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I hide a smile, enjoying the battle unfolding over me. I mean, what girl doesn’t enjoy a little posturing when it’s over her?
The guys instantly begin an intense game of rock, paper, scissors, the challenge in their eyes impossible to miss. Emrys' jaw ticks as he throws down rock after rock with zero finesse. Wilder changes his choice each time, trying to outmaneuver the others. Wyatt remains coolly collected, though there’s a calculating gleam in his eyes.
After a lengthy battle, Wyatt finally emerges victorious with paper over Emrys’ rock. Wilder curses under his breath as Emrys scowls and cracks his knuckles. Wyatt turns to me, a glint of male satisfaction in his gaze. “It appears you’re with me, Kathryn.” He rests his hand on my lower back, fingers splayed possessively across my bare skin, and despite the heat, I have to suppress a shiver.
Wilder and Emrys exchange a loaded look across the makeshift court. The challenge is clear–they have no intention of giving up so easily. Good. Things were getting far too comfortable. I need the reminder that this is all a temporary arrangement, no matter how hot the sparks are flying between us.
Annabelle sidles up next to me with a knowing grin. “Tension is running high already. This’ll be fun.”
I roll my eyes at her, but have to admit she’s right. I meet Wyatt’s gaze and harden my resolve. “Let’s win this.”
The game begins and things instantly grow heated. There's aggressive spikes, trash talk, and more than a few breathless moments of tangled, sand-covered limbs. Wyatt anchors me steadily, his composure never wavering even as emotions run high around us.
When I dive for a save and come up sputtering, he's quick to lift me back to my feet, his strong hands lingering on my waist. Our eyes catch and the air crackles between us. My heart races as his palms glide over my bare skin.
Focus, Kat! This is just part of the act.
Even then though, the way his stormy eyes darken makes my pulse flutter.
Meanwhile, Wilder makes it his mission to distract and taunt me every chance he gets. "Get ready to buy me a drink later, darlin'!" He calls out with a cheeky grin after scoring.
Ugh, that arrogant flirt! I roll my eyes dramatically, but can't ignore the appealing way his muscular frame moves on the sandy court. The man is dangerously charming.
Emrys says little, but his simmering gaze follows my every move. The raw desire contained in those golden-green depths leaves me dizzy. I can practically feel the scrape of his rough stubble against my skin, the heat of his hard body pressing in.
Down girl!
As the game continues, the taunts and showboating intensify. I catch Wyatt's bicep flexing temptingly as he spikes the ball down hard. Emrys dives for a save, body sliding through the sand, and I can't tear my eyes away from the tattoos rippling over his back. Wilder winks at me after yet another score, his abs glistening with sweat, and desire curls hot and unwelcome in my belly.
I flash a coy smile to cover my unraveling composure. If they insist on toying with me, I'll give it right back. Let's see how much they can handle.
Things get increasingly heated as we rally back and forth. My competitive side relishes the battle and we're all diving recklessly, driven to claim victory. I can feel eyes burning into me from all directions as I dash around the court.
Wyatt sets the ball perfectly and I leap up, spiking it over the net with a satisfying smack. "Yes!" I shout, pumping my fist. Take that, Wilder. I catch his eye and he grins, unbothered by my competitive side.
"Lucky shot," Emrys rumbles as Wilder grabs the ball for their serve.
I toss my hair back and place my hands on my hips. "Pure talent, babe."
Emrys' eyes instantly darken at the term of endearment and his gaze trails over me slowly. A pleasant shiver runs down my spine.
Focus, Kat!
Wilder serves a blistering ace right past Wyatt. I wince as Emrys and Wilder exchange a palm-slap. "Getting tired over there, darling?" Wilder taunts me. "Maybe you should just surrender now, save yourself the humiliation."
I narrow my eyes, irritation rising.
Oh it is on now, cowboy.
Wyatt must sense my mood shift because he moves closer and I grin darkly at him. "If we don’t win, I swear to God I will make it my personal mission in life to make yours miserable." If he’s shocked by my bloodthirsty attitude during a silly volleyball match, he doesn’t show it. He simply nods and gets back into position, completely at ease.
With our heads back in the game, we battle back to tie up the game. The sun beats down and my skin is slick with sweat and sand. I feel Wilder's gaze follow a droplet down my collarbone. I slyly lean forward just slightly, pretending to wipe sand off of my leg and his eyes grow hooded.
Ha! Two can play at this game.
Wyatt sets the ball and I make eye contact with him before spiking it hard cross-court, both Wilder and Emrys do their best to dive for it, but they both come up short and end up choking on a mountain of sand as the buzzer sounds the winning point.
Cheers ring out from the crowd of my family members that have been drawn in to watch us. There might be three other matches going on at the same time, but my family is driven by competition, and we just gave them their favorite kind of show.
