Page 30 of Another June with You
He nodded. “I haven’t seen him … well, probably since I last saw you, but we’ve kept in touch. Facebook and all.”
“I think the last time I saw you was the summer after we graduated.”
He shook his head. “Dang, has it really been that long?”
“Unfortunately.” She turned into him and wrapped an arm around his waist.
His arm draped over her shoulder. “I’ve missed you, Shorty.”
She’d never been one for nicknames, but every name he’d ever called her seemed to suit her. At least when he said it. “I’ve missed you too.” She looked around then up at Zeb. “Do you know where everybody is? I haven’t seen any of the other guys yet.”
He lowered his arm and rotated, pointing to his back. “Hop on! I’ll take you to them.”
Shannon started laughing.
“Get up here.” He bent a little at the knees and held his hands out to the sides to catch her legs.
“Oh, you’re serious? I’ve got camera equipment to carry.”
His arms extended to the sides like a coat tree. “Lay it on me.”
She laughed again, but did as he asked, looping the straps of her bag and camera over his shoulders.
“Hop on!” He turned his back to her.
She shrugged. “Why not.”
Her hands gripped his strong shoulders, and she jumped, squeezing his hips with her legs, his large mitts taking hold under her thighs. She couldn’t stop laughing. “Remember that night you guys won districts and you carried me around the football field for like half an hour?”
“Oh man, that night was legendary.”
Shannon giggled.
Zeb walked them along a path toward a wooded area until a group of guys came into sight. “Hey, guys! I brought the photographer!” he hollered.
The sight of so many familiar faces—guys she hadn’t seen since high school—surprised her. She assumed Micah had invited them since Chase didn’t know anyone in the area other than his groomsmen.
Zeb picked up pace and bounced her a little as he moved closer to the group. Some of the guys started whooping and clapping.
When he released her legs and set her on solid ground, her eyes met Micah’s. He did not look happy.
“Zeb … buddy,” Micah stuttered. “You made it.”
“And I’m gonna kick your butt.” Zeb chuckled.
Shannon removed the camera equipment from his arms. “I’ll be rooting for ya, Zeb.”
He put his arm around her again and squeezed her into his side. “Thanks, Shorty.”
She leaned into him, knowing it was bugging Micah.
“Okay, guys! Before we get started … Shannon is off limits,” Chase announced. “Those little balls filled with paint are to go nowhere near her or her photography equipment. Got it?”
“Got it!” several guys replied.
“Let’s go!”
The guys broke off into teams and went their separate ways. There were barriers and small buildings set up throughout the woods for the guys to hide in and around.
