Page 38 of Bonding with the Beta

“Kayleigh–” I reach out for her as she catches her foot on the seat, and she goes tumbling backwards.

Her arm, centimetres from my grip, goes flying in a different direction. She releases a long shriek of fear as she falls back, her head hitting the edge of the boat with a heavy thud.

“Oww,” she groans as her hands draw up to cover her head.

I step forward and drop onto my knees before her. “Fuck, blondie. Are you alright?” I ask as I place my hand beneath her head and the bottom of the boat.

Her eyes stay firmly shut. She winces but manages to nod.

“That fucking hurt.” She laughs to herself.

“All of that for a bee.” I shake my head in disbelief.

Kayleigh groans. “Now is not the time to point out my fear of insects.”

“My bad.” I smile and pull her up to sit, her legs over mine. My hand explores the back of her head, searching for a bump. “Does it hurt when I touch it?”

Her eyes are still closed as she purses her lips and hums. “Yeah. A little.”

“You should probably get this checked out,” I state.

“No.” She looks at me with hazy eyes before shutting them again. “No need. I just need some frozen peas. I’ll be fine.”

You are the most embarrassing human to brace the earth. Idiot. Idiot.

I admire her face and the little freckles that cover her cheeks. “Hey,” I whisper. “Look at me.”

Kayleigh opens her eyes slowly and winces. “God forbid, we are never coming here again.”

“Surprised you want to see me again at all,” I say to brighten the mood.

“Debatable.”

“You might have a concussion.”

She shakes her head once. “No. I’m fine. I promise.”

“We should probably get back and put some ice on it.”

“Good idea.” She smiles tightly.

I untangle myself from her and grab the paddles. I guide us back to the wooden dock slowly as she holds her head and closes her eyes every so often. I get out of the boat, steadying my feet on the ground.

My hand raises, and I hold it out for her to take, tugging her into my embrace before she falls again or into the water—at least it would break her fall.

“Thanks,” she whispers as I walk us back to my car. “So much for a peaceful distraction.”

“Okay, so nature and outside activities aren’t your thing,” I say lightly as I open the car door for her and get her into the seat. “Noted.” I loop around to the other side and start the car, backing out of the car park. “Are you okay?”

“My head is thumping.”

Of course.

As I start driving back to her university, she glances out the window and frowns. “Wait,” she pauses. “This isn’t the way.”

“I know.” I nod, turning a corner. “But there’s a shop here, and I’m gonna grab some frozen peas real quick.”

Kayleigh turns to look at me but says nothing.

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