Page 44 of Puck Your Friend

He stands over my shoulder as I thread one of the poles through the sleeve.“You’re good at this.”

It’s so hard to not look back at him like he’s an idiot. “I’ve done it before.”

“You and one of those guys you’re always running around with? Is one of them your boyfriend?” He nods toward Logan, who’s the closest to me out of the four of them.

I don’t answer. I thread the second rod. It doesn’t seem like he’ll be helping with this, as he rather chat my ear off about stupid shit.

Benji steps too close to my personal bubble as I kneel on the ground. “I get it. You’re the quiet type. All cold and mysterious. But I bet I could get you to warm up to me.”

Jesus, this guy is cocky.

I shift to grab the rain fly. We’re not due to have rain tonight, but it would be shitty if it happens and a kid or two gets wet because I left it off. With the tent up, next comes staking it to the ground. Nothing worse than a fly away tent.

“Seriously, though.” He watches me stake the corner. Not lifting a pinky to pretend that he’s helping. “You’re kind of perfect. You don’t even know how hot you are, do you?”

Warmth travels up my neck. Years ago, I would’ve died if a guy said that about me, but now he’s just pissing me off. He’s coming on far too strong and acting like he’s God’s gift to the girls here at camp.

He leans down and reaches like he’s going to steady the pole I’m staking into place, but his fingers graze my side instead. There’s no way that was an accident, and I quickly stand.

I slap his hand away. “Don’t touch me.”

“Relax.” A smirk pulls at his lips, undeterred by my rejection. “I’m not trying to start anything. I like you. We should go out tonight. I could show you a good time. “

I fold my arms over my chest. “Trust me, I know what a good time is, and it’s not with you. Go build your tent over there, or leave it and walk away.”

He sighs. “Listen, I think we got off on the wrong foot.”

I glance over his shoulder as Logan comes over. “She told you to walk away. Are you hard of hearing? Do I need to spell it out for you?”

Benji turns to face him. “We’re fine.”

The others come over next, backing up Logan. My heart beats faster at the sight of them coming to protect me.

Wes looks meaner than I’ve ever seen him. “Didn’t look like fine.”

Ford crosses his arms over his chest as he takes a step closer, heading them. “Do you make a habit out of touching girls without their consent?”

It feels like they were waiting for him to step one toe out of line.

Benji lifts his hands. “You all seriously need to chill. It wasn’t like that. We were just talking. Right?” He looks over his shoulder at me.

Jace clears his throat. “Dude, she was giving every sign that she wasn’t interested. You’re lucky she didn’t break your nose for not getting the hint.”

They all step closer. The anger in their eyes concerns me. I’ve never seen them get so... I don’t know the word for it. Territorial?

Why do I like it? I can take care of myself.

I step between him and them and place a hand on Ford’s chest. “Stop. There’s no reason to risk getting kicked out of camp over this putz.I’m fine.” I raise my voice.I glance back at him. “We’re done. I’ll finish your tent.”

Benji glares and huffs. “You’re a bitch. I guess the rumors about you are true. You’re a slut.”

All four of them growl, and it raises every hair on the back of my neck. I have to press my hand against Ford’s chest as he takes another step forward.

“Not worth it. If you’re banned because of him, we won’t get the rest of the summer together.”

That seems to deflate them a little.

I look at Benji. “What are you still doing here? Do you have a death wish?”