“I drove,” I indicated, feeling Tray grab my elbow when I slipped on my sandals. I didn’t need help, we both knew that. It was just an excuse to touch—one we were both grateful for.
The slight touch of his fingers sent shivers down my back and I felt myself melting again. I sighed. I really needed to address how my body responded to the mere proximity of him.
“Tray, when are we meeting at your place?” Erin asked, a slight hoarseness in her voice. She was watching him, almost shyly.
The girl had a crush on him, but then again, I’d heard most of the girls had a thing for him. Like I could really judge, I was sleeping with him.
“Ten, sharp,” he murmured, his hand splayed openly on my back, walking behind me as I led the way.
Carter led the way out for everyone else, down the trails and around the rocks. When we got to the beach, some of the guys took off—stripping as they dove into the waves. The girls—were being girls—laughing and giggling.
Tristan grumbled and moved up the trail to the cars. Which surprised me. Erin followed along, almost meekly.
Amber and Sasha were waiting for the guys, grinning as they held their clothes up. Then they took off, sprinting for the trail, the guys’ clothes still clutched in their hands.
Tray laughed. “Fuck that.”
I grinned, moving closer to his side, and he slipped his arm around my waist.
“Taryn.” Mandy giggled, stumbling over to my car.
“Yeah?” I asked, opening my car door.
“Are you going home? Or should I get a ride with Tristan and Erin?”
“I’m going to Tray’s.” I looked up at him as I said the words. I saw the agreement in his eyes.
“Okay, I’ll see you tonight then.”
“Hey, Mandy, Shelley and Kevin went on a—”
“I know.” She waved at me, moving off to Tristan’s Rolls-Royce—holy crap. “Mom called and left me a message. Austin’s staying at a friend’s for the week.” Then she climbed inside and Tristan drove off, flicking a wave to us.
“So, you’re coming over?” Tray asked, looking over to his vehicle. Two of the guys were already inside, waiting for him.
“I’m hoping,” I said ruefully.
I saw the hazel turn to amber in his eyes.
I climbed inside my car shakily, seeing Tray cross to his vehicle.
Starting my car, I was halfway through town when I realized I had nothing to wear. I knew if I went to Tray’s that I wouldn’t be returning home tonight. So I headed home, to quickly pack a bag before heading over.
When I got to the house, Tristan’s car was parked in the driveway. I let myself in and darted up the stairs.
“So, I told my parents that I’m not going back there. No fucking way.” That was Tristan, coming from Mandy’s bedroom.
“Totally.” That must’ve been Erin. Somehow, her agreeing didn’t surprise me.
Mandy giggled. “I could totally stay drunk for the rest of the day. We should do this more often.”
“Your sister’s pretty impressive,” Tristan remarked. “Are her and Tray dating?”
It was silent a moment and then I heard her say, “Well, if you ask Taryn, she’ll say no, but yes, they’re pretty much a couple.”
“Does she know about…?”
About what? I wanted to know now. I’m fully aware that I’m standing in the hallway, shamelessly eavesdropping—the conversation was about me anyway.