"Have you really started revising for finals?" Brady's voice booms through the eerily, but pleasantly, silent library. I drop my pen and twist in my seat to see Brady and Blaze wading through the rows of books, tables and students dropping their revision material to gawk at them.

"Huh?" I squint, rubbing two fingers on my temple trying to ease the headache spreading behind my eyes.

"You, Carrie and Emily are already bugging about fucking finals." Brady straddles the chair next to mine, Blaze places his hands on my shoulders and does wicked things to my back with his thumbs.

"Well yeah... it's already the start of March, finals are like only a month away..." I close my eyes and lean back into Blaze, so fricking tired. I've been bugging about finals for the last few weeks- even more so after Blazes offer to play with The Crimson Tide. I still haven't heard from Julliard and I need that scholarship which is why I've been holed up in here for almost every free period I have.

"Well, not today," Brady announces, jumping up and shutting my biology textbook, pulling all of my resources and stationery into my bag.

"What- what are you doing! Brady!"

"You work too hard Blondie." Blaze murmurs, clamping my fingers in his so I can't fight Brady as he swings my bag onto his back.

"Have you been outside today? We're having a fucking heatwave and as your best friend I refuse to watch you waste away inside, you're growing paler every second you spend amongst books. So we're going out for the day." His smile is triumphant like he's just had the most life-altering idea.

"It's second period B. We can't skip. I have too much to do. Give me my stuff." Both boys share an annoyingly smug look but I'm too relaxed to call it out with Blaze's hands on my neck.

"Do what you have to do, she's coming. We'll be waiting in the parking lot." He slaps Blaze on the shoulder and waltzes comically through the library, whistling an annoying theme tune to something I can't put my finger on.

"Blaze..." I moan as he moves into the seat next to me.

"Nope, I won't hear it. You work too hard and we all think you girls need a break so suck it up because we're going out."

"But- Blaze what-" He pulls my chair out and in one swift move he hauls me off the chair and I'm over his shoulder... HIS FRICKING SHOULDER. Thank the lord I'm wearing jeans today. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING. PUT ME DOWN!" I punch my small fists against his back.

"Shhh, my sweet. We're in a library." I can hear the smirk in his voice as he parades me through the library. I can practically feel everyone's eyes on me. As we reach the hall the mass of voices die out and my cheeks are quite possibly flaming.

"Blaze! Put me down!" I hiss which is only rewarded with more humiliation when he slaps my ass. Yes. Slaps my ass in the school hall in front of all my fellow students.

"Couldn't resist. It's hardly fair when it's right in my face."

"You are so going to pay for this... you... you oaf!" I growl now slightly dizzy from being held upside down.

"Oh, I really hope you do." And with that, he pushes through the double doors and the sunlight heats my backside. I'm dropped to my feet and I nearly fall back down the steps, Blaze catches me and wraps his arm across my chest to stop me from wobbling.

"Ready?" Rutherford asks handing Emily a helmet.

"Are you really not going to tell us where we're going?" She scowls back, reluctant to put it on.

"Nope, it's a surprise." All the girls scowl and I take some relief in not being the only one that's been ambushed into this mystery trip.

"Oh don't be so miserable, the sun is shining, we're skipping and it's going to be fun." Ethan nudges Carrie who also looks like she'd rather be back in class. We walk down to the parking lot following, Emily stiffly getting on the back of Rutherfords Kawaski and Ethan has to practically drag Carrie to her car. Brady bounds over to Blaze's mustang and I don't think he's overly happy about the fact B's yet again hopped in our ride.

Serves him right, I try and conceal my smirk but Vixxie mirrors it and links her arm through mine.

"I don't think you'll have to punish me later, riding with Brady is bad enough." He sighs opening the door for Vixxie to jump in the back and then me in the front. We pull out of the parking lot behind Rutherford's bike and I have to commend Emily, how the hell she manages not to shit herself on the back of that thing is impressive. I get scared when Blaze drives fast and he used to be a fricking racer.

