Page 107 of Tell No Lies

The one I really liked, though I would never admit it aloud, treated me like a little sister. Carter acted like the kiss on the balcony never happened, and that hurt more than anything else.

When I snapped back to reality, I noticed the girls were already changing, so I grabbed a pair of shorts out of my bag and slipped them on under my dress. I turned my back to Mckayla, silently asking her to unzip me. Once I’d put on a hoodie, we joined everyone on the main deck.

The first group was already on the smaller boat, heading toward the island. It would be a while before it was our turn, so the girls moved toward the bow and sat along the benches. There was a slight breeze, bringing the smell of salt water. I sat against the rail and closed my eyes, focusing on the gentle rocking as waves passed below us. I was perfectly content listening to my friends talk and soaking up the last rays of sun. We had only been gone for a few hours, and I was already feeling the stress of home melting away.

By the time we made it to the island and met up with everyone at the campsite, the sun was low on the horizon. A few of the guys were gathering firewood and clearing an area for a bonfire. There were a few logs already in place, and chairs were being set up surrounding the firepit.

Mike motioned us over to one of the logs. “We saved this one for you girls. Caleb has some chairs that Justin is bringing back with him, so just hang out here for now.”

He turned and headed back to the other guys, who were organizing everything. A few of the other girls were congregated around a foldout table.

Alexis held up a grocery bag she brought with us from the yacht. “I’m going to go set out this stuff. Save me a seat.”

Talia laid out a blanket on the log before sitting down.

I was shocked. “I didn’t even think to bring anything. You guys are on top of things.”

Mckayla sat down and patted the spot next to her. “We’ve done this before, so we knew what to expect.”

Cassie sat next to me, but her attention seemed to be across the fire.

“See something that interests you?” I loved teasing her about Caleb since she was a good sport about it.

“Oh, definitely! I’m still in shock that he even knows my name! I keep thinking that any moment now I’m going to wake up.”

I slid my arm back and pinched her. She squealed and shot me a dirty look.

“Nope, this is real.” I laughed with the others, and after a few seconds, Cassie joined in.

Talia leaned forward to look at us. “Normally, I would get mad if any of you bailed on more girl time, but I’ll understand if you ditch us for Richie Rich.”

“Oh, stop it. You guys know that’s not why I like him. And besides, we’re just getting to know each other right now.” The blush was back in full force.

“I give it until the end of the trip before you guys are official.”

Mckayla shook her head. “No way, Talia. I give it until tomorrow night. He has the whole day planned for her!”

I smirked as Cassie’s face turned red. “Guys, stop.”

Talia and Mckayla looked confused.

“It will be a done deal by the end of the night.”

We all started giggling, but when Cassie dropped her face into her hands, we lost it.

Alexis came back in the middle of us laughing. “What did I miss?”

Cassie gave us another dirty look. “They’re convinced Caleb will make us official by the end of the night. Apparently, they find joy in embarrassing me.”

Alexis scanned us and nodded. “You’re surprised?”

I put my arm around Cassie and hugged her. “We just love you. I’ll admit I’m a teeny, tiny bit jealous. You guys are cute together.”

She looked shocked. “Oh, Aubrey! I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to rub this in your face or anything. I just got so excited.”

I stopped her before she could continue. “Cassie, I’m so happy for you. That’s not what I meant at all. I’m beyond happy that you all have great guys. It just stinks that I have a tendency to pick losers.”

They all fell silent. I hadn’t meant to kill the mood, but I hadn’t shared my feelings with them often, either.