The White Lie

Chapter 13

The next morning I snuck out of the tent incredibly early. I left Alexander snoring softly on his side of the tent after wriggling out from under his arm that had been slung across my waist. I grabbed my running clothes and a pair of runners and decided since no one else was up I could quickly get changed behind our tent. Once dressed, I threw my long hair up into a pony tail and began to stretch. I needed this. Only three days into our trip and I was confused and feeling a little down. I didn't want to fight with anyone and I didn't want any drama. I leaned down to touch my toes, breathing in the fresh air and felt incredibly glad to be able to get out into the open and just jog like I would if I were back home. As opposed to home however, here I could run through lush green trees and on a real track. At home I pounded the only footpath that ran through our town before looping back around through vast paddocks. 

I started off down the path that looped around and back to the car park. While I ran, I decided that today was a new day. Today I was going to relax around the campsite, get some photos in and then pack up as we headed to the next spot. I'd spend some time with the girls and a little less time with Alexander and Blake as I cleared my head. I continued running, smiling a little as I thought of the fresh day ahead, glad I had a plan in place. My smile fell as I ran into the carpark to spot a figure stretching there.

The tall, broad shouldered figure turned to me and give a beaming smile.
"Reece." He nodded at me, still smiling.
"Blake." I nodded back, slightly breathless from my run, pulling into a slow stop beside him. My plan, it looked like, was out the window.
"You run?" I asked him, taking in his athletics attire.
He nodded. "Yeah, footy season hasn't started back up again but I don't want to get my ass handed to me when it does."
I nodded taking the bottled water he was offering to me and took a swig.
"Look, about last night..." he started, before I threw my hand up, stopping him.
"I don't want to talk about it. Please." For a second I thought Blake was going to drop it before he opened his mouth again.
"Okay, but can I at least say one thing?"
I let out an exasperated sigh that made his brow furrow. I looked up at his face, taking in the sincere look I so rarely saw him wear. I waved my hand, indicating for him to go on.
Blake opened his mouth to speak, before closing it. He did it once again before I snapped at him. "Come on Blake, out wi-" I never got to finish my sentence because Blake did something I least expected. He grabbed me by the waist, pulled me roughly towards him and planted a lingering kiss on my lips. 

For a moment I went to pull away, but against my own will my body responded, my arms reaching up to wrap around his neck and my lips eagerly meeting his. The kiss was hot, I couldn't possibly deny it, even to myself. Eventually I pulled myself away, once again left breathless by a tall, good-looking older boy. Dammit, what is it with me these days?! I looked up at him, unsure what to say. Blake looked back down at me and gave me a wolfish grin. "There. That's all I have to say." I opened my mouth to respond but he placed a finger in front of my mouth, shushing me. "Just think about it, okay?"I didn't waste any time shaking my head. "I can't Blake. It's not like that with us. I'm sorry." The kiss was hot and yes we had history, but it just wasn't the same as what I had felt as Alexander kissed me. Blake gave me a grin, shrugging his shoulders. "Hey, a guy had to try right?"

I laughed, glad that he didn't seem too disappointed.
"I'll race you back to camp?" He asked, waggling an eyebrow at me. I laughed, fluttering my eyelashes flirtatiously before breaking into a run.
"Hey!" he called after me, "You'll wish you hadn't done that." I laughed manically as I heard his pounding footsteps on the asphalt behind me. I pushed harder, determined to win.
I kept a steady lead back to the camp, but once the camp kitchen was in sight, I heard Blake's footsteps becoming louder. "It's not over yet!" I heard him puff from just behind me. I just laughed and kept running, unable to respond. By this point he was at a full run beside me. With only metres to camp, we both put in all our effort. I reached the camp first, but only by a step. I jumped up and down, cheering and fist pumping before bending over double with my hands on my knees, catching my breath. Blake matched my pose beside me, before straightening up and offering me his hand. I took it, smiling gleefully.