Page 21 of Tell No Lies

“Yeah, I don’t know what possessed your brain tonight, but I’ll just assume you weren’t yourself.”

Gee, thanks, Alexis.

“Girls, stop. She looked like she was having a good time. Maybe she brings out a good side in Tucker.” I nudged Mckayla, silently thanking her.

“Or he just wants in her pants.”

“Alexis!” This time Cassie had my back.

“What? That’s how he is.”

Finally, I broke my silence. “It was just for one night. He was a gentleman, but I’m not interested in him.”

“That’s how he lures his victims in.” Alexis wasn’t going to give it up.

“Maybe, but don’t worry. I just wanted to branch out a little this weekend. This doesn’t mean anything.”

I heard Alexis grumble, but I couldn’t make out what she said.

Cassie was understanding, though. “Good for you. If I hadn’t branched out, Caleb would have never asked me out …”

“What?” We all sat up and looked at her. Through the dim light, I could see her blush growing.

“I won!” I’d known it wouldn’t take long.

We all laughed before Cassie told us the story. Evidently, Caleb was serious about her and didn’t want to risk any other guy snatching her up. How precious.

Eight

The gentle rocking motion of the waves was surprisingly soothing. I woke up feeling refreshed, despite being crowded by Mckayla. I sat up and saw that Talia had moved over toward the center of the bed, making us all squeeze together on one side. What a hog.

I slipped out of the bed and into the bathroom, taking the opportunity of having it to myself for a few minutes. I showered and changed into my swimsuit and cover-up. We had plans to snorkel this morning, much to my chagrin, and later in the afternoon, we planned on girls’ time together to go shopping. On my way up to the main deck, I woke up Alexis so she could change next.

Mike was sitting with a few of the other guys in the main cabin, eating breakfast. I smiled at them as I poured myself a glass of orange juice.

“Good morning, early riser. We weren’t expecting you girls to get up for a few more hours.” Mike beamed at me. Apparently, he was a morning person.

“I’m used to running in the morning, but I just woke up Alexis, so they should all be up soon.”

Mike scooted over on the bench, offering me a seat.

I looked around the table and asked, “Who’s going snorkeling this morning?”

A few of the guys said they were, but most said they were waiting until it warmed up in the afternoon.

Mike put his arm around my shoulder and leaned in. “Do I get you to myself today, or do I have to share with Tucker?”

I elbowed him and laughed. “Why is everyone making such a big deal about that? It was one time!”

Andy, Tucker’s friend from the basketball team, must have overheard us. “Because you’re too good for him.”

I was shocked he would say that about his friend.

Mike laughed and nodded in agreement.

“You guys! He’s not that bad.” I’d seen a different side of him last night.

“He didn’t come back last night. I got a text saying he was keeping one of the girls company for the night.”