by Lily Danes
Josh swam a foot closer. “Nah. I just don’t want to set the bar so high the first night of camp. All those poor guys looking to hook up would be intimidated.”
“How thoughtful of you. What if I promise to leave your clothes? Will you turn your back then?”
Josh pretended to consider her offer. He knew he was being a bastard, but for a few minutes, he had Ruby all to himself. Tomorrow, she’d be exploring all that camp had to offer—and talking to other guys while she did it. No way was he missing this chance.
“Nope,” he said. “I think I need to know you better. Build trust.”
She pursed her lips. He could practically see her weighing her options. “Tomorrow, then.”
“Tomorrow?”
“Do you want to get to know me or not?”
“Yes.” The word was out before she finished her sentence.
“Then meet me at the rainbow hike and ask all the questions you want. Now turn around.”
An entire hike beat the few measly minutes he was trying to steal in the lake. Grinning, Josh faced away from Ruby. “Deal.”
Though he couldn’t see her, his imagination filled in the blanks as he listened to her climb back onto the dock. It took a minute, and he picked out several soft grunts of effort. It didn’t sound very graceful, but Josh was certain it was a beautiful sight.
He waited until the sound of footsteps on wood faded away, then pulled himself up. His jeans were exactly where he’d left them, and he yanked them on. Josh’s shirt was missing.
Ruby waved at him from the end of the dock, fifty feet away. She wore his dry T-shirt.
Something stirred in him, a wave of possessiveness so sudden it felt feral. Damn right, she should be wearing his clothes.
“Thanks for the shirt,” she called. “You’re not getting it back.”
He couldn’t hold in the laugh that bubbled up.
Yeah, Max was right. Josh was in desperate need of a bit of fun—and Ruby was more than capable of providing it.
4
Ruby stood at the red table and decided she was a fool.
The night before, she’d been certain Josh would show up. The intensity in his eyes every time she moved screamed that he was interested.
Then again, most men would be attracted to a woman bobbing in the water in a wet T-shirt. That didn’t mean he felt the same once he’d dried off.
She didn’t even have Emma standing with her for moral support. Her friend had spent the morning playing beach volleyball with the guy she’d met the night before. The last time Ruby saw her, Emma had been sneaking into the trees, pulling her new friend after her.
Screw Josh. She was at Camp Firefly Falls to have fun, and she didn’t need a guy for that.
Not even a ridiculously hot guy she’d been thinking about for the past twelve hours.
Ruby threw her head back and let the red Jello slot slide down her throat.
The guide for the rainbow hike stood on a tree stump to get everyone’s attention. She pointed to the trail leading into the trees. “The orange table is a mile that way. Don’t wander off unless you feel like itching for the rest of camp. There’s a nice patch of poison oak just waiting for any explorers, and we get our share of wildlife.” She pointed to another man wearing a brown polo shirt. “Steve will bring up the rear to make sure we don’t lose anyone. Remember, we’re all out here to have fun. You don’t need to imbibe at every table. There’s no prize for downing all six shots.”
The group of hikers responded with good-natured boos.
Steve held up his hands. “Hey, some would say multicolored vomit is its own reward.”
The boos turned to groans. If that image didn’t deter excessive drinking, nothing would. The trail was only wide enough for a couple of people to walk side by side, so the hikers broke into groups of two and headed into the woods.
Ruby waited as long as she could for Josh to appear, but eventually she followed the others. Might as well get a bit of exercise while she was there.
The terrain was rough, and she didn’t doubt the staff had chosen this particular trail to slow them down. By the time they made it to the orange table, people were as interested in the bottles of water as they were the Jello shots.
Ruby picked up another Dixie cup from the table and squinted suspiciously at its contents. “This hike is a terrible idea,” she muttered.
“You were the one who suggested it.”
She tilted her head to meet Josh’s teasing blue eyes. Ruby gave her watch a pointed glance. “Twenty minutes?”
Josh shifted. “I had a few delays.”
Ruby looked closer. A sheen of sweat covered his forehead, and he was breathing a little fast. It looked like he’d run to catch up with the group.
Just like that, her annoyance melted. She pushed the small Dixie cup at him. “You’re already one behind. Have mine.”
He didn’t argue. The column of his throat moved as he swallowed. “Better?”
“Not even close. You haven’t paid for being late.”
The group started moving again, bound for the yellow table. Ruby and Josh fell into step toward the rear of the group.
“I’m sorry.” His arm brushed hers as they walked, the skin warm. “I had a good reason.”
“Which is?”
“A secret, I’m afraid.” His regretful look was so exaggerated Ruby had to laugh. “So, Ruby Tuesday, what brings you to camp?”
“I’m going to be sorry I told you that, aren’t I?”
“Almost certainly.” Josh said nothing else, waiting for her answer. A tree root crossed the path, and he helped her over it, his hand warm on her elbow. It took her a moment to remember what the question was.
“Emma made me come.”
His eyes widened. “She kidnapped you? Is she holding you hostage? Say the word, and I’ll free you. It would require me to slip into your cabin tonight, but that’s a risk I’m willing to take.”
