Theo groaned. “Not you too.”
I laughed. “What? I was just saying.”
“Yeah, but everyone else is just saying it too.”
“That’s probably because it’s true.” I kept looking at him, just chilling on his tube with his arms spread across the sides and a beer dangling between his fingers. “Is that a bad thing?”
A slow smile curved his lips. “Nah. It just makes me want things I can’t have, is all.”
Naturally, before I could ask what he meant by that, one of Avery’s friends launched a surprise attack with a water gun and chaos erupted. People started yelling and Luis fell out of his tube trying to retaliate. Theo got hit directly in the face and I laughed so hard, I almost tipped over, but I also took that as a sign.
Not now, Raquel. Don’t ruin it by going digging into things that don’t concern you.
“Oh, you think that’s funny?” he demanded, his sunglasses now dripping and pushed up into his hair. He was sitting a littler straighter in the tube, grinning despite the fact that he was obviously trying to look serious.
I caught his gaze and held it. “I think it’s hilarious.”
“Yeah, that’s what I thought.” Moving as fast as lightning, he leaned over and splashed me.
I squealed but splashed him back. Within seconds, we were both soaked and laughing, catching up to the others to join the full-fledged water fight that was developing, and for a little while, everything else disappeared.
Dad and his diagnosis, the uncertainties of the future, and all the responsibilities waiting back in Quartz Pass. Eventually though, the creek widened, the current slowed, and the sparkling blue expanse of the lake opened ahead of us, forcing the battle to a natural end.
People started paddling toward shore, but Theo kept floating beside me as we drifted into calmer water. He smiled as he caught my gaze. “This was really fun.”
“Yeah, it was exactly what I needed.”
“I think it was exactly what I needed too,” he agreed, then lowered his legs into the water and slung his arms over the front of his tube. “Hold on. I’ll give you a lift back to the shore.”
Surprisingly disappointed that the afternoon float had come to an end, I kicked to help him move us. The sun was starting to disappear behind the mountains. People dragged themselves out of the lake, hauling the tubes back to the campsite while a few of the guys went back for the trucks.
By the time the sun was gone, the night was still warm, but the campsite had transformed. Everyone was dry and changed. Lanterns glowed between tents and drinks sat on a folding tables with the leftovers of the burgers we’d had for dinner.
Luis’s truck was playing music at a much more respectable volume than it’d been before we’d hit the creek this afternoon, and a massive fire crackled near the shoreline. We gathered around it, camping chairs scattered into loose groups while people talked and laughed. Stars started appearing one by one. The last traces of the sunset reflected on the glittering surface of the lake.
I sat slightly removed from the group, watching flames dance against the darkening sky, but across the fire, Theo was laughing with one of Avery’s friends. My eyes kept finding him, seeking him out without my permission.
It was more like every time I looked up, there he was, talking to somebody new or with his head thrown back in laughter. To any outsider, it would’ve looked like he’d known these people his entire life instead of having only met them a few weeks ago.
Somehow, he’d already become part of their group. I took a sip of my drink, intent on going back to stargazing, but when Theo laughed again, my gaze drifted straight back to him.Jeez, this guy really is becoming dangerous to me.
With that thought at the front of my mind, I decided to put myself out of my misery and I stood up, calling out to my brother. “Avery?”
He glanced over from where he was arguing with Luis about fishing. “What’s up?”
“I’m heading back to my cabin.”
Several people booed, but I grinned and gave them a bow. “Have fun sleeping in the heat.”
Avery rolled his eyes, but before I could even begin to comprehend what was happening, he called out to Theo. “Hey, do you mind walking Raquel back to the cabin?”
My jaw slackened, but Theo stood from where he’d been sitting with his ass on the sand and brushed dirt off his shorts. He lifted his gaze to mine, looking smug as hell even as he replied to my brother. “Sure, man. I got it.”
He wandered over before I could start threatening Avery with violence, batting his lashes and gallantly offering me his arm. “Ready for your escort, m’lady?”
I gave his shoulder a playful shove. “I’m perfectly capable of walking myself.”
“Of course.” He winked. “Unfortunately, this is a full-service package. I shall escort the lady like a true gentleman.”
