Page 174 of Game Night: Truth or Dare

“So you both reckon he’s into me,” I can’t help asking again.

“Into you?” Violet laughs. “Honey, he’s practically drooling with the way he looks at you. I can almost see hearts floating from his eyes.”

I chuckle at the cartoon image, then take a deep breath. “I guess I should talk to him then, clear the air.”

“Just remember that we’ll be here for you, no matter what happens,” Violet says.

“Thanks. I’m going to need all the support I can muster if he kicks me to the kerb.”

“Not happening,” Archie says, and I like his confidence. He tosses the dishcloth my way. “Now go on, get back to work. Can’t let those fantasies distract you too much.”

I chuckle, catching the dishcloth and moving to the sink. It feels good to have a plan. I’ll talk to Austin and clear up any uncertainty. I’ve got nothing to lose.

Except for our friendship.

I push those thoughts aside. I’m sure my relationship with Austin can withstand an unwanted declaration from me. It might be awkward as all hell for a while, but we go too far back for that to last for long. I can still remember when I first moved to town and Austin took me under his wing. I was looking for a fresh start and somehow stumbled on this little piece of paradise. Being a city boy through and through, I surprised myself when I fell in love with Blue Point. Then, being a perennial flirt, surprised myself even more when I fell for the outdoorsy tour boat operator—not my usual type. My first outing on the water with Austin was an eye-opener. I discovered a love for the open water. Where before I’d always swum in heavily chlorinated pools, now I started my day with an ocean swim or a dip in the bay. Both Blue Point and Austin welcomed me with open arms and I’m confident both will be in my life for a long time to come, no matter what else happens in my life. Or if I confess my feelings.

Plus, he’s the one who first raised the idea of the kiss.

The kiss. Now I’m picturing it again. I close my eyes and take a deep breath.

Violet’s words play on loop…“I can almost see hearts floating from his eyes.” If she’s right, is it just lust or something more?

I let out a sigh. I definitely need to find out one way or the other.

Chapter Five

Austin

The rhythmic hum of the boat’s engine accompanies us as we make our way to the cove. The boat, my half-cabin runabout, cuts a path through the water, leaving a trail of white foam in our wake. The sun is high in the sky and I’m grateful for my cap that I pull down lower over my brow. Hopefully the visor hides my eyes, as I can’t help stealing glances at Henry, who seems lost in thought as he looks out over the water, his brow furrowed and his gaze distant. I wonder what he’s thinking about, what it is that’s put that pensive look on his face.

“Almost there,” I call, pointing ahead to where the cove comes into view. A crescent of pristine golden sand curves between two rocky outcroppings, fringed by green trees and vegetation that provides a stark contrast to the clear blue sky above. Paradise.

Henry turns and looks over his shoulder with a grin. “Looks perfect for a picnic,” he says. “How come you haven’t brought me here before?”

There’s a hint of excitement in his eyes making me glad I chose this secluded beach for our outing today. I want to tell him that it’s special, a place I come to when I need to mediate on life. I didn’t even bring Rachel here. But I bite my tongue and shrug. It’s a romantic notion and I feel stupid saying it out loud, even if it’s to Henry. Instead, I’ll show him how special it is.

I begin to slow the boat, steering us toward the beach, angling the bow so the boat gently comes to a halt on the sand. “All right, let’s tie her up.”

Henry adjusts his cap, puts on his sunnies, and grabs his small backpack. Together, we hop off to secure the boat with an anchor driven into the sand.

“Jeez!” Henry yells and I can’t help laughing when I see him.

The water, knee-high on me, is more mid-thigh on him and the bottom of his shorts have plastered to his legs making it a struggle for him to wade through.

“Stop laughing,” he says and mock scowls, and when I don’t, he leans over to scoop up handfuls of water that he splashes at me.

I shake the droplets off and keep laughing as I carry the anchor to shore, Henry trailing behind.

Once the boat is secure, I quickly wade back and grab the stuff we need for lunch, tucking a picnic rug under my arm and hauling the esky to the beach. We make our way to a shady spot beneath a large tree that borders the sand.

Henry takes two corners and helps lay out the picnic rug. He looks amazing in his damp shorts and the tank top that shows off his lean, sculptured body as he leans down. His shoulders have a pale golden tan from being outdoors despite the sunscreen I know he slathers on religiously.

He must sense my gaze because he shoots me a sly smile that sends a shiver down my spine. I can’t read his expression because of his aviator sunglasses.

“Need a hand with the food?” he asks.

“Uh, yeah, sure,” I stammer, trying to hide my nervousness as I fidget with the picnic supplies.

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