Ruby’s skin was tan enough to hide her blush, but she felt the heat in her cheeks. Josh was flirting, that was all. If she wasn’t there, he’d have found another target for his charms.
But she was there, and she would enjoy it while it lasted. Nothing wrong with a little camp crush, especially when she had zero interest in something more permanent.
“We made a deal.” The truth slipped out before she could catch it. “If I went to camp with her, she would help me with another issue.”
“So that’s a no on kidnapping, but a yes on bribery?”
“Something like that.”
“It sounds like you have some secrets too.”
Ruby didn’t respond. He gave her a considering look but didn’t push. Neither of them spoke for a few minutes. Though she felt comfortable in their silence, she couldn’t say it was easy. With every step, she was aware of his body, just inches from hers. When they came across a rock or branch, he helped her over it, even the small ones she could have easily managed on her own. Each time, she leaned toward him a little more. Surrounded by the rich aroma of pine trees, she could still pick up that hint of woodsmoke she already recognized as Josh’s scent.
They rounded a curve to see their group milling about in a clearing. “Oh look. It’s the yellow table.” He sounded innocent as he guided her forward.
“Trying to get me drunk?” Ruby took the cup offered by a counselor. Since she’d skipped the orange, it was only her second drink.
“Not at all.” Josh downed his own Jello shot and crushed the cup in his fist. “But I want to know you better. In my experience, answers come easier after a drink or two.”
“Are you trying to sleep with me?” She snapped her mouth shut, surprised at her own question. If this was how she acted after two colors, maybe she should skip the green table.
He blinked several times. “You’re just putting it right out there, aren’t you?”
“It seems a reasonable question to ask now, before the vodka goggles kick in.”
Josh snorted. “I don’t need goggle
s. I have eyes.”
The hikers started walking, giving Ruby an excuse to avoid his comment. Before this year, she hadn’t struggled with confidence, but being publicly mocked for being too chunky was the kind of thing that messed with one’s mind.
“You said you want to get to know me, but we’re only here a week. After that, we’ll never see each other again, not unless you live in D.C.”
“No, I’m pretty local.” The words sounded cautious.
“So, I can put the pieces together. You’re not looking to date. You’re either an unrepentant flirt or you want to sleep with me. Maybe both. Am I wrong?”
For several steps, he didn’t say anything, then he moved close enough for the shoulders to brush. Their fingers tangled. Josh’s voice reached her, low and a little rough. “Yes. I want to sleep with you.”
Her skin prickled, warmth pooling in her stomach—and lower. There was a lot to be said for a man who answered a direct question with a direct answer.
After a long pause, he continued. “The question is whether you want to sleep with me.”
* * *
His regulars at the hardware store wouldn’t recognize him. Max would wonder if he’d been replaced by an evil twin.
The quiet guy he’d been for the last five years vanished every time he spoke to Ruby. Something about her made him bold. The layer of caution that had built up since his father died disintegrated when she peered at him with those dark brown eyes.
He didn’t take too much time to consider why that was. He was too busy holding his breath, waiting for her answer.
She looked forward, her gaze on the trail. Even in profile, he could see her brow furrow as she weighed her options.
It shouldn’t be this hard. Either she was interested or she wasn’t.
“I don’t know you,” she said. “And I’ve never slept with a guy I didn’t know pretty well. Someone I’ve dated for more than seven days, at least.”
Disappointment weighed on him, though he understood.
Ruby wasn’t done. “But I’m not looking for anything serious right now—and we only have a week.”
Hope bloomed. He curled his fingers, hooking his index finger around hers. “What are you saying?”
“I’m saying…maybe.”
Josh kept his smile controlled while his body rioted. Blood headed south at even the possibility of getting Ruby underneath him.
This was exactly what he needed. No responsibilities. Nothing that happened at camp would be permanent, and that was what they both wanted. For one week, he could do what he wanted, consequences be damned.
And what he wanted was Ruby. He just had to turn her maybe into a yes.
He glanced over his shoulder at Steve. He’d seen the counselor in town, but the guy only nodded at him. Max really had taken care of everything.
Josh dropped to his knee and yanked on his shoelace, untying it before anyone could see. With clumsy fingers, he struggled to tie it.
“We’ll catch up,” he assured Steve.
The counselor rolled his eyes, unimpressed with Josh’s subterfuge. “Stay on the trail.”
As soon as the man was out of sight, Josh tugged Ruby behind a tree. He spun her around, placing her back against the trunk.
“Poison oak,” she protested.
“Has three leaves. Trust me, I know these woods. I grew up around here.” Oh, what the hell. “Can you keep a secret?”
She gave a silent nod.
“I snuck in.” He winked at her, hoping she found him roguish and rebellious and didn’t immediately call for a counselor. The rest of the camp had been required to fill out a whole lot of paperwork in preparation for their wild week.
Ruby only looked intrigued. “Why are you telling me this?”
“We don’t have time to date and pretend to be the best versions of ourselves, so I’m jumping straight to blunt honesty.”
She smiled, but something passed over her, a shadow dimming her light. “Is that why you were late today?”
