Page 80 of Playing with Fire

When I reached the beach, I started to sweat and experienced some lightheadedness. My level of exhaustion had become dangerously high.

My belongings hit the ground, and I found a shaded place to rest until I regained my strength. I responded to everyone's concern about my wellbeing by participating actively with them because I felt okay.

I went to sit near the water, but it failed to help me feel better. Although I understand heat and hangovers are incompatible, I decided to test this theory.

Bad. Bad idea.

Though I felt terrible I made the decision to take advantage of the day. We were vacationing while tomorrow would mark our final day in this location. I felt so awful that I couldn't bring myself to enter the water.

I headed back up from the water while passing by the group of guys who were playing football. Elijah left his spot without me noticing until he approached me.

"Hey Em, how are you doing?" He asks me how I am while placing an arm over my shoulder.

Even though I feel terrible I tell him I'm okay.

"Well, you're the first one to know-"

I understand that heat and Hazelgovers create a terrible combination. I had no intention of remaining inside the house. While we walked back to our gear, I put forth my argument.

Jaxon had a stroke of luck finding you last night. I thought you disappeared for just a moment. While I sit in the shade he makes a joke about the situation.

Wait. Jaxon brought me back.

I believed you brought me back to the house. I genuinely question it.

"Nope." He moves his head from side to side while he reaches into the cooler to take out water. "He carried you back, actually, my correction."

I grab the water he tosses to me and remain silent. Did he carry me back? I thought I was on Elijah's back.

Oh no.

I closed my eyes as I rested back into the chair while recalling part of my imagined conversation with Elijah.

He would always come and get me.

An intense wave of heat struck me, and my skin started to sweat profusely. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Why would he tell me that?

I don't know, but he did. I find comfort knowing that he would come and rescue me for some inexplicable reason.

I remained under the shade until Hazel came back from the water and positioned herself on the blanket. "Hazel?"

"Yeah?"

I move toward her while trying to avoid shouting my persistent question. "So... did anything happen last night?" I nudge her with my hand.

She looked at me and smirked.

I squealed and clapped my hands together. "So...?"

There's no need for you to pretend you're surprised because I'm aware you had a conversation with him. She downplayed her happiness.

I acknowledge my actions with a shrug while observing everyone return to their towels.

"But it worked, didn't it? The conversation ended as I bit my lip to hold back more words after mentioning I learned some valuable information. The others approaching brings her to a sitting position. "Tell me."

I laugh. "He gets anxious when you're around," I say softly and get pushed away.

"No, I don't!" The way she rolls her eyes shows me she doesn't believe what I say.

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