Mistaken Love

Chapter Forty-five.

July 4th

The night prior, we all sat around the bonfire, as we celebrated Rachel's birthday. We roasted hot dogs over the fire, ate cake and gave gifts to her. Mr. Nickels, or should I call him Will, brought his acoustic guitar, and began to play some recognizable tunes.

Zachary continued to pout for sometime, until Will passed the guitar to him. He accepted, as he began to play along to his fathers singing. As soon as that seized, William agreed to pass the instrument around. Into my surprise, Zachary gave it to me. I gladly accepted, as I played verify of different popular songs. As I would finger and strum the strings, Zachary sang along to each new song I would play, which encouraged me to keep playing.

Did we bond? Possibly.

After the moon rose high above our heads, we roasted marshmallows, and told scary stories, until we all grew exhausted, and decided to head into our tents for the night.

Now, I'm currently laying on my air mattress, with one blanket under my body, and another one above. My right arm was comfortably placed underneath my pillow, as my head rested, gently on top of it. My right leg stuck out from the blanket, making my body temperature perfect. My hair scrawled around my head and over my face, as I squinted through the straight of hair that laid across my eyes.

My eyes slowly adjusted to the morning sun, as I shuffled around for a moment, just before sitting up and stretching my arms outwards. I glanced over, as I noticed the guys have awoken before me, leaving me all by myself.

Throwing the blanket off my body, I crawled toward my bag, that sat at the end of my mattress. I unzipped the bag, as I began to dig through it, until I began to pull out the items I needed; a crimson red t-shirt, black jean shorts and a pair of socks.

I threw the clothes on top of my mattress, as I stood up straight. I pulled off my white t-shirt, as I tossed it aside. As soon as I was about to reach for my clean shirt, someone from outside started to unzip the tent. My heart fell to my stomach, as I quickly grabbed my shirt, and turned my bare back towards the figure who just entered inside the tent. Peaking over my shoulder, I eyed Zachary, as he glanced up from searching his back for his cologne.

"You're scrawny as hell, man!" Zachary scoffed at my non toned upper body.

My face turned red from embarrassment, as I slipped the shirt over my head. I pulled the shirt down, as I turned to grab my shorts. Just as I was about to pull my pajama pants down, I seized, as I stared up at Zachary, who still had his eyes on me.

"Hey, man," Zachary began. "I hope I didn't upset you." He spoke, quickly.

I chuckled, as I shook my head. "You're good. You didn't upset me." I reassured. "I know I'm scrawny. My body makes me self conscious." I admitted. "But it's cool. I'll live."

The tent fell silent for a moment, before Zachary started to approach me. The grip on my shorts tightened, as I raised an eyebrow at his action.

"Look," He paused, as he stood a couple feet away from me. "When I first met you, man, I didn't like you." He told.

Thanks for stating the obvious...

"I guess my reason for not liking you, was because you were dating my little sister. However, when I look at you, I see myself." He explained.

I AM NOTHING LIKE YOU.

"Anyways, if you need anything. Let me know." He spoke, as he patted my back. "Maybe we can work out together. You know," Zachary shrugged. "maybe we can push our differences aside and be good friends."

As much as I wanted to scream at him and turn him down, I couldn't get myself to do so. All I could do was smile, as I nodded my head.

"Sounds like a plan, man." I responded, before our fists collided with one another's.

"Cool." Zachary replied, as he turned around to exit the tent. "Oh, I forgot to mention." He spoke, as he steps outside. "We're going to the beach in a few minutes. We're going to be going on the boat, so get ready for that." Zachary explains, before zipping the tent back up.

A small sigh escaped my lips, as I began to dig through my bag for my black and red swim trucks.

I shook my head at the encounter I had with Zach. What happened? He went from hating my guts to becoming genuine with me. His mood around me has surprisingly lifted, which I am delighted with the results.

Maybe Hayden was right after all.

Don't admit it to him though!

Finding my swim trunks, I pulled it out of my bag, along with a black muscle tank top. I stood up, as I quickly pulled my pajama pants and boxers down, before sliding on my shorts. As soon as I was about to change into my muscle shirt, someone opened the tent, as they stepped inside.

"The next person who catches me half naked again, I swear-" I turned to face the figure that now stood behind me, only to slam my mouth shut.

Rachel stood in front of me, as her smile made my heart pound against my rib cage. Her hour glass figure was beautiful, as she was dressed in her black bikini top, a pair of her white, jean shorts. In addition, she was wearing one of my forest green, short sleeved button up flannels that I had loan to her awhile back. Her hair was pushed back into a messy bun; just the way I like it.

"Good morning, sunshine!" Rachel giggled, as she wrapped her arms around my neck, pulling me into her embrace.

I returned her hug, as I let out a short chuckle. "Morning, beautiful." I replied, as our arms fell loose to our sides.

She smiled bright, as she looked up at me, before shaking her head while laughing. "So, the next person to catch you half naked, you swear on what?" Rachel asked, as she placed her hands upon her hips. "And what do you mean by again?"

A short chuckle escaped through my throat, as I scratched the back of my neck. "Um..." I mumbled, as my face turned a shade darker. "I swear..." I began to stumble upon my words, before shaking the thought away. "Nothing." I breathed.

Rachel shook her head in disbelief, as she waved her hand in the air. "Whatever you say, Bennett!" She giggled, as she turned around, and began to head back outside.

Just before she was able to leave, I quickly grabbed onto her wrist. Rachel stopped in her tracks, as she turned around to look at me. A smirk formed across my face, as I pulled her close. My arms snaked around her waist, as our foreheads touched. Rachel smiled, as she wrapped her arms around my neck. I returned her a small smile, before leaning forward, placing my lips upon hers.

We broke apart 30 seconds later, as the both of us hummed in satisfaction, as we got lost in each others eyes.

"I love you." Rachel mumbled, as she drops her arms to her side.

I chuckled lightly. "I love you more." I replied, before kissing her forehead ever so gently.

---
Updated: April 8th, 2017 -- 10:35 A.M.

I apologize for the long disappearance. A lot has gone on in the passed month and it has all been super stressful. I have been trying to write this for a good month! So here you guys go!

I'm keeping this A/N's sweet and simple. I really don't know exactly what to say. My mind is all jumbled up at the moment, so please excuse any spelling or grammar mistakes through the chapter.

I hope you all enjoyed the chapter and I will see you in the next update.

-Taylor Lynne.