"Morning."

Keegan jumped a little when I stepped behind her. She reached for my hand and pulled me down near her face. "Look," she whispered, looking off toward the tree line behind the cabin. "There are deer...and look at the baby one!" she exclaimed quietly.

I didn't say anything, I only chuckled before pressing my nose into her hair. "What's so funny?" she accused.

I was still laughing when I walked around the table and took the seat beside her. I sipped my coffee and smiled widely at her before finally speaking. "You get like this everytime we come here."

"Like what?"

"Overly excited at the sight of wild animals. It's cute," I added quickly when she scowled at me.

We sat out on the deck, taking in the sights and sounds of nature for a while before I spoke again. "I wanted you to know about me and Ava."

"I don't need to," she interjected quickly. "It's not a big deal."

I studied the side of her face as she gripped the steaming mug in her hand and sipped it slowly. Her jaw tensed up at the mention of Ava's name and as much as I was enjoying seeing her jealous, I wanted to clear the air.

"I know you care. And I don't like you thinking I tried to bring a date on our trip. The truth is, her parents asked us to bring her. Her parents have a cabin near here and came down a few days ago. Ava is in college and when she didn't make it back in time to ride with them, her parents asked my parents to drive her down."

Keegan faced me now, still frowning. "She doesn't have a car?"

I nodded quickly. "She does. But she came home with some friends and left her car back at school." I paused, then added, "Me and her are just friends. And absolutely nothing happened in that bathroom."

She blinked quickly and then looked out toward the trees again. "I was jealous. I hate feeling like that."

I scooted my chair closer to her and grabbed her hand. "Don't you think that means something, Keegan? Because I know I can't stand the thought of anyone else touching you. And that's why I can't go through with what we planned to do this week."

I kept my gaze trained on her as she lifted her eyes from her lap and our hands to finally look at me. "I shouldn't have asked you to. I know how you are. This...thing would never work for you because you act like I belong to you."

I pulled on her hand, leaning forward to press our foreheads together. "You do, Keegan. You're my best friend. And I know since we first kissed, it's not the same between us, but I can't lose you. If you don't want me as a...boyfriend or anything, then at least accept me as your friend."

She sighed deeply before pulling away and looking into my eyes. I wanted to kiss her so badly. When her gaze drifted to my mouth and then back to my eyes, I was sure she wanted it too. "I just don't want to hurt anyone," she sighed. "I crushed Embry last night when I told him what we had done and then you were so mad at me when..."

I cupped her chin in my hand and smiled widely at her. "I was frustrated, Kee. There's a difference. If I was mad then I wouldn't be sitting here basically begging to stay in your life. I need you, Keegan. With me...however you'll take me."

Keegan smiled back at me and leaned forward just an inch. I took that as a green light to kiss her. I pushed my hand through her hair, gripping the back of her head and pulled her mouth to mine. I gave her the softest of kisses, allowing her the option to push me away if she didn't want it.

She didn't push me away. I pulled her to stand, my lips never leaving hers. I had to hold her, touch her, feel that this was real. We hadn't solved any of our problems and I knew Embry would still be an issue for her, but I didn't care. Kissing her, in that moment, felt like exactly what we both needed.

"Paul," she breathed when I pulled away, running my hands down her arms as the blanket she had wrapped around her body fell away.

I held her against me, hugging her tightly before she had a chance to regret the kiss and push me away. Fuck, she felt so right I my arms. She felt like home. I sighed when her hands snaked around my back and she fisted her fingers in my t-shirt, drawing us even closer.

"Isn't this cute?"

Keegan jerked away from me at the sound of Ava's shrill voice. Before I could start drilling her with questions, she turned and revealed that Embry was behind her.

"Look who I found?"

I glanced at Keegan, wanting to gauge her reaction to seeing them together. She seemed to be taking in their appearance, so I did too. Ava had on workout gear, biker shorts and a matching sports bra. Embry had on a backwards cap, basketball shorts and a t-shirt, all drenched with sweat.

"I'd kill for some water," Ava announced as she glanced between the three of us.

She gave me a pointed look as Embry made his way around us, moving to lean on the railing that wrapped around the deck. Ava cleared her throat and tipped her head toward the house. She obviously knew that Embry wanted to speak to Keegan alone. And that was the last thing I wanted.

