Swimsuits. Boys. High school.

I was never the type to be self-conscious about my body. I know, it was a blessing. I took care of myself by exercising and maintaining a healthy diet. But the main reason I was skinny was my fast metabolism.

Truly a blessing, one that I'm a thousand times grateful for.

So when the time came for us to strip down to our bikinis, I didn't feel weird. What I did feel weird about were the pervy stares I was going to get from others. The guys in our school were pretty shameless when it came to that. Just take all the guys in my life, for example. The only one who wasn't a manwhore was Will.

Unfortunately, being friends with manwhores meant they knew exactly what was going on in other manwhore's heads. So when Emma, Jaz, and I changed into our bikinis, Dylan, Andrew, and Will immediately crowded us. They were trying to shield us away from "wandering eyes," according to Dylan.

"You guys are so dramatic!" Emma pouted. Jaz and I nodded in agreement. "At least let us get into the lake."

"With your string bikinis? Hell no. That's just an invitation for someone to pull your top off," Dylan gruffed. Did he ever do that before? "Will, go to the nearest store and buy them one-pieces. Or, better yet, buy those ugly, dress bathing suits that only grandmas wear."

Jaz was starting to get annoyed. "If you guys don't move in the next five seconds, I will take off my top right now and flash everyone." Her voice held a hint of irritation but I was amused. Just as we predicted, the boys backed off.

"Don't!" Dylan put his hands up in surrender and slowly backed away as if we were feral animals.

"Thanks!" I grinned, grabbing the girls and running toward the lake.

The water was a beautiful clear blue. As the deeper you went, the less you could see of the ground. The thought made me slightly uneasy. What if I stepped on a fish?

Suddenly this lake didn't seem as appealing...

"I just wish you guys didn't choose your skimpiest bikinis for a school trip," Dylan mumbled as he trailed behind us. I was sure he only did that so no guys would gawk at our asses. Unfortunately, I lacked in that department so there wasn't much of a show.

Jaz scoffed and turned around to face him. "And I wish guys could keep it in their pants instead of sexualizing us."

"Amen!"

"Preach!"

She sent us grateful looks before pulling us in deeper. Other kids were around, messing with their friends. A lot of people were tanning on the shore. No teachers were in sight. Interesting...

We stopped when the water reached our shoulders. For the boys, it only reached their chests. We could've gone deeper but none of us felt like it.

"Who are you guys rooming with?" I asked curiously.

Dylan snickered, indicating it wasn't ideal. Will gave me a flat look, explaining, "It's me, Dylan, Andrew, and Dean."

My brows quirked in surprise at the last name. Wait, Dean and Andrew in the same room? That sounded...

"Oh my god, we're so sneaking in later!" Emma squealed excitedly.

Jaz snickered. "That sounds so chaotic. Why are you all staying together?"

"Will and I got there first, then Dean showed, which was fine, but then Andrew felt excluded so he wanted to come," Dylan grumbled. Yeah, Dylan and Drew weren't on the best terms and I wondered if they ever would be. It wasn't hostile, but he'd slip some rude remarks in there once in a while. It was no secret that Jaz despised him and didn't hide it either. Andrew just kindly took the punches.

Emma dramatically waved her hands, splashing the water as she did. We all glared at her with wet faces. She sheepishly smiled and stopped, but held the same excited stance. "Let's mess with them!"

"Hm... how?" Jaz raised a brow.

"Well, first of all, I'm assuming we're in a weird place with Dean right now so–"

I stopped her. "Wait, what do you mean?"

She gave me a sad smile and explained. "Well, I know he didn't ride with you and I saw him talking with that chick, plus there's the fact that he isn't here right now so I'm assuming things are a little rocky between you two."

My jaw dropped open in disbelief. "You noticed all that?"

A triumphant look took over her face. "I'm quite the detective."

"Okay Sherlock, explain your plan," Jasmine urged.

