Page 27 of Cole

“I don’t want to,” Annie said.

Dawn scoffed. “Oh, but youdowant to. You’re just scared to hang out with people.”

“No, I’m not,” Annie protested.

“So, are you going to go?”

“We’re going to go,” Annie told her. “And you’re coming with us.”

“Of course I am.”

“How are you going to hide a weapon in a swimsuit?”

Dawn chuckled. “Like you, I won’t be going into the water.”

“Is Andrew going to come too?” Annie asked.

“I’d like him to,” Dawn said. “Would that be an issue with Cole?”

“I don’t think so. When you guys first met him, I introduced you as boyfriend and girlfriend, so I don’t think it would be a problem.”

“Then let’s get our stuff together.”

“I’ll drive to my place, then come back to pick up Benji.”

As she drove to her house, she pondered what to wear. She wasn’t a big fan of tight-fitting or revealing clothing, which was the main reason she wasn’t going to be wearing a swimsuit. But also, the majority of her clothes had been bought taking into account that she was often hiding a weapon.

When she got to the house, she spent longer than she should have deciding what to wear. In the end, she settled on a maxi sundress that had a square neckline and loose, flowing sleeves that covered her upper arm almost to her elbow. It might not be as casual as some on board the boat might be dressed, but she’d be comfortable.

Since both Dawn and Andrew would be present, she didn’t strap on her gun. She would have it in her bag, though.

She packed a small duffle with a couple of towels, as well as some sunscreen. After tucking her purse into the duffle as well, Annie went back out to her car and drove down to pick up Benji.

After coordinating with Dawn and Andrew, they headed for the marina that Cole had said they were meeting at. It was a little bit of a drive, since their place was on the opposite side of Serenity from where the marina was located.

Annie told herself that she was just hungry when her stomach got a little queasy as she pulled into a spot in the parking lot at the marina. It was the same spot where she’d dropped Benji off last time, so she knew they were in the right place. as soon as they parked, they got out of the car.

Andrew and Dawn joined them on the grass in front of the cars, then they made their way over to where the boats were docked. At one time, their own boats would have been in the marina, but they had both been in storage for awhile now.

“Hey!” Cole called out as he strode toward them, Amelia at his side. “Glad you all could make it.”

“Do you remember Andrew?” Annie asked as she gestured to the man.

“Sure do,” Cole said, holding his hand out to Andrew. “Glad to have you along.”

Benji and Amelia were already making their way to the docks, so the rest of them followed the duo.

“I’m glad you decided to come with us this time,” Cole said once they were on board the pontoon.

“Benji wouldn’t let me say no.”

“I’m glad of his ability to convince you to do something when my charm failed.”

Annie tried not to take what he said seriously. To someone like Cole, who was used to being the center of attention, she knew that he probably turned the charm on without even thinking about it.

By the time they cast off, several more people had shown up.

“Are we eating first?” Aiden asked. “Or swimming?”

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