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Beckett
Shifting my weight,I cross my feet at the ankles and lean back against the tree behind me. The fire is out, and the trees filter out most of the moonlight so I’m shrouded in shadows. Just another shape in the night.
I’m not trying to hide; I’m just trying to stay out of the way. Not everyone is asleep yet. And until that happens, I’ll be here. Watching.
I don’t know why I feel so unsettled. I’ve done this campsite dance a hundred times before. It’s not the new location, or new people. If I’m being honest with myself, it’s her.
Elouise Hall.
I don’t know what I expected to happen when I saw her, but this thick layer of sexual tension was not it. And in just one afternoon she’s managed to scale all my defenses. Now I can’t think of anything but Elouise.
I didn’t come home to find a woman. But if life has taught me anything, it’s that the universe doesn’t give two shits what you have planned.
My eyes trail across the sea of tents.
I keep telling myself that I’m looking out for the whole camp, but that’s a lie. I’m looking out for her.
I watched Rebecca come and go from their shared tent. I saw the shadows of Elouise dance across the thin wall. I saw her turn the lantern off. And I watched as one-by-one more tents went dark.
But still I stay. Waiting. Needing to reassure myself that everything is fine.
A twig cracks a few paces away.
I don’t react. Stillness and silence keeps me invisible.
A body emerges from the woods, walking slowly, head swiveling side to side. Not necessarily bad behavior, but not exactly normal either.
Keeping my body in place, my eyes track the figure. The darkness makes it impossible for me to see who the person is. But when they turn towards Elouise’s tent, I stand up straighter.
They get closer to my Elouise, and I step away from the tree.
Whoever this person is, I’m going to have a conversation with them.
The moonlight peeks through some clouds, illuminating their face.
This prick.
The motherfucker stops and drops into a crouch right in front of her tent and I lengthen my stride.
This dead fucking prick.
When I reach him, he’s got the tent flap unzipped and half of his body in my girl’s tent.
Ducking down, I grip his ankles, and in one violent motion, I yank him backwards.
Resistance gives way as his weight is pulled off his hands, and I hear the satisfying thud of his face hitting the packed earth.
