Page 95 of Adrift

“What?” But he’s flipped me and has me in his arms.

“Hold on, Haley.” He jumps into the water. The waves surround us, and he quickly makes his way with his long legs into the waist-deep water. “Float.” He lets go of me but keeps his hand on the underside of my back. He steadies me there. “Now listen. Easton and Zane are coming.”

I turn my head to the side to not get a mouthful of water.

“You’re right, the captain would be furious. Because he knows quality when he sees it. We all do too.”

The air in my lungs freezes. Is he trying to tell me that I shouldn’t be with him and the guys?

“Let me finish! Okay?”

I nod.

“Your life isn’t his to live. You’re doing what you think is right. For right now. That’s what you need to do, Haley. Live in the right now. There are no guests to serve. Not even Swimmer Boy. This is about you. Focus on taking care of yourself, and we will too. Because you are more precious than fresh water or food. Got it? If Sam was here, he’d realize how important it is for you to take care of you. He’s not, so you need to do it instead. Take care of you. Let us take care of you.” Calvin leans over me. His eyes sparkle in the midday sun. “Here they come.”

I don’t have to lift my head. The splashes of the water announce Zane and Easton. Calvin leans over me, and I can’t help it—I loop my arms around his neck and kiss him. Locking my feet around his waist is natural. As he deepens our kiss, I can hear Zane and Easton cheering.

“That’s our girl.”

“Fuck, you’re so sexy, Little Bird.”

The waves crash around us, and I can’t stop them. I can’t stop where I am. I can’t stop how I feel. Calvin’s right. This is my life. And if I want this, there’s no reason why I shouldn’t have it.

He breaks our kiss, but I’m not ready for it to be over. Then I realize he’s giving me to Zane.

Zane’s brown eyes glisten like amber against the sun, reflecting off the waves. “Feeling better, Little Bird?”

“So much.” I reach for him and give him the kiss that scared me the other day. His lips are warm and subtle. But I don’t have much time before he hands me to Easton. They’re all good kissers, but so different. Each one in their own way. Each of them is built of firm muscle but differently. Easton’s back is like iron when I grab him around his neck. His lips are firm and commanding. Calvin wants to please me by taking control, while Easton is slow and easy. And Zane? Can lips convey joy? I think they can, and his do. It makes me wonder what Dante’s kiss will be like. Calvin’s right, though. I need more in-the-moment thoughts and feelings. I hang on to Easton.

He breaks the kiss. “Are you okay?”

I let my legs drop, although I know he can hold me up. Heck, the way he saved Dante was amazing. That’s when I look up and see Dante staring at us from the beach.

“I will be.”

Chapter 38

Grounded

Easton

Ihold the towel out for Haley as Zane holds her hand coming out of the water. Calvin’s impromptu swim has taken a good hour out of the middle of the day. It made for a nice distraction from what’s become our normal routine for the ticking days: work, swim, eat, collect firewood, and do it all again.

It’s sunny and warm. A light breeze sweeping across the beach will dry us all off within a few minutes, but there’s something I’ve always liked about having a dry towel ready for me. Zane leads her right to me. Dante’s back in his kitchen. I get why he didn’t follow us out into the water. Someone has to tend the fire, and after what happened? He’s not ready for the water. I think he’s putting on a lot of “I’m fine” bravado. The last time I asked to check him out, he swatted me away. I figure if he wants help, he’ll ask for it. Not that there’s a lot I could do here. Not that there’s a lot I could do if we weren’t on an island, either. Set a bone? Maybe. Massage a muscle? Definitely.

“Did you enjoy your swim?” I ask.

“Yes.” Haley lifts onto her tiptoes and kisses my cheek. “Thank you for getting the towel.” She quickly dries herself and hands it to Zane. “I’m going to weave some fronds for the fire-protection cover.”

“Want some help?” I ask.

“At some point, but I’m trying to perfect my technique first.”

I nod. I can understand wanting space while you’re learning something. When I first got into competitive swimming, I liked to practice for hours in the pool by myself. “What you’ve done looks good to me.”

“Thanks, but I want them to be super tight for the fire shelter. Hopefully, it will give us more of a waterproof covering.”

I nod and leave Dante and Haley over at the raft. I want to be with her, but smothering someone is never a good idea. I head into the jungle. Down the path to the map tree.

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