Page 105 of Vicious Little Snakes

Her head does the same, then she laughs.

“The race, Caroline. Be less salty. We’re expected.”

He did not send her to collect me. I narrow my eyes. “Pass. I have other friends to sit with.”

But as I turn, she does the same, and we begin to walk in step. It’s hard not to notice the people’s reaction left milling about in the halls as we walk by them. This is priceless. It’s the moment in a movie when they pan from our heels to our faces playing some badass girl power music in the background.

“Wow,” I say, turning to look at her as we walk. “We could rule the world if only we liked each other.”

She rolls her eyes. “I don’t completely hate you.”

As we walk through the doors, I counter, “Aww, kitten, I don’t completely like you either.”

But she grabs my arm, stopping me at the top of the steps that lead to the grass, shifting to lock eyes.

“However…I trust you, Caroline.”

My breath is held because we aren’t making sarcastic jokes anymore. Donovan picks at her bracelets under her sleeve as she speaks.

“I didn’t know, back when we had our little confessional in the limo that night, that I could trust that you wouldn’t break Liam’s heart. But I do now. And I’m not in your way anymore unless you hurt him. Then I’m in your face.”

What the fuck? Why is she saying this? I wonder if she and Liam spoke about me the other day when they made up.

“Is this your idea or one of his?”

She grins, knowing precisely what I’m asking.

“Mine. And this is our little secret. Liam doesn’t talk to me about you, Caroline. But that doesn’t mean he isn’t thinking about you. It’s obvious that whatever’s going on between you guys isn’t done—because he doesn’t want it to be. Just don’t hurt him—I think you’re the only person that really can.”

There are so many things I want to ask, even more, I want to say, but I opt for the one that’s the most honest.

“Stop being theyouI like. It’s unnerving. I prefer your actual personality—trite crew ho with an annoying laugh.”

She smiles, and I roll my eyes before we turn and create more buzz making our way down to the waiting blanket and a shell-shocked Laura.

* * *

Me:Nice win. I’m sure Grey did all the work, though.

Liam:So mean. Keep going, see what happens, Carebear.

I stare down at my phone, heat creeping up my neck. What does that mean? Whatever it is probably isn’t any one of the things running through my imagination, but a girl can wish.

The guys are inside the boathouse while everyone waits for them to emerge. It’s a tradition to have a rally after a win, so I sit here because I’m all for a ceremony and another opportunity to indulge my addiction.

“There they are.” Donovan points as the people scattered on the hill start cheering and clapping.

The boys are walking up the dock, donning their Hillcrest hoodies over their long uni’s. I like when the water gets this cold because Liam in spandex pants is clit bait.

As they walk, he reaches behind him, tugging the sweatshirt off and holding it in one hand as he pulls a strap of his uni off his shoulder, switching hands to do the other side.

The top of the unitard hangs around his waist, putting his bare tan chest on display as he rubs a hand over his head, laughing and pushing an arm against Kai’s shoulder as they walk before putting his sweatshirt back on.

I swallow, chancing a quick glance at Donovan to make sure she didn’t see my drooling, but she’s too busy eye-fucking Grey. Liam holds up his phone and wiggles it.

My head shifts around to make sure neither Laura nor Donovan is looking before I discreetly swipe my phone open.

Liam:Did you like that little show?