The Enemy - Kelsey Clayton Page 0,28
tank. I climb out of the SUV and extend my arms all the way up. The tense feeling in my back is already too much, and we're not nearly there yet.
“You okay?” Colby asks as I wince.
I nod halfheartedly. “It's just my back. It tightens up during long car rides.”
He walks away from the gas pump and over to me. “Turn around.”
Doing as he says, I cross my arms in front of my chest and he picks me up—bending me just right and making my back crack in multiple places. I sigh in relief as he puts me down. I roll my neck from one side to the other and feel even better when that cracks, too.
“I needed that. Thank you.”
He leans against the car next to me. “Don't mention it.”
As I'm looking around, I realize I have no idea where we are. Asher must have gotten off at some random rest stop. I just hope we get there before dark. The sunset at the beach house is one of my favorite things. My room has the best view of it.
“So,” Colby interrupts my thoughts. “Do you think I'm going to need to play referee to your boyfriend and your new faux-bro?”
“Faux-bro?” I giggle.
He shrugs with a dimpled grin. “Sounds fitting.”
I run my fingers through my hair and sigh. The thought of how Kellan and Cade are going to be over the next two weeks is something that has been plaguing my mind since I found out they not only know each other, but would rather die than be in the same room. Kellan seems to mind his own business, but Cade has a habit of pushing all the wrong buttons.
“I don't know. I hope not, but...”
“But you know it's more likely they'll end up trying to beat each other to a pulp,” he finishes for me.
I nod, unable to deny it. “Pretty much.”
The pump clicks, letting Colby know the tank is full, and he pushes off the car to stand up straight. “Well, if you need me to play bouncer, let me know.”
“Thanks.”
Tess and Asher come out in perfect timing, carrying three bags filled to the brim with snacks. My best friend smiles at me like she's a child who just suckered someone into buying her a ton of candy. When I glance into the bags, I realize she really is one. Lord help us for this sugar rush.
IT'S EIGHT THIRTY BY the time we reach the house. Luckily, no one else is here yet. It gives me time to lock my bedroom so no one tries claiming it, and for Tessa, Asher, and Colby to have dibs. I unlock the door and go inside, loving the motion sensor lights that come on when I walk in.
My friends aren't poor by any means, but all their jaws drop when they take in the place, including the floor-to-ceiling windows that fill the whole west side of the house. I've always loved being here. I used to beg my dad to let us live here instead of the house in North Haven, but it's just too far from work. One day, this place will be mine, and I'll never leave.
“Come on, babe. Let's go outside. I want to check out the view.” Tessa grabs Asher by the wrist and pulls him away.
I go over to the fridge, finding it all stocked up just like my dad said. I grab a bottle of water and pass a beer to Colby. He thanks me quietly and takes a sip. When Tess and Asher come back in a few minutes later, they both have guilty looks on their faces.
“Please don't tell me you've already thought of like eight places you want to have sex,” I plead.
Tessa laughs. “You know me so well.”
Colby groans and hops up to sit on the counter. “Do you two have to be so coupley all the time? My God, you make me feel lonely.”
She comes over and pokes him in the chest. “Well, that could change if you found a girlfriend.”
He cringes at her words and looks over to me. “Len, help me out here.”
“Sorry,” I raise my hands in surrender. “Tessa might have a point. Maybe you should consider settling down.”
“Definitely not.” He shakes his head.
“Aw, come on. It could be cute!” Tessa leans against Colby with her head back against his chest. “We could double date and have photoshoots.” She gasps. “Imagine how great those pictures would look!”
He shoves her forward and off him. “Kill switch. Stop