I sighed deeply, knowing that being a dick to Embry wasn't the way to win Keegan's heart. She had a soft spot for the kid and fuck, so did I. It would be so much easier if he was just an asshole. "Let's go see what's in the kitchen," I told Ava as I begrudgingly left Keegan alone with Embry.

I glanced at Keegan before I passed by her, smiling when she touched my forearm. I followed Ava to the kitchen before I started demanding answers. "What's going on, Ava? Are you trying to come between me and Keegan again?"

She pulled a bottle of water from the fridge and unscrewed the cap. "Damn, Paul. You're so paranoid! And you should've told me you were with Keegan and then maybe that situation in the restroom wouldn't have happened," she declared, her head bobbing with attitude.

I ran a hand over my face and through my hair before facing her again. "The situation with Keegan is touchy. I don't know where I stand with her. But seeing us coming out of the restroom together sure didn't help."

I watched as she hoisted herself up onto the counter, swinging her legs as she guzzled more water. Even I could appreciate how pretty she was. But her attitude was shit. And I hated how she always acted like she was entitled to things...like me.

"Just chill out," she demanded when she saw me watching Embry and Keegan on the deck through the kitchen window. "I talked to Embry when we ran into each other on my run this morning. I think he knows Keegan wants you. I'm pretty sure he's gonna back off now."

"What did you say to him?"

"Nothing," she sighed dramatically. "He just vented to me, that's all."

I didn't trust Ava. But I knew that she had told Keegan the truth yesterday when she didn't have to. I owed her one for that. She was also keeping our secret from the past and I couldn't afford to piss her off at this point.

"My mom bought a bunch of pastries and fruit for us. Do you wanna stay for breakfast?"

Ava's expression brightened as we plated up four breakfasts and used two trays to carry them out to the deck. I felt nervous going back out there, but I couldn't leave them alone for much longer. My heart couldn't take it.

"Are you guys hungry?"

Embry was still leaning against the railing, scowling at an upset Keegan. Fuck this. I put the trays down and approached them. "What's going on?"

Keegan slumped a little. "Embry wants to go home. And I want him to stay." She glanced up at me with pleading eyes.

"You can't leave yet," I told Embry playfully even as my mind wandered to imagine how much better this week could be without him in the way. "Ava and I brought you some food."

Ava approached us now, waving a cruller in our faces and smiling widely. "You know you don't want to pass this up," she smirked, earning a little smile from Embry.

Seeing how he responded to Ava, gave me a great idea. "Stay for breakfast at least. And I have a great idea for something fun we can do later if you want," I offered hopefully.

Keegan's gaze drifted to mine and I appreciated the hopeful look in her eyes. Especially when Embry agreed to stay.

.....

"I don't know about this," Keegan whined as she stepped into the over-sized jumpsuit and tugged on the zipper. I helped get her protective goggles on, stifling a laugh when I saw how silly she looked.

Keegan scowled at me, shoving me and trying to stomp away. I swung around and captured her, wrapping my arms around her waist from behind and resting my chin on her shoulder. "Don't go," I laughed. "Look at Embry."

I directed her attention toward Embry and Ava. They were laughing as he helped her with her jumpsuit. He looked happy and Ava was loving the attention. "I convinced Embry to stay, like you wanted. And see, he's having fun."

Keegan huffed in a pouty way as she turned to face me. "What could he possibly see in her?"

"You're jealous?" I scoffed. "And why would you care as long as he's having fun?"

I grumbled as I stomped over to a bench and sat down. I grumbled when Keegan continued to stare at them, refusing to answer my questions. Fuck. I just want to have some fun and forget this love triangle drama for a few hours. Keegan slumped onto the bench beside me as I finished tying up my boots. I sat stiffly next to her, just wondering if there was anything I could do to get this girl to smile for me. I was about to walk away from her when she slid her hand into mine. "I'm sorry," she cooed into my ear, heating up my body in the best way.

I leaned in closer, wanting her to say more, just so I could feel her breath on my neck. "I do appreciate what you've done," she sighed, squeezing my hand as she did. "He does look happy and that's what I want."

I looked down at our hands, entwining our fingers and rubbing my thumb over the back of her hand. "And you're not jealous?"

Keegan rested her head on my shoulder and laughed. "No, I'm not. I just don't want Embry to get hurt. She's older and obviously more experienced..."

"You're afraid they'll have sex?"

Keegan whipped her head to face me and laughed nervously. "No! I mean, I don't care. He can do that...with whomever. It's none of my concern."

