Page 25 of Illicit Desires (The Deepest Desires 3)

“You’re going to kill me,” I groan, following behind him.

“Suck it up, buttercup. You know it’ll be worth it.”

We keep trekking up the mountain. The day is turning out to be stupid hot, and I’m more than ready to go home. Or jump in the water. Whichever.

When we finally reach the top, overexerted and out of breath—at least I am—we have a stunning panoramic view of the Salish Sea and the San Juan Islands. There isn’t a cloud in sight, and the water is a pristine crystal blue.

A firm set of hands grip my bare shoulders as Anderson leans in, his breath fanning my neck. “Beautiful, isn’t it?”

My skin tingles from where his hands hold on to me, my body temperature raising significantly. “Absolutely breathtaking.” If I’m being honest with myself, I’m not even sure if it’s the view I’m referring to.

***

After the bizarre early morning cuddling with Anderson, I decided to spend a few days by myself after we went hiking. Give myself some space from him. Only, it was pointless. We ended up texting the entire time.

Time for space is up, though. We’re going camping with the guys this weekend. There’s a spot about three hours from here, over in Eastern Washington, called Sun Lakes. It’s our first time going there, but we’ve heard it’s a pretty sweet camping spot.

The camping excursion is a belated birthday trip for Weston. His birthday was a few weeks ago, but with summer just starting and everyone having shit to do, we haven’t all had time to celebrate until this weekend.

Pulling up outside Anderson’s house, I grab my duffle and climb out of the car. Aston, Knox, Anderson, and I are all riding together in Knox’s Range Rover. They’re all already outside, loading the pearly white car up with their stuff.

“’Sup, guys.”

“Hey, Crew,” Aston says, climbing into the passenger seat.

“How many tents do we have?”

Anderson walks up and takes my duffle from me, putting it in the back. “In total, three, I believe. You, me, and Weston in one, Knox and Aston in another, and Luca and Branson in the third.”

“Ah, the love birds each get their own tent. How courteous to us.”

“Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m not trying to hear or see anybody fuck this weekend, especially my fucking brother. Plus, I don’t need Knox getting too drunk and trying to mount the wrong twin.”

“Prude!” Knox shouts from the driver’s seat.

“Also,” Aston says, turning in his seat, “bold of you to assume Knox is the top.”

Anderson makes an exaggerated gagging noise as I climb into the backseat, clicking my seatbelt. “Can we stop at a gas station and pick up some energy drinks, please?”

“Was already planning on it. Let’s roll!”

It’s early on a Friday, but not early enough that we hit morning traffic. For the first half of the car ride, the conversation is pretty much non-existent, since we’re all waking up. Music fills the silent air, Knox singing along to the occasional song.

“Crew.” Knox gets my attention, eyeing me from the rear-view mirror. “Kalen says you guys have been hanging out here and there.”

My face heats immediately and my stomach plummets. I don’t know why I’m so weird about Anderson knowing I kick it with Kalen—probably because everyone knows he’s a dealer, and he does drugs,andhe’s the one who sold me the pills I overdosed on. Based on the curious look on Knox’s face, I know he isn’t asking in a suspicious type of way, though.

“Uh, yeah. Sometimes. He winds up at a lot of the same parties I go to with Western kids.”

“Dope. When was the last time you guys hung out?”

Oh, you know. That party when he blew me. “Like a month or so ago. We went to some chick’s birthday together.”

“Right on. I don’t talk to him much, with school and all that, but we should all hang out while we’re here for summer.”

My pulse has spiked, and it feels like it’s easily a hundred degrees in this car. I’m being ridiculous, but I can feel Anderson’s eyes on the side of my face, and it’s making me paranoid. I don’t want Anderson questioning my sobriety. As far as he knows, I’ve been sober since the overdose. I’d prefer to keep it that way for as long as possible, too.

“That’d be fun. We for sure should, bro,” I finally manage.

---