Devil's Dance

It was nearly midnight when we pulled past the guards shack. The summer breeze was warm against my skin. The chirps and moans of the forest surrounded my senses. I loved this time of year although the humidity was a bit much. I didn’t know what Tessa had in mind but she had this infectious way of convincing me into the craziest things.
“I told you no one would be here,” she smirked following the road deep into the state park.
“Yeah, yeah,” I muttered. “What exactly are we doing here?”
“I told you Lexi,” she groaned, “we’re going to the beach.”
“At midnight, under the biggest damn full moon I’ve ever seen,” I grunted crossing my arms studying the night apprehensively. “You’re not still into that occult crap, are you Tessa?”
“Jesh Lexi,” she sighed dramatically.
“I’m serious Tessa,” I insisted as we parked near the access to the lake.
“Loosen up, we are just here to have a little fun,” she said turning to face me. Her hazel eyes were filled with mischief and her dark hair was curling around her elfish face from the heat. “You know fun, lively play, merriment.”
“Fine,” I sighed knowing it was a never ending argument. I looked over at the large black pick-up truck parked next to us. “Who’s that?” I demanded looking back at her. She was securing her satchel around her bikini top adjusting herself with a wink before leaving the car.
I slumped back into the car seat breathing out. If she was here to pick up some guy I’d kill her and if she was trying to set me up . . . I broke off shaking my head. “She isn’t stupid enough to do that twice,” I mumbled to the silent car. “She better not be that stupid,” I sighed opening the door grabbing my bag from the floor before making my way down the wooded path to the lake.
I stiffened at the entrance to the beach seeing a bonfire going. Great, just great, I groaned internally seeing a handful of guys sitting on the sand with Tessa in the middle. What in the hell was she up to? I moved to back up and bumped into someone. “Sorry,” I breathed turning from the heat fast before I could read too much.
“It’s cool,” he assured and I felt his studious stare but I kept my eyes downcast. “You’re Tessa’s friend right?”
“Uh yeah,” I muttered stepping away as he raised a hand toward me. I half looked up his tanned form to see him drop the hand again.
“I think she’s looking for you,” he admitted and I cast a sideways glance toward the fire. Tessa was standing looking toward the path. “Come on you’re here to have some fun right?”
“Right,” I sighed steeling the walls around my nerves. I could get through one night. I closed my eyes refocusing my mind to relax. I could always kill Tessa tomorrow.
I felt the heat of his skin close to me and drove back the connection that threatened my senses. “You’re kind of tense,” he observed touching my bare shoulder lightly.
“It comes with the job,” I answered intentionally vague. I stepped away from him moving to the beach a little faster than I normally would have. Tessa spotted me and smiled happily.
“Lexi,” she giggled running to me taking my hand. “What took you?”
“More like who,” the guy admitted and she looked past me to him. I felt the flare of emotions through her, intrigue, attraction, and a stab of jealousy. “Sorry for keeping your friend Tessa,” he purred. Her lips curled up seductively.
“Tessa,” I whispered and her eyes hit mine questioningly, “let go.”