"Yeah, sure," I scoffed in disbelief. Keegan responded by standing with me, moving in front of me, and yanking on the front of my jumpsuit in an effort to get me down to her level. I couldn't contain my smile when she blinked up at me under her pale lashes. Her green eyes sparkled up at me and I felt invincible.

"Are you guys gonna stare at each other all day or are we gonna do this?" Ava challenged.

I glanced up to see her already armed with her paintball gun, poised to pelt us both. "Run!" I called as I dashed away from Keegan, grabbing my own gun and bounding toward the nearest place I could find shelter from Ava's assault.

Embry stayed behind to help Keegan with her gun and I tried not to feel jealous when she hugged him. I made a point to keep Keegan close to me as we decided we would team up against the other two. She did well and laughed more than I heard her do in forever.

We were crouched behind a stack of hay bales when I glanced over at her and beamed brightly. "What?" she sighed when she caught me staring. "Do I have something on my face?"

I nodded quickly, reaching over to tuck a stray hair from her ponytail behind her ear. "You're a mess. Your hair is full of paint."

"Wow, thanks!" she scoffed back, shoving me back and causing me to fall onto the pile of hay behind me. I grabbed her hand at the last second, pulling her body on top of mine. She giggled when I attacked her ribs with tickles. When she sat up and straddled me, my eyes grew wide. I groaned when she wiggled in my lap.

"You aren't playing fair," I gasped as she tried to pull my hands away.

"Fair?" Keegan challenged as she pulled her lower lip between her teeth.

My eyes were immediately drawn to her mouth and the feeling of her body on top of mine. I reached for her face, bringing her down to me, her lips only a whisper away from mine. "Keegan," I murmured, feeling the heat between us. I could see her eyes darken and her breathing speed up as the adrenaline fueled activities we had been participating in had culminated in me needing to kiss her.

"I found them!" Ava declared loudly, giving me a chance to scramble away from Keegan before Embry saw us.

A few hours later, we had eaten an early dinner at a nearby diner. I couldn't stop smiling when Keegan held my hand under the table. I nearly beat the piss out of the waiter for leering at my girl, but I settled for a body check on the way out instead. Little shit.

"So what are we gonna do now?" Ava chirped as she settled into the sofa with Embry close by.

We had all showered and changed, washing off all the paintball residue. Ava borrowed some leggings from Keegan and I was pretty sure she had one of Embry's t-shirts on. I was beginning to wonder if Ava and Embry had showered together too.

I didn't want Ava to leave just yet. She definitely had Embry's attention and he wasn't talking about going home anymore. Plus, Keegan seemed okay with them spending time together. "Let's play a game," I suggested.

"A drinking game?" Ava offered.

I glanced at Keegan and then to Embry, they both shrugged and then nodded. I busted out the cards, the whiskey, lots of ice and Coca-Cola, and my amazing teaching skills to show these kids how to play my favorite drinking game, Circle of Death.

"You can't break the circle or you have to do a shot!"

Embry chuckled and shrugged as the formation of cards separated, forcing him to down the shot of whiskey I had placed in the center. He swiped his chin with the back of his hand and grimaced from the burn. We were all seated around the coffee table, me and Keegan on one side and Embry and Ava on the other.

Ava drew a card and made a face. "What does 6 mean?"

I laughed. "6 is dicks. That means guys drink."

Embry and I bumped our solo cups together before taking a long pull of the whiskey and coke concoction. "You're turn, Keegan."

She smiled and sighed, reaching under the table to squeeze my thigh before drawing a card. Yeah, she's tipsy. I'd been making her drinks, making sure to go easy on the whiskey. I didn't want her to get sick or pass out, but I didn't mind her friskiness when she got tipsy.

She drew a 3, causing us all to hold up 3 fingers and begin a round of 'never ever' that would end when no one had any fingers left.

"Never ever have I ever...had sex," she admitted shyly, forcing us all to put down a finger.

"Never ever have I ever...had long hair," I chuckled. All three put a finger down. "I need to see pictures of your long hair, Embry," I teased.

He flipped me off and added, "Never ever have I ever...passed 10th grade...yet." He smirked when Ava went out and left Keegan and I with one finger.

Keegan nibbled on her nail and considered how to get Embry and I out with her next declaration. "Never ever have I ever...had a dick."

Embry and I drank while Ava cheered Keegan on with a high five. I pulled a 4 and the girls drank. Embry pulled the Ace again and grumbled about doing another shot.