Blaze rolls the windows down and when we hit the highway I revel in the wind flowing through my hair, sun warming my arm that rests on the door. One of my playlists mixed with Doja Cat, Nessa Barrett, Ariana Grande, The Weekend and Travis Scott blares through the speakers and Vixxie and Brady screech and dance in the back, laughing and play fighting. Blazes hand rests in mine on my thigh and he glances over at me whenever we come to a stop. I have no idea where we're heading but I actually don't care. This is nice and the guys were right, maybe we all need this.

Nearly forty minutes later we pull off the main roads onto a more narrow one lined with forest on either side, the sun peeks through gaps in the trees casting spotty light on the matt black bonnet. Dust kicks up behind the tires and I realise now it's probably a good idea Rutherford and Emily are still in front of the two cars. The road narrows even more as we travel further and I wonder what happens where there's two-way traffic, Carries four by four behind would struggle. We pass odd houses and paths that lead off the main road but eventually we get to a little shed-hut looking thing that controls the red and white moving barrier. A guy in a green polo shirt and cream shorts pokes his head out of the booth as we approach, bright pearly smile and over-enthusiastic hand actions.

Rutherford takes the slip of paper in his hands and zooms off with a cloud of dust following him, Blaze moves up to the man and takes the paper ignoring the cheery smile, "Welcome to Lake Allatoona, parking spaces are down to the left and all the information about activities and wildlife are on the leaflet. Have a goo-" Blaze puts his foot to the pedal and races away before the poor guy can finish talking.

"Blaze! You're so rude." I look up at the trees circling above our heads, trails of light streaming through onto the dusty floor, this place looks idyllic. I've heard about this lake but I've never actually been here.

"He was too fucking happy." He squeezes my thigh and smirks, the bouncing light reflecting over his face.

"You're just too grumpy." I poke his cheek to which he makes a small grumble, he won't even deny it just smirks. Eventually, he pulls into a makeshift space next to Rutherford and Carrie and we all clamber out of the car into the sticky air, the smell of pine and earth attacks me with the memories of summer weather. Birds squark from the treetops and distant laughter filters through to us. Warm light streaks my pale skin as I take a deep breath of fresh woody air letting the sensation flow through me like a stream.

"Alrighty, let's hit this." I open my eyes to Brady's voice, he's stood there in an inflatable rubber ring, starfish swimming trunks and a hand full of white suncream that's being very generously spread over his tanned abdomen. I'm not overly sure how he got the rubber ring on, his body is too big to fit it on either end.

The boys pull duffle bags and shopping bags out of the trunks and start off down the widening track towards the lake. Blaze stops me and squats slightly until he's at the same level as me and grabs my thighs, I squeal as he hoists me onto his back. Gripping his large shoulders I giggle as he secures his hands around me to stop me slipping, my core tightens feeling all the muscles in his back move as we walk with the group. I rest my chin on top of his head breathing in his minty scent, looking from high above.

We reach the opening in the trees, the sound of water lapping against the rocky banks surrounds me with a sense of calm as the sun glistens off the ripples flowing through the body of water. The lake spans out miles, reflections of the vibrant trees blur against the most shallow parts of water. A few men fish in the distance, cool boxes at their feet and several families lie out on boats and children with dripping locks run around on the grassed patches in their swimsuits basking in the sunlight.

Not a single cloud dots the sky, as blue as Blaze's eyes. He lowers me to my feet as Emily rolls out two checked picnic blankets, Ethan setting down the duffle bags and other bags that are flowing with food and what looks like... swingball?

"Okay... yeah I admit this is exactly what we need..." Carrie links my arm through hers and drops to the blanket, warmth splaying our faces.

"See? What did we say." Ethan places a kiss on her forehead.

"Admit it. We were right." Blaze smirks, from above the sun hits his jaw alerting me to the bob in his throat I just want to kiss. His shadow towers over me, amusement lining his eyes and I flick his knee cap.

"Don't let it go your head Quarterback. Your ego's big enough already." He drops to him haunces, lips inches from my ear making my cheeks heat and my arms pimple even in the sun.

