13. Kris
13
KRIS
Playing with fire.
That’s what it’s always like when I’m around Kameron.
And you know what? Fire burns.
Yet I still can’t seem to play it safe with her.
She’s been sitting on the balcony for the last hour, leaning back in one of the adirondack chairs, refusing to come inside after our little interaction, I’m sure.
I can tell she’s still pissed about the sleeping arrangements, but I know Kam and she won’t be mad for very long.
I’m leaning against the island in the kitchen, watching her watch the mountain. It another life, where I wasn’t so fucked up, she’d be it for me.
Unfortunately, I’m not capable of giving her all that she deserves in life. And even if it pains me to say it, I hope one day she finds a man who can do that for her.
Even though I’ll be a jealous fuck when I hear about it.
My phone vibrates against the granite, slightly bouncing in place, pulling my eyes from Kam.
Kaleb’s face fills the screen and I groan.
Sliding my finger across the screen to answer, I press the speaker button. “Hello?”
“What are you two doing tonight?” he asks.
I hear music playing in the background and Ruby singing off key to some Taylor Swift song. I smirk, knowing her and Kameron would probably be good friends with their taste in music.
“Nothing that I know of. We planned on just grilling and hanging out.” I glance back out at the balcony, and the sight makes me lose my breath.
She’s standing, hands against the railing with her hair hanging down her back. Her black leggings fit snug against her toned body, making me wish I could run my hands over every inch of her.
Our little interaction in the parking lot wasn’t nearly enough to suffice the craving I have for her.
“Well, we’re going out tonight and I want you and Kam to come,” he tells me.
“It sounds like you’re already out.” I laugh.
“We’re actually just on the party bus, on our way to your cabin to pick you two up.”
I snort, of course he’s already on his way here.
“Who’s with you?” I ask, my eyes stay fixed on Kameron as she walks toward the doors to inside.
“Not Mom or Dad, don’t worry,” he assures me.
“Let me ask Kameron.”
“Ask me what?” She steps inside, looking at me with a frown.
“Kaleb wants us to go out with them tonight.”
I stare at her, trying to gauge her features and figure out if she really wants to go.
I know Kam and she’ll agree just because she doesn’t want to disappoint anyone.
“Sure,” she answers quickly, surprising the hell out of me. “What time?”
“Well,” I shift so I’m standing at my full height, “they’re kind of already on their way here to pick us up.” I offer an apologetic smile.
“Of course they are.” She laughs, remembering how spontaneous my brother can be. “Okay, let me go change.”
She takes off up the stairs, and I stare at her ass with each step she takes, enjoying the view.
“We’re in,” I tell my brother once she’s out of sight.
“Be there in like twenty,” he tells me, disconnecting the call.
I pocket my phone, and head up the stairs. Kam has her suitcase open on the floor, digging through to find something to wear. I’m heading to the bathroom when I do a double take, and realize she’s sitting in her bra and underwear, her leggings and shirt have been tossed across the room.
Our eyes connect through the mirror, and she stops digging, pulling out a pair of jeans.
“It’s not like you haven’t seen me in my bra and underwear before, Kris.” She rolls her eyes.
While this is true, it still feels like the very first time I’ve laid eyes on her all over again.
“Dude, who’s that?” I ask my friend, Jed. “I’ve never seen her around here before.”
We’re at the clubhouse, waiting for our game to start. I like to come into the dugout before each game, and soak in the quietness of the empty field to prepare for each game.
That’s when I see the most beautiful redhead I think I’ve ever seen. Her thin frame, long red hair pulled into a high ponytail while sporting a U of T t-shirt and denim shorts.
Damn, those shorts show off her perfectly long legs right down to the white sneakers she’s paired them with.
It’s hot as fuck today, but she looks like a breath of fresh air. Nothing like the bitches I’ve been messing with since I made the team at U of T.
“Oh, I think she's a freshman.” Jed stares in the direction of where the beauty is sitting. I feel his eyes shift to me. “This is going to be fun.” He laughs.
“What?” I frown, not pulling my eyes off her, I can’t.
“Watching you fall on your ass over a chick.” He shakes his head.
“Yeah, right. You and I both know I don’t do relationships, not for the long haul.”
He shrugs at my words. “Never know, people can change.”
I don’t even respond.
I can’t. I’m too busy watching this girl talk to her friends around her, and I find myself wondering what her name is and how I can meet her.
“Are you okay?” Kam says, pulling me from my flashback.
“Yeah, sorry.” I run a hand over my face and disappear into the bathroom, shutting the door behind me.
It’s always been Kam, even though I’m not capable of giving her more than what she sees in front of her right now.
It’s always been her, and it will always be her.