Emma shook her head and refocused. "Right. So, what I'm thinking is that we all sneak in and Bella ignores both Dean and Drew. Andrew would be annoyed because ya know... and Dean would be super jealous."

I shot down the idea quickly. "Won't work. Both of them know how my friendship with Dylan works."

"I have to agree, it wouldn't," Will pointed out. The girls let out a disappointed sigh.

"I'll think of something," Emma gave me a small smile before swimming further into the lake.

If Emma noticed the fact that Dean ditched me, did that mean I wasn't being crazy? Was my annoyance justified? But then again, Skylar was a friend of his and I wouldn't like him telling me to stay away from Dylan.

Ugh, everything was so complicated.

"Are you guys hungry?" Dylan asked, breaking the silence. We all nodded. Even with the big breakfast, the sun was sucking the energy out of me. "Perfect, I'll set up the grill and make burgers. Will, come help."

How could Dylan act so casual around Will? Did he feel no remorse for what he did? Does he not feel an ounce of guilt?

Jaz put a hand on my shoulder. I shook out of my thoughts to see we were the only two left. "Hey, is everything okay?"

I gave her a tight-lipped smile. "Oh, just extreme jealousy issues," I sighed, looking in the direction of the shore. I couldn't see Dean or Skylar, which was making me panic a little.

Relax, he wouldn't cheat on you.

A slight breeze came and both of our hair whipped around like crazy. She took her messy strands and tied them into a neat bun on the top of her head. I wish I could do the same but my short hair didn't allow it.

"I think you should talk to him about it," she softly suggested like she was scared of my reaction.

I gave her a bewildered look. "Are you crazy? They're friends. I'm not going to butt into their relationship. Imagine if he told me that Dylan and I couldn't hang out."

She defensively put her hands up. "Relax. I never said anything about making him end his friendship with her."

"I just don't wanna seem clingy," I admitted, averting my gaze.

She gave me a knowing smile. "I know. It's hard to put yourself in that place."

"It is," I sighed with relief knowing she wouldn't press. "How're things going between you and Kim?"

Her eyes lit up at the mention of her girlfriend, followed by sadness. "Ugh, I miss her so much. I wish she went to this stupid school."

"You know you could've invited her..." Since the trip wasn't technically a school affair, no one could really stop her.

Realization dawned on her and she face-palmed. "I'm so dumb. Why didn't I think of that?"

"Silly," I laughed.

"I doubt she'll drive over now," she sighed in disappointment. "Ugh, I wish I thought of that sooner."

I sympathetically pat her on the back. "It's okay."

Her eyes flickered behind me and smiled. "I'm gonna go check to see if she texted." I chuckled at her clinginess and watched as she waded back to the shore.

A pair of arms circled me from behind and I automatically tensed up. "Hey," Dean's hot breath tickled my ear and sent shivers down my spine.

I turned in his arms to face him, then wrapped my arms around his neck. "Hi." I couldn't help but grin at him. He looked ridiculously hot. His lower half was completely soaked as we stood in the water. Water droplets glistened on his chest. His tan abs were completely exposed as his swimshorts hung snug around his hips.

Mmm yummy.

Just like that, all my thoughts dissolved. Right now, it was only Dean and I. There was no Skylar or Andrew or Ben.

His lips brushed across mine. "I've missed you."

"Me too," I whispered before kissing him. He pulled me closer, deepening the kiss. My hands dropped from his neck down to his abs. He firmly gripped my waist.

Seconds later, we were both soaked from a heavy splash. I turned to glare at the source, only to see a very happy Dylan. "Come on kids, lunch's ready."

I rolled my eyes but Dean found amusement in the situation. He only chuckled at Dylan's retreating figure. "What a cockblock."

Don't do it. Don't do it. Don't do-

"Where's Skylar?"

Aw crap, I did it.

He dismissively waved it off. "No idea." His lips met mine again but I couldn't help but wonder if this was a distraction. With the fevered way he kissed, it felt like it.