"You could always take a dare instead," Ava suggested slyly.

Embry shrugged and nodded. "Okay...like what?"

Ava licked her lips and hummed. "I dare you to moon us."

"Oh fuck no!" Embry choked out. "I'm not showing anyone my ass!"

Ava swirled her finger around in her drink and then sucked it while zeroing in on Embry's shocked face. "Why not? I bet it's cute..."

Embry swallowed thickly and sucked in a deep breath. "I'll pass. Anyone else?"

"Kiss Ava."

Everyone stared at me before Embry started to chuckle nervously. "I don't know..."

"I wouldn't mind it," Ava sighed, a little smile gracing her face as she looked Embry over.

I chanced a glance at Keegan. She looked a little nervous, but not jealous. Good sign. Get her, Embry!

I rolled my eyes when Embry hesitated, forcing Ava to lean over, fist his t-shirt, and press her mouth to his. "Damn," I hissed when he went all in and held her face in his hands.

Keegan glanced away nervously, so I tugged on her hand, motioned for her to get her drink, and nodded toward the stairs. "Let's go, Kee."

Embry raised his head and called out to us, but Ava wasn't having it. She pulled him into another kiss and we were gone.

"Can we go outside?" Keegan asked sweetly as we passed through the living room. Shit. I really wanted to get her up to my room.

"It's probably too cold," I warned.

Keegan leaned into me, pressing her body into mine. "You can keep me warm."

Oh hell yeah I can.

I grabbed a blanket off the back of the couch and trotted off behind Keegan to sit on the deck. I stretched out on a chaise lounge and pulled Keegan down to lie face down on my chest with her legs between mine. I covered us both with the blanket and pressed kisses into her hair when she rested her head on my chest.

"You're so warm," she murmured dreamily.

"Alcohol makes me warm," I sighed as I pulled her tighter into my arms. I loved how our bodies fit so perfectly together.

Keegan giggled a little and then looked up at me. "I'm too embarrassed to tell you what alcohol does to me."

I cupped her jaw in my hand and smiled. "Well now you have to tell me."

She tilted her head and bit down on her lower lip. "I can't," she protested.

"Please?" I hit her with the puppy dog eyes and she relented.

"I...I'm gonna whisper it to you."

I held my breath and squeezed my eyes shut when she leaned forward and spoke softly into my ear. "It makes me tingle..." she paused and then added breathily, "down there."

I watched as she pulled away and looked down innocently. I smiled brightly at her and chuckled. "It makes your pussy tingle?"

"Paul!" She scolded quietly. "Don't say that!"

"Sorry," I offered sheepishly. I couldn't stop smiling. I couldn't stop running my hands all over her body and drawing her closer to me. "It makes you tingle between your legs?" I corrected. "So what's the problem?"

She blinked up at me and shrugged. "Nothing I guess...except...it reminds me of the other morning in my room...with you."

I hummed quietly when I remembered the way her hand felt wrapped around my cock. Suddenly I was harder than ever and wishing we were in my bed and not outside. "Are you cold? Should we go in?" I suggested gently.

Keegan snuggled closer and buried her face in my neck. "I like it out here. You feel so good."

I ran my hands up and down her back and up under her shirt, spurred on by her soft whimpers. "Paul," she sighed.

"Yeah?" I breathed, trying to control my sped up heart beat.

She lifted her head and rested her chin on my chest. "Do you think I'll be any good at sex?"

I could see the worry and doubt in her eyes when she made her confession. In that moment, I hated that I didn't wait for her. My experience was making her question herself and it wasn't fair. "I think you'll be amazing," I gushed before giving her a sweet kiss.

"I don't know..."

"Hey," I made sure she could see my eyes and then I continued. "You gave me the best hand job the other morning. I swear."

"Paul," she whined. "You're embarrassing me..."

I laughed and held her close to me. "Nothing to be embarrassed about. It'll be better than anything I've ever done before because it's you, Keegan. You're special. And...I love you. That's something I've never experienced with anyone."

I kissed the top of her head and waited for a reply, but all I heard was her soft snores as she slept on my chest. I sighed deeply knowing this wasn't the right time anyway. I wanted Keegan to be totally sober and feel everything with no regrets.

"I love you," I whispered softly before falling asleep myself.

...

A/N: did you like Paul's POV?

Do you like Ava with Embry?

Do you think Keegan is making the right choice with Paul?

Thanks for the feedback!