Free The Hazards of Skinny Dipping by Alyssa Rose Ivy Page B

not doing anything wrong.” He ran a hand through my
hair.
    Maybe he wasn’t—but I sure felt like I was.
“Kyle—stop.”
    “Fine. We can stay friends for now.”
    “How do you know that’s even still an
option?”
    “Because it is.”
    “I can’t decide who’s cockier, you or
Dylan.”
    Kyle laughed. “I’m not cocky. I’m just
realistic.”
    Thankfully, the rest of the ride went
quickly, and we arrived at the float place, a small shack with
piles of tubes and a couple of rusty old school buses parked around
it. I took a deep breath before getting out of the car. I really
had no desire to spend the day wearing a bikini around a bunch of
frat guys.
    Fortunately, there were a few other girls
there—including Jana. “Juliet, hey! I didn’t think you’d be here
because Dylan’s not.”
    “Yeah… Kyle invited me.”
    “Oh. That’s cool.” Her look said it all. She
was trying to figure out if I was sleeping with both of them. I’m
sure she wasn’t the only one wondering that.
    Kyle slung an arm around my shoulder in what
he was probably trying to play off as a friendly gesture. After our
conversation in the car, it felt like anything but that. “Dylan
wouldn’t want her to miss the fun.”
    “Are you sure about that?” Ryan gave me a
look I couldn’t quite read. I hadn’t noticed him joining us.
    Kyle smirked. “I’m positive.”
    “You’re on keg duty, Kyle.” Ryan pointed to
the tailgate of his SUV. “Get it set up, and don’t leave it for the
rest of the day.”
    “Is that some sort of punishment?”
    “You can’t spend the day flirting with your
brother’s girlfriend if you’re serving everyone.”
    “Let’s make this easy. Tally and I will do
our own thing. Someone can give us a ride home after.” I grabbed
Tally’s arm.
    “Sounds good to me.” She smiled. Maybe the
roommate thing wouldn’t be so bad.
    “And how does that help? What, you think
Dylan would rather you go off on your own and meet up with one of
the other four frats out here today?” Ryan looked at me like I had
two heads. “No way. You’re with me today, Doll Face.”
    “Doll Face? Are you kidding me?”
    “I think it fits.”
    “Tally?” Ryan’s tone got friendlier.
    “Yes?” She looked him square in the eye.
    “I’m glad you’re here. Enjoy yourself.” I
didn’t miss the fact that he didn’t tell me to enjoy myself or the
lingering glance he gave her.
    The guys loaded a bunch of tubes into the
back of the school bus that would be driving us to the launch spot.
This would be my second school bus ride in a week.
    I tentatively pulled off my cover-up and left
it in the Jeep. I had a history of losing anything I brought with
me on float trips, and I didn’t particularly want to ride home in
just a swimsuit. Tally did the same, probably feeling about as
comfortable as I did.
    “Finally. I thought I was going to go into
withdrawal.” Kyle grinned.
    “Withdrawal from what?”
    “Seeing you in a bikini.”
    I smacked his arm. “Don’t.”
    “What?”
    “Ready?” Ryan joined us at the car. His eyes
went right to my chest and didn’t leave it for an awkward few
seconds.
    “Yes, but you don’t need to wait for me. I’m
more than capable of walking the few feet to the bus.” I hoped he’d
get the point that there was no way he was babysitting me out of
some weird devotion to his friend.
    “I’m definitely waiting for you.” Ugh. His
eyes moved down again.
    “What were you saying about my not hanging
out with Kyle today?”
    “He’ll be too busy. Come on.” He turned to
Kyle. “Go move the keg.”
    Kyle winked before walking away.
    I turned to get Tally, but she was talking
with Gregg. I smiled. At least one of us would have a good time. I
turned my back on Ryan but kept a distance from Tally. I didn’t
want to mess anything up for her.
    I refused to look at Ryan even as we walked
to the bus.
    Tally took a seat. I was about to slide in
next to her when she gave me a look. I