Smells Like Winter

25: Applying Chess Strategies to Shoulder Wars

"What? No," Carter refused right away.

"Afraid to lose, Carter?" Maddy provoked him.

"I never lose, princess."

"There's always a first time for everything, you know," she popped back.

"Say that to yourself."

"I-"

"Are we doing this or not?" asked an impatient Mia.

Maddy looked at the two of them. She would gladly knock them both down.

Or out.

Everyone turned to look at Carter, waiting for his final answer. He sighed deeply and looked heavenward. "Fine. Let's do it."

"Good," said Mia.

They all swam towards the shallows of the lake, and Maddy tried not to pay too much attention to the way the muscles on Carter's back moved as he bent down for Mia to climb on top of him. Her slim, model-like figure moved knowingly as she sat on top of him, her long legs dangling in front of his bare chest, her hips perched on his broad shoulders. Maddy didn't miss the way Carter gently held her thighs, or the way she ruffled his hair with one hand.

"Ready?" asked her Logan, making her take her eyes off of their opponents.

No. "Oh please. I was born ready."

"That's my girl," he laughed.

Maddy considered the way the words sounded as she secured her hands around his neck and jumped on his strong shoulders, while Logan placed his palms on top of her thighs.

She was all out of the water now, and the more-than-just-chilly morning air hit her wet skin, freezing her. She'd be lucky if she made it out of that lake without losing any limbs in the ice.

"Okay." started Sia. "There are no rules. Just knock down your opponent. Starting in three... two... one... Go!"

Carter moved so fast Maddy barely had time to think before Mia's arms extended in front of her, hitting Maddy's shoulders. She almost lost her balance, but managed to dodge the next push by lowering her body and twisting it in the right direction. She grabbed Mia's forearm and yanked it. Mia shrieked, but Carter took a step to the left, getting Mia out of her disadvantaged position. Maddy still had a hold of Mia, however, and she wouldn't just let her slide away.

She aimed her free hand at Mia's flat tummy. She really wanted to punch her in the gut, make her bend in two, but settled just for a harsh push. Carter moved back right on time again, neutralising her attack. She winced; he was too good at this.

"You're so going to lose," mocked Mia as she and Carter circled them, planning their next attack.

"I don't think so," replied Logan, his fingers tracing Maddy's skin, traveling up the length of her thighs, higher. "Losing is not an option, Maddy," he said, giving her a squeeze.

Maddy lowered her eyes on his hands resting on her-

"Quit touching her and let's finish this already. You can flirt later," said Carter, his eyes narrowed, his breathing harder.

He lunged.

Maddy grabbed Mia's wrist and pulled her forward, her other hand ready to push her head down. But Carter moved his body accordingly, his large palms squeezing Mia's thighs harder, and he somehow managed to balance the both of them out, putting some distance between him and Logan.

Maddy was taking a moment to catch her breath, nostrils flaring with frustration, when the cocky bastard lifted his head up and gave her a provocative smirk.