AJ groaned loudly from his place in line as they walked. “Is anyone else getting tired? I’m tired.”
Ty looked at her watch. “We can stop for awhile,” she said.
The guys dropped their backpacks and settled on the ground. AJ rubbed his neck.
“You look a little stiff,” Ty said, coming up behind him. She began to massage his neck and shoulders.
“You have no idea,” AJ murmured.
Ty squeezed harder.
“Ow! I was kidding!” he cried.
Their guide just laughed. AJ closed his eyes and enjoyed his massage. When he opened his eyes, he found Kevin staring curiously at him and Ty.
“So, what’s the deal with you and Train?” AJ whispered.
“Huh? What?”
“Don’t play innocent. Nick said he saw you guys kissing. Does that mean I don’t have a chance at all?”
Ty stopped what she was doing and sat beside him. “I don’t know. Kevin is interested-”
“So am I,” AJ interuppted.
“And I don’t know what to do,” she finished. “I don’t think it’s such a good idea, because, well, I’m not good around famous people.”
“You seem to be doing just fine with us.”
“It’s different, you’re on my turf,” she explained. “But, back in the real world.” She sighed and fiddled with the laces of her hiking boots. “Back in the real world, you guys are surrounded by beautiful people-”
“You’re beautiful,” AJ threw in, smiling hopefully.
“Would you stop that? You’re distracting me!”
“Sorry.”
“It’s just that, we’re so different, we come from different worlds, it wouldn’t work.”
“How can you be so sure? Why not give it a try?”
“With you, I suppose?”
AJ straightened. “I have been known to make girls happy.”
“Yeah, I bet.”
“See, that’s what I like about you.”
“What?”
“You’re so...you don’t take any crap from us.”
“Why should I?”
AJ shrugged. “Well, some people think that just cuz we’re famous, they have to treat us special.”
“Oh.”
“But you’re not like that. That’s why I like you.”
Ty smiled. “Thanks for clarifying that.”
“But I can’t date you.”
“What?!” Ty exclaimed, surprised.
“I have a girlfriend.”
“So...what’s with all the flirting and stuff?”
He shrugged. “That’s just my way. Haven’t you heard? I’m a flirt.” He leaned in closer. “And it annoys Kevin, too,” he said, grinning evily.
Across the way, Kevin busied himself with his backpack, adjusting the straps and repositioning the stuff inside. But he was actually watching Ty and AJ. He tried to calm the jealousy that was rising inside him.
Nick kicked dirt at him.
“Hey!” Kevin cried, standing up.
“Sorry. Didn’t mean it.” Nick took a step closer. “Don’t stare, it’s not polite,” he said in a low voice.
Kevin was surprised. “What?”
“You’ve got your eyes glued to them, knock it off.”
“Oh.”
“You know AJ’s just playin,” Nick said.
“Are you sure?”
“Of course, we all know what he’s like. He’s just trying to get a rise out of you.”
Kevin swung his backpack over his left shoulder. “Well, dammit, it’s working.”
Nick laughed.
Ty and AJ came back over to them.
“Are we ready to move on?” she asked the group.
“Can you carry me?” Brian asked weakly from where he sat. “I don’t think I can handle anymore.”
“No one’s going to carry you. But we can leave you here and swing by to get you on our way back, if you like,” she said sweetly.
Brian got to his feet. “No, that’s okay. I’ll go with you.”
“That’s what I thought.”
They kept going, making their way through the trees and admiring the scenery.
“You know, it’s rather calming out here,” Howie said.
“Yeah, fresh air, bright sky, birds singing, one could get used to this,” AJ agreed.
Ty smiled brightly. “See? I knew you guys would like it!”
“Not all of us,” Nick grumbled.
AJ elbowed him in the ribs.
“Oh, I mean, yeah, it’s great,” he stuttered, hitting AJ back.
Ty rolled her eyes, acting like she was really annoyed. When in fact, she was truly enjoying herself. Being out in the woods with five cute guys was fun! She glanced sideways at Kevin who was busy videotaping away. He had a great profile. Strong jaw, nice nose, gorgeous lips.
“Oh geez,” she groaned.
“What’s wrong?” Kevin asked, still taping.
“Nothing.” Except that I like you! she wanted to scream. “No, no, no, no!”
Kevin stopped walking, along with everyone else. “Care to share?” he asked.
Ty blushed. “Nope. Just talking to myself. I’m weird, haven’t you figured that out yet?”
Howie snorted. “Loong time ago.”
