Sophie's Life

Chapter 11: The Secret is Out

I storm off toward the campsite, my heart still racing from that kiss. I can't believe it happened. One minute we were fighting, and the next, I was kissing James. And the worst part? I kissed him back.

What's wrong with me? I wipe my lips again, trying to shake off the feeling, but his taste still lingers, a constant reminder of the mistake. I should be angry—no, I am angry. But why did it feel like something else, too? Something I can't explain.

By the time I reach the campsite, Blue team's already celebrating like they've won the Olympics. Jules and Jace are laughing, and Alan's holding up their flag like some kind of trophy.

"Congrats, Blue team," one of the camp counselors calls out, "your special reward is s'mores by the fire and first pick of the new cabins for the night!"

Great. Just what I need—more rubbing it in our faces. I glance around and see James arriving at the edge of the group, his eyes catching mine for a split second. Neither of us says a word, but the tension between us is undeniable.

It's like we're in the middle of a storm that hasn't fully passed yet.

I sit down, trying to ignore the celebrations, trying to ignore him. But my mind keeps drifting back to that moment, wondering what comes next and if we're still fighting the same battle—or something entirely different.

I collapse onto one of the logs around the fire, barely noticing the celebrations going on around me. Blue team's laughing, high-fiving, and acting like they just won the World Cup, but all I can think about is him.

That stupid kiss.

I can still feel the heat from it, the way his grip tightened on my arm just before we... what even was that? Anger? Frustration? Something else entirely? I shake my head, trying to clear the confusion. This is James we're talking about—arrogant, bossy, infuriating James. The same guy who spends half his time barking orders and the other half acting like he's got everything under control.

And yet... I kissed him. And I didn't hate it. In fact, I hated how much I didn't hate it.

Riley plops down next to me, still wiping dirt off her jeans. "We almost had it, huh?" she says, nudging me with her elbow.

"Yeah," I mutter, my voice distant. But it wasn't the pyramid challenge that I can't stop thinking about.

Riley watches me for a second, raising an eyebrow. "You okay? You look... off."

I stiffen. "I'm fine," I snap a little too quickly. "Just tired, that's all."

I glance over at James again. He's sitting with his team, but he's not really celebrating like the others. He looks almost as lost in thought as I am, which only makes me more frustrated. Why can't I get him out of my head?

James pov

I take a seat near the edge of the fire, half-listening to the cheers and jokes around me, but my mind is somewhere else. Specifically, with Sophie.