Page 65 of It Started at the Lake

He flops backward, kicking and flailing as he lands on his butt. But I’m not done with my torture. Getting a hold of his leg once more, I pinch the leg hair covering his shin and pull as hard as I can. My wet fingers slip right off, but from the “Yowch!” Henry squeals and the kick he lands on my thigh, I’d say I got my revenge.

I swim a few yards away, smiling sweetly at him. “Next time, don’t be a jerk.”

Behind me, Emerson and Bennett take turns shoving one another underwater. There’s grunting, groaning, laughing, and heaps of splashing.

Henry laughs. “I won’t make any promises.” With that, he plunges toward me.

We take turns dunking one another, Bennett joining me in picking on Henry. We take a few minutes to catch our breath and for me and Bennett to shed a few layers of clothes. Our hike isn’t happening, and I’m disappointed I won’t get one-on-one time with Bennett, but this has turned out fun too.

“Chicken fight?” Emerson asks. “Me and Henry versus you two?”

“We’re undefeated,” I taunt. “Bring it on.”

I swim over to Bennett.

“Hey, are you sure about this?” Bennett asks under his breath. “Henry’s stronger than you.”

I nod. “I know. But you’re taller and broader than Emerson. A good foundation goes a long way. We’ve got this.”

“Alright, Mils. Let’s do this.”

Bennett squats under water. I climb on top of his shoulders, his hands wrap around my legs, squeezing my thighs.

And holy heat, Batman. Bennett’s palms on my bare skin make my brain fuzzy and heat pump through my veins like I’m a bodybuilder in the middle of a workout. With how hot I am, my cheeks are surely as red as a watermelon. Not something I want Henry and Emerson to see.

But it’s too late.

Shaking my head, I clear it of Bennett. I need to focus on the game and winning. Our streak is strong, and Bennett touching me won’t be the reason I become unglued and unable to perform to the best of my abilities.

I face Henry, who’s grinning at me like he can’t wait to knock me in the water. Too bad for him I’m not going down without a fight. Sorry, B, I’m about to squeeze your head with my legs. Clinging to Bennett the best I can, I reach out, trying to knock Henry over.

“I barely felt that.” Henry laughs. “Try harder, little miss.”

“I’m older than you, mister.” Going for his ribs, I pinch what little skin I can grab at his side.

“Hey! No playing dirty.”

“We never agreed on terms.”

Henry and I continue our battle, arms locked, doing what we can to knock the other down. Henry is stronger, but Bennett does an excellent job of keeping me upright.

“Dude, can you knock her down already?” Emerson complains. “You’re as heavy as a horse and stink like one, too.”

“You could try kicking Bennett or something, bro. Millie’s tiny, but strong.”

I’m all warm and fuzzy inside from Henry’s compliment.

“That’s my girl,” Bennett says, squeezing my legs.

My girl? Did Bennett really say that? My heart flutters and I’m giddy at his words. They’re not real. Don’t get caught up in this feeling.

The news shocks Henry. Henry’s arms go limp and he stares at Bennett with wide eyes. “Are you serious, man?”

I get his reaction. What Bennett said is huge, but I’m totally taking advantage of the situation. Shoving as hard as I can without falling off Bennett, I push Henry’s shoulders. He goes down without a fight, splashing into the water like a boulder into a lake.

“Yes!” I cry out in victory. “We’re undefeated!”

“Boo-ya!” Bennett says, then helps me down from his shoulders.

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