Page 105 of Tell No Lies

I could definitely get used to this.

Stacy descended the stairs to the main deck. We passed another sitting room with a table and chairs as we followed her through the open entryway into the main cabin. The glass doors had been pushed back to allow the breeze to flow through. Immediately within the room were two beige leather couches facing each other, with a huge flat screen on the far wall. There was a clear line of sight into the modern kitchen; it looked just as nice and spacious as the one in my home.

Behind us, we heard people approaching the boat from the dock. Alexis ran back to the open deck and turned back to us. “Everyone else is here. We need to claim a room, fast!”

Stacy laughed and ushered us to the staircase next to the flat screen. “Mr. Carlton said to give you ladies the option of the master suite or the VIP suite. I’ll show you both.”

We followed her to the back of the lower deck where a door was opened to reveal a king-size bed, a couch, and plenty of room to walk around. It was much larger than I’d expected a room on a boat to be.

“This one is slightly larger and has a spacious bathroom.”

Talia beamed. “We’ll take it!”

Stacy smiled and nodded as she backed out of the room. “I’ll let you settle in and let the others know where you are.”

Wayne must have known which room we would pick, since our bags were set along the perimeter of the room. We could easily fit three on the bed and one on the couch, so only one of us would be left on the floor. Not too shabby.

Mckayla, who had been uncharacteristically quiet during the tour, ran and dived onto the bed, squealing. “This is going to be the best weekend ever!”

I smiled at her enthusiasm and jumped onto the bed next to her. “How did you convince Caleb to let us stay in here? Why didn’t he let his friends have this room?”

Talia smirked suggestively. “First off, we are his friends. Second, he may or may not have a crush on someone in this room.”

We all looked at each other, but the only single girls were Cassie and me. Uh-oh.

“Please tell me it’s Cassie!”

“What? You don’t want to be a part of this family?”

I laughed but shook my head. “I would love that, but I can’t handle another boy right now.”

“Oh, don’t flatter yourself.” She smirked and turned to Cassie. “You’re the lucky girl!”

“Me? I didn’t know Caleb even knew my name!”

“Of course he does. He told me he’s had a crush on you since freshman year but never got the chance to get to know you. He was hoping I could set you guys up, in exchange for prime room choice.”

“Well, I’m glad I’m worth a nice room.” She laughed as a blush grew on her face.

Alexis caught it too. “So, does Richie Rich have a chance with you?”

When we all looked at her, the blush deepened. “He is really cute. Who wouldn’t be interested? He’s got the tall-dark-and-handsome thing going for him. Plus, he’s always been a really nice guy.”

Mckayla giggled. “Yay! Matchmaking this weekend, girls!”

Cassie fell back on the bed with a sigh.

We had a few seconds of peace before a stampede of boys descended into the lower deck.

Caleb stuck his head in our room and smiled. “I see you guys made yourselves at home. I’m taking the VIP suite with a few of the guys, so I’m just toward the front of the boat if you need anything.” He winked in Cassie’s direction before leaving.

Her cheeks immediately went from rosy to a deep shade of red.

“You love him!” Talia pointed at her and giggled.

She covered her face with her hands. “Only from afar! I honestly never thought he noticed me.”

“Oh, he’s noticed you! Let’s change then go back up and meet everyone.”