Iwoke up because Beck shifted beside me.
It still felt surreal that he was here. I couldn’t believe it when the meteor shower exposed him—he was too curious for his own good.
I hated to admit it, even to myself, but the company was nice. Ben sprang shit on me all the time, but this was extreme, even for him. I should have known he’d be aware I’d snuck out.
Even though I got caught, I didn’t regret it.
I was now in the clear concerning the bio exam, and I’d gotten to watch Lucas get what he deserved.
I frowned because it seemed that bastard ultimately got the last laugh. Just before he left, Ben told me I should thank Mr. Rowen for the severity of this assignment.
What a dick.
He should’ve taken his punishment. When I got back to town, I’d have to plan something else for him.
The choking incident showed me he was still the same hothead he’d been as a teenager, just better at hiding it. I couldn’t help but smirk, thinking about how aroused he was by taking control. I felt the evidence against my thigh — it lookedlike Mr. Rowan was packing. Honestly, I didn’t dislike it either. But I’d deal with that tomorrow.
Today, I needed to start making my way home and do damage control with Coach Daniels. After skipping the game, she was going to be pissed. Lucky for me, I had a picture on my phone of her kissing Mr. Hook, whom I knew was married. I hated to go there because Coach Daniels was one of the few people I actually respected. But needs must and all that jazz. I refused to miss the weekend away from my dad if she punished me by making me sit out a few games.
Beck rolled over in his sleep and put his arm around my waist. He pulled me into him and began nuzzling my head.
I felt my nipples harden and moisture gather between my legs. For an eighteen-year-old virgin, in the last twenty-four hours, I’d experienced more arousal than I was sure was healthy.
Beck snored loudly in my ear, and I smiled. What was I going to do with this man?
I’d been walking for hours before he showed up, so we’d decided to stay the night and get up to leave the next morning. When he offered to haul me back on his bike, I took him up on it.
Not only had Ben taught me survival, but he’d also taught me to take the easier route if possible.
Work smarter, not harder.
I’m sure this wasn’t what he meant, but whatever.
I eased Beck’s arm from around my waist and stood and stretched.
The forest looked the same as it always had—trees standing tall and beautiful, sunlight filtering through the branches in lazy stripes. No sign of the meteor shower from the night before.
If Beck hadn’t witnessed it with me, I might’ve written it off as a trick of exhaustion. It had been one of the most beautiful things I’d ever seen.
“You okay?” Beck asked, sitting up and rubbing his eyes.
I rolled my shoulders. “Yeah, just a little stiff from my pack.”
He nodded like he’d expected that and pushed to his feet. “You should let me carry it back.”
Some girls in my position might refuse, but I wasn’t a fool. “Can you carry it and those saddlebags too?”
He stared at me as if I’d insulted him. “Yes.”
Boys. I rolled my eyes.
I packed my sleeping bag, fastening it to the top of my pack before handing it to him.
I admired his muscular arms as they flexed while he adjusted my pack and his bags. The man was a beast.
Beck noticedmenoticinghim, but he just smirked without saying a word.
We moved out with him leading, eyes scanning, and his body naturally angling in front of me, so I followed behind him. He seemed to be a natural protector.
