Page 60 of Finish Line

“I’m all right.” My cheeks heat from the exchange.

Luke uses his Jet Ski to spray us, and suddenly, we’re soaking wet. “If you’re done making out. You’re it.”

I push my wet hair out of my face. “Oh, it’s on.”

I spin around and take off.

Mav wasn’t ready for me to shoot off, so he tumbles off the back. “Hey, come back here.”

I peer over my shoulder at him in the water. “Sorry, I can’t right now. I’m it!”

Cam picks up Mav while I chase after Sam and Paige and tag.

We play a bit longer, then pull up on the beach.

“That was super fun.” Paige opens the cooler. “What can I grab for you, Shelby?”

“Dr. Pepper.” I fall into my beach chair.

“Who wants to play volleyball?” Sam tosses the ball in the air.

The teams are Dom, Mav, Luke, and me against Sam, Paige, Nick, Cin, and Cam.

It’s a close game, and Paige is serving. She bites her lip. Her first two tries went out.

“Come on, Paige, you can do this,” Cin cheers her on.

Paige bumps the ball over the net. Mav dives for it and misses. Their team wins.

“I won. Holly shit! I won!” Paige hops around and kicks sand up.

Dom sits beside me. “You’re exhausted, aren’t you?”

“How can you tell?”

“You’re pale, and your eyelids are drooping. But the main thing is that you were dragging on the volleyball court.”

“I’m out of shape,” I huff out.

Six guys walk down the beach toward our group. I stiffen, and my guys form a barrier in front of me.

“Hi, I’m Jason. We’re staying down there.” He points down three houses. “We wondered if you want to play a set with us.”

My guys turn to me.

“That’s up to you. If you want to, go for it.” I hold up my can of Dr. Pepper. “I’m fine cheering you on.”

Dom eyes his friends, who nod. “Sure.”

Some girls walk toward us. They came out of the same place the guys did. I say a little prayer that they are friendly and not bitches.

“Hi, I’m Julie. We’re with those guys. This is Betty, Alexis, Anna, and Val.” She points to the other girls as she says their names. “Do you mind if we sit with you?”

“Go ahead,” Paige says, and introduces us.

I’m glad I’m sitting on the end. None of them come down this far. They seem fine when they ask Paige questions.

When the game starts, I cheer on my guys.

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