Snickering, he crushes the cigarette butt in the ashtray on the railing. “Today’s just any other day for me. There hasn’t been a holiday in years when my mom wasn’t working a double. I’m used to being alone.”
I follow him into the living room and we sit next to each other on the couch. I snort out a laugh when I notice him pop a mint into his mouth.
“Someone’s presumptuous,” I mock.
Chase grins. “We both know you came here to make out.”
“Keep dreaming, Hedlund.”
He gestures to my camera bag. “Were you shooting today?”
“No, but I might later. Do you want to see the shots I took last weekend?”
When he nods, I pull the camera out and shift closer to him. “These are all from the trails near Mar’s house.”
Chase peeks at the screen. “Not bad, Nature Girl.”
“ ‘Not bad’? That’s what you have to say? This isart, Hedlund.”
He laughs, a low sound that makes my heart skip. “Not everyone’s a fan of pretty trees and lakes. Some people like a bit of action.”
At that, he plucks the camera out of my hands.
“Hey!” I object. “Give that back!”
I reach for it, but he’s on his feet, flashing a smug grin. “Nah.” He tilts the camera, squinting down at the buttons as if he actually knows what he’s doing. “I think the photographer needs to be on the other side for once.”
“Absolutely not,” I declare, lunging for it. “I’m a disaster in pictures. That’s why Itakethem.”
“You’re gorgeous and you know it.” He backs up toward the couch. “C’mon, one little smile.”
I reach for the camera again. He takes another step back, snapping a photo of my frustrated expression.
“Chase!” I groan, trying to cover my face, but he keeps clicking, taking rapid-fire shots as I dodge, laughing despite myself. “I hate you!”
“No you don’t.”
I rush forward and tackle him onto the couch, my hand finally brushing the camera—
And that’s when he flips me over and starts tickling me.
“Ah! No! Chase! Oh my God, stop!” I shriek, thrashing on the cushions as he grins down at me, absolutely relentless.
“Stop what?” he teases, fingers dancing along my sides.
“Please! Please! You win!” I gasp, batting his hands away, laughter bursting out of me. I’ve lost all control.
He chuckles, finally letting up, and I catch my breath, my face flushed.
“You are the worst person in the world, you know that?” I manage between breaths, shoving his shoulder.
“Or am I a genius?” he counters.
He tips the camera toward me so I can see the last photo he took. The unguarded look on my face. The pure, genuine smile. It’s the best picture anyone’s ever taken of me.
Shrugging, he hands the camera back to me, and before he can blink, I turn it around and snap a close-up of his surprised face, all wide eyes and raised eyebrows.
“Saved for eternity,” I declare with a victorious grin. “Consider it payback.”
