Page 25 of Cloudless
MY GIRLS
KAM
Waves pull at my legs as the water races toward the shore.
A smile touches my lips as Posey races toward the water.
She dunks a pink bucket into the crashing waves and tiptoes back up the beach.
She leaves blotches of wet sand in her wake as she weaves through the sparse crowd that separates her from our sisters.
I only allow my eyes to return to the water when she disappears into the shadow of the umbrella.
“I’ve got eyes on the girls, Kam. Don’t worry about it.”
I spare a quick glance at Wyatt as the football lands in his waiting hands with a wet slap. I don’t even try to conceal the worry in my voice. “I can’t help it. I’m the one that invited them here. It’s up to me to look out for them.”
He sends the ball flying toward our other teammates as his eyes return to my girls on the beach.
Yeah, that’s right.
My girls.
Wyatt’s voice is a calming balm on my raging nerves. “Not everything rests on your shoulders. Mace and Dax are watching out for Jasper, and I’m watching the girls. Just try to have a good time. You’ve got to share the burden now and then, man.”
I sigh as the ball lands in his hands once again.
He passes it to me as I smirk. “Easier said than done.” The ball spirals through the air as streams of water fly off it.
The ball lands with a wet thunk in Colt’s hands fifteen yards away.
His laugh carries over the water as his fellow freshmen push each other into a coming wave.
Wyatt nudges me in the arm as another wave crashes into my legs. “Uh, Kam?”
My eyes snap to him as the strange undertone of his voice registers. His finger pointing in the girls’ direction has my stomach dropping. What I see, however, practically turns my world upside down. “Fuck.”
Amusement colors Wyatt’s voice. “You’re screwed, man.”
Lila’s bare legs shine in the summer sun as she strips her white dress over her head to reveal a striking pink one-piece swimsuit. My mouth waters as I follow her fingers as she straightens the straps on her shoulders.
A wet slap resounds through the air as the football smacks me in the face. I don’t even feel the impact, as I’m rendered powerless against the waves against my legs and the sheer beauty of Lila Sullivan.
Her golden hair blows in the breeze and falls in waves down her back. I’m captivated by the motion as she throws her head back and laughs at something Ellie says. I’m jealous of the wind as it swallows up the sound before I get a chance to hear it.
The elongated column of her neck begs for my lips as I trace the length of her profile with careful eyes.
Her rays of sunshine reach me all the way in the water. All I want to do is bask in her light for as long as she’ll let me.
If only she could see herself through my eyes.
A wave of guilt washes over me as I yet again catch myself thinking about Lila as more than a friend. She’s made her wishes very clear, and I intended to respect that.
My muscles turn to stone as Colt lets out an appreciative whistle in Lila’s direction. “Who the hell is that?”
My voice is pure gravel as my full attention zeroes in on him. “ She is not your concern.”
His eyes light up with a challenge as he lazily tilts his head in my direction. “Is she yours, Kam?”
She will be.
My teeth grind together as I work to maintain my composure. “No.” An image of Colt with his filthy hands on Lila flashing through my mind makes me see red. “She’s off limits, Colt.”
A grin takes over his face. “Says who?”
“We do.” Wyatt’s voice is pure steel as my roommates crowd around my back.
My blood boils as it speeds through my veins.
Colt’s grin turns sinister. “Seems like that's a decision she should make for herself. Don’t you think, Captain?”
Dax’s hand lands on my shoulder as I practically vibrate with rage. Colt doesn’t deserve her. No one does. She is too pure for this world. Too good to be corrupted by his hands.
Dax’s voice dips to almost a growl as his fingers dig into my damp skin. “This isn’t a hill you want to die on, Colt.” His voice drops to a whisper. “Settle it on the ice, Kam. Not here. Little eyes are watching.”
I look down to find Jasper’s big blue eyes staring up at me from his position between my roommates. His eyes volley between me and Colt. Clarity enters my mind as I take a deep breath.
At first glance, Lila may seem weakened by grief and struck down by her circumstances. But when I look at Lila, I see strength.
Strength to step up and fight for her brother and sister when no one else could.
Strength to tell me no so she could do her best for them.
Strength to laugh through her grief and live despite it all.
I’ve seen glimpses of her fire, and I can’t wait to watch her set it loose.
My faith in Lila dims the uncontrollable rage, trying to take hold inside me. Memories of my dad losing control flash through my mind as I fight to maintain a hold on my emotions, despite the blazing challenge still present on Colt’s face.
I am not my father.
My determination is no match for the strong current fighting my legs as I walk in Colt’s direction.
My voice stays steady as a new determination floods my veins.
“You’re right. It’s a decision she should make.
” His eyes betray his fear he tries so desperately to hide.
“But make no mistake.” Inches separate us now.
“She will turn your sorry ass down, because that woman knows her worth.” My voice drops to a dangerous level. “And you’re not good enough.”
His smirk is a desperate attempt to show strength he doesn’t possess. “And you are?”
I shake my head slowly. “No. That doesn’t mean I won’t try to be.” A smirk lifts my lips. “Oh, and Colt?” His eyebrows raise as he fights not to fidget. “You might want to rinse the lipstick off your neck before you go. Wouldn’t want her seeing your true colors so soon.”
The darkness now present in his eyes is no match for the certainty ringing through me as water fills the space between us. My smirk grows into a full grin. “I look forward to watching you fail, Colt.”
My eyes never leave his as I back away toward the wall of muscle that is my roommates.
Jasper’s voice rises over the rage still boiling through me. “I’m glad you’re the man of the house now, Kam. It’s a really hard job.”
A genuine smile takes over my face as my eyes soften on the little boy, who now takes up much of my heart. “You three aren’t alone anymore, Tank.”
And you never will be again.
Mace’s hand lands on my shoulder as I focus on the feel of the sand between my toes.
His voice betrays the anger he tries to hide from showing in his eyes.
“I hope you didn’t make things worse with Colt.
I’ve only known him for a few weeks, but I can already tell he holds onto a grudge like they’re going out of style. ”
“Lila can handle him.”
His eyes lighten as a smile breaks out on his face. “Oh, I know she can. I’m just worried about you having to watch it.”
My muscles tighten as Colt makes his way out of the water with a smirk on his face and determination in his eyes. He rubs at the lipstick on the side of his neck as he walks.
My hands clench into fists at my side as I will my feet to stay where they are.
You’ve got this, Sunshine. Let them see your beautiful flames.