my surroundings. I’m somehow sitting between Bennett’s legs. Apparently, my head was resting on his chest. I recall sidling up to him because I was cold. Something that I was hesitant to do because of how I react to Bennett. He makes dropping my walls easy. Every time I’m with him, I’m tempted to tell him I don’t want to fake date him; I want to date for real. But I can’t.

I don't remember moving into this new position though. When did we fall asleep? What time is it now? My neck aches and my right arm has a million pinpricks stabbing me as the blood flows again.

It’s safe to say we won sardines.

Checking my watch, I groan. It’s two in the morning. No wonder most of my body is numb and a stale taste coats my tongue. Another wave slithers into the cove, getting me more wet. Shaking Bennett’s shoulder, I say, “Hey, Ben. We’re about to get washed out to sea.”

Bennett cracks one eye open a sliver. “What?”

I stand, holding a hand out to my human pillow. “The tide is coming in. We need to move.”

Bennett blinks a few times, then he looks around. “Sardines.” He rubs his palms over his eyes. “Right. Yes, let’s go.”

“By the way, congratulations on winning the game.”

Bennett stands, swiping sand from his behind. Stepping out of the cove, he holds a hand out to me. I take it and let him lead me back to the grass.

“Thanks for being my partner.” He bumps my shoulder with his. “We’re undefeated.”

Bennett doesn’t let go of my hand. I should pull away. Get my man-ban walls firmly locked in place, but I don’t want to. Cuddling with Bennett made me realize how much I like him. We might never amount to anything more than friends who shared a midnight snuggle, but for now, I’m letting myself enjoy the perks of being his fake girlfriend. I’ll deal with the aftermath later.

I shrug like winning isn’t a big deal, even though I’m elated over something as silly as being teammates who work well together. “What do you expect when champions are paired together?”

“Obviously perfection, because that’s what we are.”

I easily picture us as partners in life. The photograph in my head of us together is perfect. “Exactly. Which is what we delivered.”

“On a silver platter.”

“Correction.” I raise a finger. “On a gold platter because we’re number one.”

“We need a trophy.”

I nod. “It will look great in your office. All your students will be in awe of their professor who beats any game he’s challenged with.”

“We’ll need joint custody. I don't want to keep everyone you know from seeing your amazing talents as well.”

I snort. “Right. I’ll just clip it onto my backpack. It’ll be like the koala keychain I used to have in elementary school, just much bigger and boastier.” I mentally slap my forehead. Boastier? Is that even a word?

“All the cool kids will want one. You’re such a trendsetter.”

“I’m not.” I laugh hysterically. Growing up, we shopped at thrift stores for all our clothes because Dad said he wouldn’t waste money on new outfits for us girls. The adults in the house got that privilege, not children who stained their shirts too often. I learned to hunt for the items in good condition at the Salvation Army, but no one would claim I set any trends by my second-hand clothing. “I’ll be gracious and allow you to keep it full time. I’ll just have to come visit you when I want to see it.”

What would it be like seeing Bennett at his office? Would he want me there? Are we forming a friendship that moves beyond this bubble we’re living in for the summer?

“You should come hang out with me.” He drops my hand, scratching the back of his neck. “I meant the trophy. You wouldn’t want to come all the way to my office just to visit me.” He lets out a self-deprecating chuckle.

I stretch out my fingers. Why does it feel like I’m missing an appendage now? Shivering, I rub my hands up and down my arms, afraid of the answer to why I feel like I’m missing a part of me. “I’d want to see both,” escapes my lips before I’m able to stop myself. What is wrong with me? I have no subtlety.

“Yeah?”

We stop outside the patio door. Bennett stands facing me.

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