“It is. My friend sneaks me in through a side gate, but today one of the camp owners was nearby. Max decided not to risk his job, so we had to wait till Michael left.”
“Do you do this a lot?”
Josh placed a hand on either side of her, caging her in. He dipped his head to her neck and blew across her skin. “Sneak into camp? Or kiss girls behind trees?”
She sighed and tilted her head, giving him better access. “We’re not kissing.”
“Hmm.” He brushed his lips along the tendon that led to her jaw. “You sure about that?”
Ruby lifted her chin to look at him. The sunlight hit her face just right, and he saw that her brown eyes were flecked with gold.
And her lips. Oh god, those lips. Full and soft. Her tongue darted out, wetting them.
“No,” she murmured. “I’m not sure.”
With a groan, Josh’s mouth met hers.
5
The minute Josh pulled her off the trail, she’d known this was going to happen. His hand had been so certain on her wrist, his easy strength as he urged her against the tree irresistible.
She’d wanted it too. Wanted to discover firsthand if the man knew how to kiss.
She had her answer. When his lips met hers, it was what every kiss was supposed to be and never was.
He tasted her bottom lip, then her top one. Josh traced them with his tongue, undemanding. Only when she softened her mouth in invitation did he sweep his tongue inside to greet hers.
Every touch was gentle, but she could feel the restraint behind each movement. His arms remained locked on either side of her. Only their lips touched, again and again.
She grew wet between her legs. A soft ache settled in, but as much as she wanted more, this single moment was too perfect to rush. There were no distractions from the feel of his lips, the taste of his tongue sliding against hers, the warmth of his breath on her skin.
When he lifted his mouth from hers, Josh kept their foreheads pressed together. “Have I earned your secrets yet?”
After that kiss, he might have earned the map to El Dorado.
“Perhaps some of them.”
He raised his eyebrows, waiting.
It was too fast. Ruby felt like she was floating, and all she could think about was how soon they could kiss again. She needed to get herself under control before she hauled him to the forest floor. “After the green table.” Her voice was a little breathless. “A counselor might come looking for us if we stay too long.”
Josh wove his fingers with hers and headed back toward the hikers.
By the time they reached the next table, most of the group was moving on. Steve waited for them, his expression somewhere between annoyed and amused. He handed them their cups. Josh touched his to hers in a silent toast, and they downed the Jello shot.
This might be a terrible idea, but the longer she was with Josh, the more self-control seemed overrated.
Ruby nodded at the departing campers. They were growing louder and more boisterous as the hike continued. “How much vodka did the camp go through today?”
“Today? Gallons. For this hike, less than you’d think.” Steve leaned forward and lowered his voice conspiratorially. “We use a fraction of the vodka for the final two shots. By the time they get to the blue table, no one notices.”
They started walking, and Josh didn’t release her. His thumb stroked the back of her hand, the movement idle.
It was such a simple touch, but filled with meaning. Anyone who saw them would know they were together, at least for now.
“Am I your camp crush?” she asked.
“Probably. What does that mean?”
“When I went to YMCA camp, the boys and girls kept trying to sneak away together. It seemed like everyone found one person they wanted to kiss behind a tree.”
“Then you’re definitely my camp crush.”
“The thing about crushes is it’s one person per week.” She studied him, worried how the words would sound. Most p
eople would consider it bad form to request monogamy after a single kiss, even a kiss like that. “Otherwise, it gets too complicated. Unless it was a swingers session, I suppose. Do they have one of those here?”
Josh’s chuckle warmed her more than the sun and the exertion ever could. “No idea. I’m more of a one-woman kind of guy.”
“For a week,” she clarified.
“For a week,” he agreed. “So we better make the most of it.”
* * *
“What happened to you?” Ruby stared at her rash-covered friend in horror.
Emma winced and covered one arm liberally in calamine lotion. “It turns out the counselors aren’t exaggerating about the poison oak.” She stretched until she could reach her back, closing her eyes in momentary bliss as her fingers dug into the blotchy skin.
“Stop scratching or you’ll be covered in scars.”
Emma froze at the reminder. She whimpered in protest. “It itches so much.”
Ruby took the bottle and applied it to her friend’s back. “How did you get poison oak on your lower back?” She remembered how cuddly Emma had been the night before with the guy at the party. “Never mind. How much skin was exposed?”
Emma looked at her red forearm. “Enough. It’s okay. I had it when I was a kid. I’ll have a rash for a couple of days, then I’ll be fine.”
“Not true. My brother got poison oak whenever he went to camp. It’s an allergy, so it gets worse each time.” Ruby pointed at several red spots sprouting on Emma's wrist. “Did you get those before?”
Emma's eyes widened, and she grabbed her laptop. “Oh no. No no no. The bumps will probably become blisters. There could be pus. Oh God. I can’t be seen like that.”
Ruby read over her shoulder. “It also says your genitals can swell.”
Her friend slammed the computer shut. “Only if the oil touched them. We stopped before I took off my shorts. I should be okay.” It sounded like she was trying to convince herself. “God. The guy was pretty but stupid. He wasn’t worth a mosquito bite, let alone a rash for a few days.”
