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Picking at the zipper on my jacket, I continue. “I got it more—why people love doing it. I prefer looking from the outside.”
As long as I have a camera in my hand, I’ll be happy.
I peek at Lucas in my periphery. His expression is closed off and inscrutable, but I discern the flash of pain in his eyes.
“What about you? I suppose you’re off to make a name for yourself in football.” I pat my camera on the cushion beside me. “You look good doing it. From a photographer’s perspective.”
Lucas doesn’t answer. His jaw works and he opens his mouth like he has something to say, but then he blows out a breath and ruffles his hair. He’s not as forthcoming about his future aspirations as I am.
“Yeah. My dad and I are taking a trip soon to visit University of Utah and University of Washington. He says he wants the best for me.”
“Cool.”
Lucas lifts a brow and looks at me from the corner of his eye. “They have impressive football programs.”
“…Cool?”
His perplexed expression makes me crack up. I lose control of it quickly, gasping for air as my stomach muscles cramp. My laugh echoes across the peaceful surface of the lake and into the treetops.
It cuts off abruptly when Lucas leans over and kisses me. He cups my face, thumb brushing my cheek as his lips glide over mine. I loop my arms around his neck and part my lips for his tongue.
Unlike our other kisses that scorch the earth like wildfire, this one glows like a warm ember.
It’s like he’s trying to say something with the kiss that he couldn’t put into words.
Lancelot barks, interrupting us by putting his little paws on my thigh.
“Oh, do you want some loving, too?” I ask after pulling away from Lucas.
I pet Lancelot as Lucas mutters. All I catch is kidding me and jealous as he rubs his mouth.
“Should we head back?” I suggest. “It’s getting pretty dark.”
Part of me is hesitant to give up this side of Lucas so soon. He’s…different out here. Is this who he really is beneath the cruel bastard and the cocky quarterback?
“Are you afraid of the dark, sweetheart?” Lucas rasps the question against my ear, stirring my insides. “I’ll show you the light. You don’t have to worry.”
“I’m not afraid.”
I feel the curve of Lucas’ mouth stretch against my lobe. His voice drops lower and it shudders through me when he says, “Then I’m not trying hard enough.”
Nineteen
Lucas
As I’m passing the computer lab after the last bell of the day, I catch sight of Gemma alone, outlined in the artificial glow of the computer. Perfect, I was about to text her.
I redirect and duck into the lab. Enlarged photos fill the screen in an editing program. She must be working on an assignment.
Grabbing a rolling chair, I approach her. I drop onto it, straddling it backwards and fold my arms over the backrest.
Gemma ignores me and keeps working.
The corner of my mouth lifts. If she didn’t learn her lesson about ignoring me last time, I’ll gladly repeat the lesson. My attention drops to her green and white plaid skirt and my mind fills with images of making her come again.
I wanted to when I had her on my boat. Badly.
I prop my chin on my arms. “Are you going to the party this weekend?”
