“Then I stopped the bullying almost right away.”
He did do that, I won’t deny. Even the memories of his old friends’ taunts about my second-hand clothing, my ratty backpack, my trailer park house, and lack of vehicle have me inching further to the right, to wanting to leave Levi behind and cut both versions of him from my life.
“I didn’t hate you,” he repeats. “Besides, was I so much of an ass to not care about you as a person?”
“Fine. Fair enough.”
We sit in silence for a few more minutes, until the air, though warm, challenges my wet clothing, enticing a shiver up my spine. Just when I’m about to suggest we head inside, Levi scoots closer and rests his hand over mine, his arm snaking around my waist.
Suddenly, there’s nowhere else to be.
Another fifteen minutes pass before he yawns and starts disentangling from me, helping me to my feet. “As nice as this is, we had a big day and started early. I’ll walk you back to the cabana.”
Water paves our way up the muddy sand until it melds with the powdery dry grains clinging to my feet. I retrieve my flip-flops, sliding them beneath my arm, then my phone.
There’s another missed call, the number unfamiliar.Stupid telemarketers.Either way, I block the number so they can’t get through again.
“You okay?” Levi’s arm brushes mine.
“Yeah, another spam call. It’s nothing.”
Levi directs me back to the cabana, but I can’t focus on the path. Instead, my gaze sweeps the ocean, the beach, and even the resort beyond.
It’s only a spam phone call…yet the knot in my stomach screams it’s something worse.
ELEVEN
LEVI
In the doorwayof her cabana, she gives me a one-armed hug. “Thank you for everything. You’re truly my hero.”
I press a gentle kiss to her forehead as she pulls from my arms. Once the door is locked and the lights eventually flick off, I head for my cabana.
She really does need rest, and so do I. I had planned to return as Hunter but would prefer not to overwhelm her when we have months of vacation time to fill.
Once in my room, I send her three messages.
Sleep well, Sunshine. I won’t be visiting tonight. You had a long day. Besides, keeping you on the edge loses its punishment if I return tonight.
You look gorgeous in the moonlight. I hate Levi even more now.
Be prepared for tomorrow. You’ll never know where I am.
She doesn’t respond, which means she’s likely already passed out. Feeling satisfied, I too get ready for bed and then plan what I’ll do to her tomorrow.
We spend breakfast together until, unfortunately, I leave her to work so as not to give my father a reason to pester me about ignored responsibilities. From my office window, I watch her hang out by the main pool, alternating between suntanning and swimming. She orders drinks and snacks and speaks to no one, but the vibe radiating off her, even from my distance, is addicting.
She’s brighter than the sun in her black bikini that makes me seethe at every man who gawks at her. Dad will murder me if I drown a guest, but fuck, if they don’t stop looking at her, my actions won’t be my own.
When the fourth walking by ogles too long, I yank my second phone from my back pocket.
Me
Do you realize how many people are staring at you?
She reaches for her phone, and the instant she reads my message, her head jerks up to scan the pool. When she presumably finding no one watching, she scans the building, but since I’m high up, concealed by reflective glass, she won’t find anything.
Vengeful _Summer