I notice his body, how close he is to me, the way his roped forearm muscles shift with the movement of the long fingers unsnapping my belt. I've never paid any attention to my brothers like this.
"Grommets on the outside," he instructs me. He steps closer to pull the belt out and twist it before settling it again at my waist. Snapping it into place, he drops his hands but remains a little too close for my comfort.
"Thanks," I murmur.
In a manner of seconds, I've forgotten why I hate him and Brianna. It's uncanny, as if my senses overtake conscious thought when he's around.
"Your brother's old enough to fight his own battles."
Anger stirs, and I look up at him. "I know that!"
Captain Mathis is calm, always so calm. I wonder what it feels like not to experience emotions the way I do.
"So you're just picking fights today?" he asks.
"None of your damn business!"
"For this week, it is," he says firmly. "We're a team. If you're going to be picking fights all week, I'd like to know."
"Why? So you can trade me?" I challenge, crossing my arms. Being so close to him is a little too intense right now. I step back self-consciously.
"So I can make sure I have your back, if it elevates," he responds. "It's what teams do. Take care of their own."
"Except for Mikael." I can't help it. I'm feeling furious with the handsome man before me once more.
Captain Mathis doesn't even blink. If anything, he seems to grow colder. "Whatever you think you know about me, I will have your back, because that's the way this works."
It's not what I'm expecting to hear. He has a way of either infuriating me or deflating my anger. The weird tension stretches between us, the one that manages to replace thought with a physical awareness of his body.
We're evaluating each other.
"Hey, guys! We're starting again!" Harris calls from the porch.
I don't like the idea of backing down - ever - and Harris's shout is well timed.
Spinning, I retreat towards the reception center. Harris smiles at me, but I ignore him, returning to my assigned seat. Captain Mathis sits beside me a moment later, and I wait to see what new torture the counselors are about to be put through.
What the hell am I doing here? Really?
"This is a fun one!" Brianna is grinning. "Basically, an interview. You interview your partners then do a little verbal report to the group about what you've learned about your partner! Cool childhood memories, hobbies, favorite songs, anything."