"Hmm, I've got something that's much bigger than my ego." My lips part slightly as his deep chuckle reverberates through me.

"Crude," I mumble and shove him slightly, he drops to the floor next to me and pulls me into him.

Rutherford pulls out several cans of pop and a few bottles of beer, for the ones that weren't driving, accompanied with mounds of food and bags of take out from the Diner. They must have grabbed them before they grabbed us, quite literally.

We all sit down and eat, a gentle breeze coasting across the grassy land from the coves of the lake as we laugh and chat. The fear of skipping school and finals fleeing my mind as I tuck into my slightly cold but nevertheless mouthwatering burger from Rubys. That's definitely one thing I'll miss when I leave here.

Blaze draws circles mindlessly on my waist under my top with his thumb, taking sips from his can of soda- the throat I so desperately wish to kiss bobbing with every swallow. We talk and laugh well into the afternoon, my stomach filled with carbs and sweet fruit from the chill box. The boys end up playing a few small games of football but honestly, I think they just enjoy seeing who can tackle one another the most, in the end, they settle for a game of swingball- Blaze is not overly impressed by the game choice. He pouts through most of it making me chuckle.

I sit with the girls and we chat about the deep realms of our past week, we've all been so busy and caught up that it's really nice to do this. It's a reminder of how important they all are to me and how everyone needs a friend, especially ones that will literally drag you out of the library and down to a lake for the afternoon. Some moments should not be taken for granted and this is one of them.

Well into the afternoon Blaze eventually gives up and slumps down onto the picnic blanket next to me, rolling onto his back, shirt riding up to reveal his defined navel beneath his clothing. His bronzed skin is too inviting and I carefully climb on top of him, his arms wrapping around my waist as he moans, "Why the fuck did he have to bring the swingball."

"You used to love it." Brady plops down next to us with a bright smile, the game is seemingly forgotten as the others join us... all shirtless and I envy their natural ability to tan without burning like a tomato- hence why I have enough sunscreen on to retard the fires of hell.

"When I was eight you prick." Blaze rolls his eyes, I giggle as I rest one of my hands on top of his firm tatted chest and the other on the base of his neck. Grinning he leans up and presses his lips just above my own. A thrill runs through my belly settling in my core, his arms tightening with one hand resting on my ass cheek.

I can't even feel ashamed at the fact our friends are sat inches away and even though my cheeks heat, it feels too good like we're on our own little island. The other hand moves to my face, calloused palm moving along my cheek- blue eyes swirling with tiny dots of silver, darken.

"Your eyes are aqua in the sun." His deep voice rumbles down his chest through my own. "So beautiful." I blush deeper setting my head on his shoulder basking in the warmth on my back from the sun getting ready to retire for the evening and the warmth under me that keeps me going day in and day out. I can feel the steady beating of his heart beneath my ear, the constant bah-dum, bah-dum, bah-dum lulling me into a sleepy state. The feeling of his rough touch on my bare arms making me tingle-

"Alright, way to make a guy feel single," Brady shouts right in my fricking ear and I jump from Blaze's chest. Brady takes the opportunity to yank me from his grip under my armpits and twirl me round in the air, the dizziness making me squeal.

"Brady." Blaze growls dangerously, the scenery dosed in warm light a blur in my irises. "Jesus you asshole." He barks once B comes to a stop, dropping me into his lap as we plummet back to the blanket. Blaze growls again moving closer to us almost in an attempt to swipe me back, I grab his hand and squeeze, relaxing slightly he thinks better of it.

"Chill bro, you know I'd never make a move on your girl." B hugs me tightly also as if I'm a teddy bear, his overly large arms suffocating me, "Not in front of you anyway." He murmurs in my ear and I giggle. Blazes face one of thunder but he knows B's not like that, he's always going to be one of my best friends and vice versa.

"Do you remember when we used to go to long island, spend whole days from sunrise to sunset just splashing about in the water?" He turns to Blaze again, a fondness in his eyes that cracks the hard set of his jaw, warmth flowing slowly into those blue eyes.

