Chapter 637

“Those guys over there,” Anthony pointed with a casual flick of his wrist, his voice calm. “Go help the ones who haven’t finished setting up their tents.”
He didn’t wait for a response. Anthony walked straight over to Charlotte and crouched down next to her, checking her tent to make sure it was safe. Charlotte handed him a bottle of water, her fingers brushing his for a second.
“Everlot Janie tried to call out to Anthony again, but he acted like she didn’t exist.
Janie glared at Charlotte, her eyes flashing with something sharp and mean. The hike down the mountain would be the most dangerous part. If Charlotte just happened to slip or fall, well, that would look perfectly normal.
Olivia caught the exchange and shot Everlot a knowing look, her lips pressed together. The way he hovered around Charlotte was way too obvious. And Charlotte, the way she looked at him, it was almost like she enjoyed the attention. There was definitely something going on between those two.
With a small, satisfied smile, Olivia quietly snapped a few more photos on her phone. These would be perfect if she ever needed something to take Charlotte down.
The next morning, the air was thick with dew and heavy fog. Everyone started their trek down the mountain. After yesterday, they all seemed tougher, walking with more confidence.
Charlotte walked with Shirley and a couple of the others, holding the bottle of milk Anthony had just handed her. Not far away, Anthony kept his eyes on her, watching her every move.
Andrew glanced over his shoulder more than once. Everlot was really into Charlotte, that much was clear. What was even crazier was that Charlotte actually accepted stuff from him. Should he give Anthony a heads-up? This could get messy, fast. They hadn’t made it far when the sound of rushing footsteps came up behind them. Beasley jogged up to Charlotte, a warm piece of bread in his hand, his cheeks flushed red. “Charlotte, you barely ate anything this morning. Want some bread?”
Everlot, walking behind them, suddenly looked furious.
Charlotte shook her head politely. “Thanks, but I have milk.”
“Oh.” Beasley’s shoulders slumped, but he wasn’t giving up. He pulled an egg out of his bag. “What about an egg? You want an egg?”
“I’m good with the milk,” Charlotte said, her tone gentle.
Beasley scratched his head, sneaking a glance at her face. Then he tried again. “Your backpack looks heavy. Let me carry it for you.”
Charlotte blinked, about to answer, when someone grabbed Beasley by the collar.
“You really like carrying bags for other people, huh?”
Anthony’s face was stone cold as he yanked Beasley out of the way and shoved a backpack into his arms, “Here. Carry this,” he said, his voice icy.
The weight of the bag nearly knocked Beasley over, and he staggered to keep his balance.
“With your strength, you’d better train for a couple more years before you try impressing girls.”
“I” Beasley started to protest.
“Get back in line,” Anthony snapped, even colder than before.
Beasley didn’t dare talk back. He trudged to the back of the group, the heavy backpack nearly dragging him down.
Charlotte’s eyes curved into a quiet smile.
The group kept moving. When they
reached a turn at the base of the mountain, an arm suddenly slid around Charlotte’s waist. She spun
around her back pressing into.
Anthony frand, her body butted
tight against his chest.
Charlotte looked up at him, still wearing that scowl he’d had all morning, and teased,
“Everlot, what are you trying to do?”
ет
Anthony leaned in close, their foreheads almost touching, his voice low and warm There’s a lot I want to do For starters, want to have a secret romance with you.”