Page 9 of Beyond the Summer

“I love the outdoors, too.They’re not mutually exclusive hobbies.”

Nodding, he eyed me, eyes curious as they skimmed down over my body, leaving a trail of awareness in their path.“So you’re probably an amazing climber.I got into it recently, and I find it so…” He cleared his throat, leaving that thought unfinished.“Anyway, care to demonstrate your skill?I’m sure I could learn a thing or two from someone like you.”

Was he mocking me?“I don’t need to prove myself to you, Sutton.Let's just pack up and get some lunch, alright?"

As we coiled the ropes and stowed the equipment, I tried to ignore how effortlessly Sutton moved, his muscles rippling under his sun-kissed skin.He must have sensed that I was in a mood, because, for once, he didn’t try to chat.But I kept catching him looking at me, and it was unsettling to not know what I was thinking.Probably that I was a huge dork.In tense silence, we grabbed a quick lunch at the mess hall, wolfing down sandwiches as we made our way to the arts and crafts cabin.As we approached the small, wooden structure, panic started to set in.The thought of being in such close quarters with Sutton was making my heart race.

"Ready for some artistic fun?"Sutton asked cheerfully as we entered the cabin, immediately heading for the supply closet.

I felt my jaw clench."Just...just don't go overboard, okay?We're making birdhouses."

Sutton turned, his arms full of paints and brushes, a look of confusion on his face."Geez, what crawled up your ass?I'm just trying to make it fun for the kids."

I ran a hand through my hair, frustration and attraction warring inside me."Sorry, I just...Never mind.Let's just set up before the campers get here."

As Sutton began arranging supplies on the tables, I wondered how it was possible for me to be the asshole in this situation.I needed to figure out how to tolerate Sutton, and to keep my feelings about him to myself.I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing thoughts.Sutton wasn't a good guy.He'd been horrible to Parker.I had to remember that, had to keep my guard up.

"Hey, Sutton," I called out, my voice coming out harsher than I intended."Why don't you stand watch by the door while the kids do art?"

Sutton's eyebrows shot up, his blue eyes widening in surprise."Stand watch?What, you think they're gonna make a break for it with glue sticks and popsicle sticks?"

I clenched my jaw, fighting the urge to snap back."Just...please.It's better if one of us keeps an eye on things from the outside."

For a moment, I thought he might argue, but then he shrugged, that infuriating smirk playing on his lips as he gave me a little salute."As long as you’re sure you can handle it, boss," he said, sauntering over to the cabin's front porch and stretching out on the little bench, welcoming the campers as they ran up.

“Why wouldn’t I be able to handle it?”I muttered, though Sutton was probably well aware by now of how flustered I got when speaking to the group.Fuck.I shook my head, telling myself I could do it.The campers started filing in, chattering excitedly about the project ahead.I forced myself to focus on them, on the task at hand.And suddenly, more than anything, I needed to prove to Sutton that I could handle the kids as well as he could.

"Alright, guys," I said, clapping my hands together."Today we're making birdhouses.Who's ready to get their hands dirty?"

A chorus of cheers went up, and I started handing out materials.As I walked around the room, helping kids measure and cut, my mind kept drifting to Sutton.I could see him through the window, leaning against the porch railing, his muscular arms crossed over his chest.

"Ben?"A small voice pulled me back to reality."Can you help me with this?"

I knelt down next to the young boy, showing him how to attach the roof to his birdhouse.As I worked, I couldn't shake the feeling of Sutton's eyes on me.I glanced up, catching his gaze through the window.He winked, and I felt my face flush.

"Dammit," I muttered under my breath.

"What's wrong?"the boy asked, looking up at me with wide eyes.

I forced a smile."Nothing, buddy.Just...thinking out loud.Let's get that roof on straight, okay?"

As the afternoon wore on, I found myself stealing glances at Sutton more and more often.Each time, he seemed to be looking right back at me, that cocky grin never leaving his face.It was infuriating.And incredibly hot.

By the time the last birdhouse was painted and set out to dry, I was a mess of conflicted emotions.How could I be so attracted to someone I was supposed to dislike?

As the kids filed out, chattering excitedly about their creations, Sutton sauntered back into the cabin.

"Nice job, Torres," he said, his voice low and warm."You're pretty good with the little monsters."

I swallowed hard, willing my body not to react to his proximity."Thanks," I managed to grunt out."You didn't do so bad yourself, keeping watch and all."

Sutton laughed, the sound sending shivers down my spine."Yeah, it was good I was there for security.I swear at least two squirrels tried to break in.And I won’t even tell you what happened with the woodpecker."

I burst out in an unexpected laugh, and for a moment, our eyes met.The tension between us was palpable, electric.I felt myself leaning in slightly, drawn to him despite every logical part of my brain screaming at me to stop.

Then the bell rang outside, signaling it was time to wash up for dinner, and snapped me back to reality.I stepped back quickly, nearly knocking over a chair in the process.

"We should, uh...we should clean up," I stammered, turning away from Sutton's intense gaze.

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