The second we got back to the tent , crossed my arms and stared at him . " That was extremely dramatic and totally unnecessary . " Rick didn't even blink , He walked straight to the supply crate , grabbed the first aid kit , and knelt in front of me without a word . He reached for my ankle and gently turned my leg out . My skin was warm and damp , a faint red mark just above the sock line . " You could've just let me sit down , " I said , voice softer now . He cleaned the area and applied a bit of cooling cream . His touch was careful , but his silence made it feel colder . " You're not even going to say anything ? " I asked . " Go in your tent , " he said , standing up . " Get some rest . " I didn't move , I looked up at him , eyes narrowing , " You've been tense all day . " " I'm not tense . " " You are , " I said . " You barely said two words on the hike . Then you shoved Andrew . And now this ? " He dropped the kit into the crate and stood up straight . " I'm not tense , " he repeated . " You're just parading the same man around who into a scandal My mouth opened , then shut . " You're being ridiculous . " " No , " he said , jaw tight . " You're acting like it's nothing . But everyone saw it , You're hanging off the same guy the world thinks you kissed " " No one's thinking that except you ," I snapped . " You're the only one turning this into a whole thing " I sat up straighter as he moved toward the flap of the tent . " By the way , " I said , my voice cutting through the silence , " they managed to clear the article about Andrew . It's under control . So you can stop acting like he's some threat " Rick didn't turn around , but his posture shifted slightly " He's my friend , " I added firmly . " You don't have to like him , but you don't get to be rude to him just because you're uncomfortable . " Still no response . I crossed my arms . " If you're that desperate for someone to focus on , maybe go spend time with Benita . You seem to know how to do that just fine . " This time he looked over his shoulder , eyes unreadable , jaw tense . And then he stepped out of the tent without a word . He turned and walked out without saying anything else . The flap of the tent fluttered behind him . I sat there for a few seconds , my leg still tingling , heart pounding harder than it needed to . Chapter 30 By the time I came out again , the sun had nearly disappeared . A big fire had been built sar the center of the clearing Warm orange li flickered across everyone's faces . The scent of grilled meat and sweet barbecue sauce filled the air . Laughter rolled through the space as people stood around roasting skewers and sipping from small glasses I spotted Rick near the far side of the fire . Benita was standing close to him , too close , laughing at something he said even though he didn't look like he was smiling I rolled my eyes , Benita stood so close to Rick she could've leaned on him without moving her feet . Her hand brushed his arm once , tavice and he didn't pull away . I stared for too long . It was ironic , really . He had the nerve to question my friendship with Andrew when he had Benita practically hanging off him like an accessory . " Hey ," Andrew's voice came from my left . I turned to find him holding two drinks . He handed me one . " You look better , " he said , " I feel better , " I lied . My jaw tightened . I looked away , pretending to sip my drink . My other hand curled into a fist at my side before leven realized I was doing it " Should I be worried ? " Andrew's voice came beside me , soft and amused . " You're either about to punch someone or crush that cup I blinked and looked down . The paper cup in my hand was caving in under the pressure . Tunclenched immediately . " Sorry , No. Just … tired . " He grinned and handed me a fresh cup . " Ne Itime , warn me before you go full warrior mode , I'll step back . " | laughed a little , but the ache in in my chest didn't really go away . I took a sip . Sweet , fizzy , strong . The heat of the fire mixed with the warmth spreading in my chest . Andrew stood beside me , relaxed , hands in his pockets , eyes on the flames . Then one of the organizers raised her voice . " Alright , " she called out . " Time for a warm - up game . " The group started to gather in a circle around the fire pit . " This one's a classic , " she continued , holding up a small bottle and a tray of shots . " We call it Choose or Sip . " Some people cheered . " If the bottle lands on you , you'll get two options , two people . You'll pick one , lean in like you're about to kiss them . If you don't want to choose , or if you pull away , you take a shot . " People groaned and laughed . A few clapped . Some already looked nervous . My stomach twisted . Andrew took a seat beside me on the log circle . I felt the dip on the other side as someone else sat . Chapter 30 I didn't even have to look . Rick . I was now sandwiched between them . Perfect . The bottle was placed in the middle . Someone spun it fast . The first round landed on a girl from Orion , who picked a guy , leaned in dramatically , then pulled away and took the shot . Laughter followed , the next spin , then another and then it stopped . The bottle pointed at me . The girl holding the tray raised her voice again , smiling wide . " Fiona . Your two options … Rick or Andrew . " Everyone turned . I looked to my left . Andrew gave me a half - smile , eyes soft . I looked to my right . Rick didn't move . His hand rested casually The circle had gone quiet . by on his knee , jaw sharp in the firelight , gaze locked directly on mine . I swallowed hard . And I had to choose . AD Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!