I pulled away and gave him a small smile. I tried to hide my annoyance and doubt, but I think he saw right through it.

He frowned but grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the shore to eat.

Now, I know what you might be wondering. Why was I openly hanging out with Dean when there was a chance Ben was here? It's because he wasn't. Skylar and Reece both confirmed he wouldn't be here tonight.

Figures. A snotty kid like him wouldn't survive a second here.

Right before we reached the sand, Dean pulled me back. "By the way, you look hot," he smirked before walking off.

I stood in place, blushing from head to toe. Although I never minded wearing bikinis, wearing one in front of Dean seemed oddly intimate. It was a dumb thought because he's seen me in my damn underwear. Maybe it was the fact that I was so unaware of my lack of clothing that he caught me by surprise?

Or I was too smitten...

I caught up with the rest of them and took a seat on one of the benches surrounding them. The shore was well prepared for visitors. Multiple grills scattered the area, along with picnic benches and tables. There was also an area for a bonfire with logs surrounding it. We were planning on hanging there tonight when the sun set.

Jaz was sitting beside me, glued to her phone. She hastily kept texting back and forth with Kim, making random noises as she did.

The boys were helping Dylan with cooking. I noticed Andrew wasn't hanging with us, but I didn't particularly care. He knew too much about my friend group now, so maybe it was for the best. I shouldn't have told him about the Emma/Will/Dylan love triangle. My problems shouldn't be his burden.

But there was a particular redhead I hadn't seen for a while...

"Deanie! Can you come here?"

Ah, right on cue.

Even Jasmine and Dylan looked up at an oblivious Dean to see what he'd do. Like the amazing person he is, he looked around, found Skylar, and jogged over to help the damsel in distress.

She was with some other people at our school, mostly guys, near the volleyball net. She looked totally fine, but her voice made it seem like an emergency. As soon as my boyfriend came up to her, she turned on her charm.

Jaz and I looked at each other and grinned. "Deanie," we both mimicked in obnoxiously high-pitched voices.

After our giggles died down, she sighed and put her phone away. "Who is that chick to him anyway?"

I groaned. At the same time, Dylan came to join us. He sat down across from us, skillfully putting down three paper plates with burgers on them.

"She's an old friend," I answered unenthusiastically.

"Were they ever dating at some point?"

Oh Jaz, how I wish I knew. I nonchalantly shrugged. "I don't know, but I wouldn't doubt it."

Dylan snorted before taking a big bite of his burger. The ketchup dribbled down his chin. Disgusted, I handed him a napkin. "Man, there's definitely something between them," he commented as he wiped his face.

"What do you mean?" I asked. My eyes drifted back to the two and saw them talking while the others resumed their volleyball game.

Dylan's eyes softened as he put a reassuring hand on top of mine. "Aw Bells, that's not what I meant. She just seems awfully flirty for being his friend."

Jaz sent him a deadly glare before giving me a soft smile. "Just because she's shamelessly flirting with him doesn't mean he feels the same way."

"I know," I mumbled, taking a bite of my food, although all my appetite's been lost. When the lack of the annoying voice quieted down, I looked up with dread. Sure enough, he was dragging Skylar to our picnic table. "Oh shit."

Jaz and Dylan both looked up to see the cause of my horror. Although Dylan was presumably on my side, I didn't miss how his eyes scanned Skylar's bikini-clad body. Reaching over, I smacked the back of his head. He winced and rubbed the sore spot but made no comment.

Jasmine grabbed my hand under the table as a reassuring gesture. Maybe she was holding me back. Either way, if she didn't, lord knows what I would've done.

My boyfriend and Skylar came up to the table, but didn't sit. "Hey guys, this is Sky. She's an old friend of mine. Do you guys mind if she eats with us?"

All eyes were on me and I realized I had to be the one to make the decision. "Yeah, sure."

Ugh, why did I say that? Why couldn't I leave it alone?