"I remember you screaming your fucking head off when a crab came up and pinched your dick." Howls of laughter echo around the trees that line the edge of the water.

"Asshat. I was eight! And his claws were... sharp. Anyway, you cried when a fish tapped your leg." He sticks his tongue out but Blaze's smile doesn't falter- the full strong sexy smile that makes him look youthful and unburdened. Straight white teeth contrasting to the rough tanned skin on his stubbled jaw.

"It was a fucking jellyfish." My own smile widens, clearly picturing two boys dashing about in the water, tiring themselves out running along the sand for hours on end. Happy and greedy for adventure.

"Do you think there's any jellyfish in the lake?" B turns to look at the steady water, the orange sky reflected on the surface as it falls lower to greet the water's edge.

"Are you fucking dumb?" Vixxies brows furrow and I hold back my laughter.

"It's a fishing lake you idiot, the most you'll find is bass and bream." Rutherford shakes his head.

"He left his common sense in Long Island as well as his dick it would seem." Blaze snickers resting back on his forearms.

"A+ for effort though." I squeeze the arm he's latched around my stomach and I genuinely mean it, I'd have no clue what kind of fish swam in different bodies of water. "Maybe stick to football, marine biology isn't your strong point."

"No type of biology is his strong point," Carrie remarks reminding me of the various failed science experiments he's managed to mess up simply by not reading the instructions.

" I know enough about human biology, as long as I can please the ladies we're good." He winks and raises an impossibly big arm to flex his bicep.

"Pig." One of the girls coughs making me laugh.

"You don't like." He peers down at me with puppy eyes.

"Put it away." I giggle shoving his arm slightly.

"Fine. But just know- it wounds me, Atlas Grove. It wounds me to see you in love with the wrong man." His face screws into mock pain, small faux whimpers run past his lips, "It was meant to be me. Always meant to be me." I shove him again with a deeper laugh. How I even laughed before I met this clown Is a mystery to me.

"I'm surprised Atty hasn't got you charged for sexual harassment yet." Emily chuckles, "Or Blaze hasn't rendered you blind with his fists. I wouldn't blame either of them."

"Oh, you'll all see one day! When she finally sees we were always meant to be!" Brady jumps up in triumph, if football doesn't work out he could always pursue acting. Blaze grabs me before I stumble forward and pulls me back to him shaking his head but I can see the amusement that lays beneath his eyes. "Right I'm going for a swim." B switches like that, tugging on the rubber ring from earlier leaving us with comedic whiplash. "Last one in is a wet fish." He shouts over his shoulder running towards the lake.

"Wet fish...?"

"I don't even know." Blaze rubs his temple, polar opposites in every way but they fit like magnets.

Ethan goes running in after, pulling Carrie, both stripping down on their way... to nothing... oh...

Vixxie runs after them with Emily both following suit, ditching their clothes on the grassy banks, Rutherford too. Blaze gets up and offers me a hand.

"Oh- I...uh"

"Come on." He winks and helps me clamber to my feet tugging his jeans off until he's in his boxers. "Let go Blondie." He says squeezing my hand. He smiles seductively at me and I practically melt. Everyone's already in the water splashing about under the sunset.

Oh, screw it.

I pull off my top and shrug my jeans off ignoring Blaze as he slips his boxers down his legs. I keep my eyes on the ground to avoid getting too... distracted. My face heats as the rest of my clothes come off, the chill in the breeze nipping at my bare skin.

My feet move forward but end up seemingly in the air as I'm thrown over Blaze's shoulder. His hand lays firmly on my butt shielding it from everyone else and my breasts are pressed against his back, his chuckle reverberates through his skin onto mine and my entire being aches to feel him and touch him before I'm submerged into cold water.

I claw at the surface pulling myself up as big hands settle on my naked hips and pull me into a firm body. My hair, which is blocking my view, is pushed back until I can see the two blue pools of lust, a sharp jaw and a too annoyingly attractive smile that makes my legs tighten more around his waist.

"You're an ass." I shiver watching his lips curl up on his seemingly dry face. It seems I'm just too short to stand... but I don't mind behind held up.