The soundof Elouise’s laughter vibrates down my spine and it takes all of my will power to pretend that I’m listening to the guy beside me. He probably introduced himself at some point, but my brain has been consumed by Elouise all day.
When I woke up hard as hell in the early hours of the morning, I knew I had to extricate myself from the situation. Because if I didn’t, I’d be waking her up with my tongue between her thighs. And even though I’m reasonably sure she’d be okay with that; I didn’t want to push my luck.
The man next to me pauses in his rambling, so I nod my head and make a sound of agreement. It must be what he was looking for because he starts talking again.
I should probably thank him. Because if I wasn’t in the middle of feigning interest in this conversation I’d walk back to where Elouise and Rebecca are, demanding to know what they’re talking about. But chances are high they’re talking about me, so it’s for the better that I stay up here.
I saw Rebecca when I left Elouise’s tent this morning, so I’m sure she’s grilling Elouise on what happened between us. But I can’t imagine what she could be saying to make Rebecca laugh that much.
Another voice sounds next to me, and I realize that more people have joined our little “conversation”. This one I recognize as the gym teacher. “Oh yeah, my neighbors put that model up in their house,” he says to the first guy.
Model? I have no clue what the fuck they’re talking about.
“Hey Adam,” First Guy calls out, “you’re in security, right?”
Adam.
My teeth grind just at the mention of his name.
“Uh, yeah.” Adam’s tone sounds a little worried.
I glance over my shoulder, and see he’s moved up so he’s just a few paces behind me.
Fucker should be worried.
Not a single part of me believes he was crawling into Elouise’s tent on accident last night. But I can’t prove it. And as much as he deserves to have his face caved in, his 10-year-old son is on this camping trip, and I can’t do that in front of his kid.
I do feel slightly consoled by the sight of his face. Sadly, his nose wasn’t broken when he face-planted into the ground last night. But it’s swollen, bruised and painful looking.
Over breakfast, I heard someone ask him what happened. His eyes darted to mine before he lied and said he tripped in the dark. One more sign he’s a piece of shit. If he really had been lost, he would’ve admitted the truth.
I might not be able to deliver the justice I want, but Adam’s put himself on my radar and I’m not letting that bastard anywhere near Elouise.
“You work for Mazzanti, right?” Gym Teacher asks.
“I used to, I’m at Nero’s now.” Adam replies.
Feeling my hackles rise at his nearness, I go back to tuning out the conversation.
I just need to get through today without killing someone, so I don’t find myself arrested before tonight. Because tonight, I’m staying in Elouise’s tent again. And tonight, we’re doing more than cuddling.