Okay, I obviously couldn't just be mean like that.

"Thanks, babe," Dean chirped. He sat down on the other side of me, while his friend sat next to Dylan. He awkwardly shifted to give her move room and avidly avoided all forms of eye contact.

Good.

Dean's hand lightly brushed my bare thigh before reaching up and grabbing my burger. I squirmed under his touch. He just had that effect on me. As he knew that, he smugly smiled before taking a bite.

"Hey, that's mine!" I whined after realizing it was my burger in his hand. "You know, just eat it," I sighed. Truth was, I wasn't even hungry.

Dylan kicked me from across the table. "Bella, you need to eat." He awkwardly got up, avoiding all forms of contact with Skylar. "I'll, uh, get you guys some more." He looked at the newcomers before heading back to Will. Dean got up and followed him to help.

Emma finally skipped over to our table, wringing out her dark hair. Honestly, I missed the blond. I missed the old her. Although she was slowly coming back, it wasn't quite there yet. "Hey, guys!" Her smile faltered when she saw the unwanted guest.

"Emma, this is Skylar, she's Dean's friend," I introduced before things got awkward.

She narrowed her eyes at me but quickly put on a friendly smile before getting caught. "Hi." She sat down on the other side of Jaz and tried her long hair into a bun. Then, she turned to Skylar. "I haven't seen you before. Do you go to our school?"

What was she doing?

"I moved here this year," the redhead replied with a forced smile.

Emma tapped her chin thoughtfully. "And you just coincidentally landed in the same town as Dean?"

I bit my lip to hide my smile. Emma was well on her way to earning my forgiveness. I obviously knew the real reason Skylar was here but watching her squirm was hilarious. For someone who wasn't intimidating, Emma sure knew where to hit.

Skylar awkwardly cleared her throat and looked at the table. "I guess. My parents decided to move here." She met Emma's eyes and strained a smile. "Too much crime up in Chicago."

Hah, ironic.

"Mhm," Emma replied, sarcasm dripping in her tone. Skylar averted her gaze once again. Jaz silently snickered while Emma wore a triumphant grin on her face.

My other side was filled with warmth again. When I looked up, Dean was sitting next to me with a big grin. He slid Skylar her plate and grabbed his own burger. "What were you guys talking about?"

Us three friends glanced at each other.

Jaz took the bullet for us. "We were just talking about how coincidental it is that Skylar managed to move to the same school as you."

I felt Dean stiffen next to me and I subconsciously brushed my knee on his leg.

Why? Why was I comforting him when he should be the one reassuring me that there's nothing between them?

Ugh, because they're friends.

Without looking, he put his hand on my knee and focused on his food. "Yeah, it's pretty crazy." His thumb traced circles on my bare skin making my heart go into overdrive.

Dylan came back seconds later, followed by Will. To my utter surprise, Andrew trailed behind them.

Crap.

"Hey, Bella," he smiled, looking directly at me. His warm eyes had me encaptured for several moments. Dean cleared his throat, making Andrew address the rest of the group. "Hey, you guys."

Awkward.

Surprisingly, the only one who spoke up was Skylar. "Since obviously no one is introducing me, I'll do it. I'm Skylar."

For the first time, I didn't see her act flirty or condescending. She was... normal. Wow, I didn't even know she was capable.

"Hi, I'm Drew," he replied, holding less enthusiasm. "Bella, can we talk for a second?"

Dean's hand tightened on my knee and I knew better than to agree. "Later? I wanna eat before my food gets cold."

He nodded and took a seat at the far end of the table. Dean subtly leaned in and whispered, "Good girl," before going back to his food.

Okay, I wasn't the type to let a man dictate who I could and couldn't talk to, but that was hot. I might have to reject Andrew more often.

"Yo Boyce, stop mooching off our food," Dylan teasing yelled, reaching across his side and smacking Drew on the head.

We all chuckled at the immature boys.

This was going to be fun... I hoped.