Page 115 of Collateral Damage
We stretch the moment out, the ecstasy lingering between us. Then, carefully, he slides from me and leans back on his knees, pulling me into his lap. I flip around, my legs spread, my exposed flesh wet and glistening with the evidence of our arousal. He takes his time looking at it, and even though it’s dark out here, I can see the satisfaction in his possessive gaze.
Then he kisses me, long and slow and searching.
Perfect.
This is not friends with benefits.
I’veneverexperienced something like this with a friend. I don’t know what to do about that, don’t know what we are, but that doesn’t matter to me right now. I let my thoughts drift as I kiss him like I’ve never kissed anyone else before.
Forty-Eight
Cooper
Past - Age 26
We’re on Ethan’s boat as the water glistens in the fading sunset. One last sail around the island before we have to return to Manhattan. At least our work is interesting, but being on Nantucket always makes me want to stay for the entire summer, just like old times.
“You ready for the drama when we get back?” I ask Ethan while he adjusts the sails.
He understands sailing better than I ever did. It’s been one of his hobbies for years. When we got our trust funds, this sailboat was his first big purchase. He named herJuliet, which I said was stupid, especially when he wouldn’t tell me why. Since when did my brother give a shit about Shakespeare?
“What drama?” he huffs as he works, catching the practically nonexistent wind and getting us moving again. He says sailing is both an art and a science whenever he drags me out here, and I stand around clueless.
Some things never change.
“Oh come on… Your new girlfriend?” I prod. “Arden? And you? That’s going to be drama.”
He chuckles, a boyish smile on his face. “Whatever it is, I’m not worried about it. We’re committed to each other.” He catches my eye and winks. “She loves me.”
Oh hell, he’s in trouble. “Of course she does. You’re a lovable guy, Ethan. She’s lucky to have you.”
“Nah, I’m the lucky one.”
The sudden mechanical roar of a speedboat revving its engine makes us both jump. We turn to see a shiny small boat headed directly for us. My heart speeds, but logically, I know the driver will see us and move. People are idiots out here sometimes, but they don’t run into each other on purpose. Probably some rich old guy, showing off his newest toy.
I squint, trying to make out the people on the boat… and the whole world slows.
“Is that…?” My voice trails off when I catch a better look at the man behind the wheel with his familiar tall build, faded Harvard ball cap, and the grimace on his face.
It’s Gregory Laurence, and he’s coming right for us.
“Shit,” Ethan mutters, dashing for the steering wheel.
Greg’s boat barrels forward, and I count the heads, my mouth drying. His entire family is on board.
Ethan has abandoned the sail, so I take over, fumbling with the rigging to finish getting it up. The speedboat doesn’t waver.
Ten more seconds, and we’re dead.
“He’s going to hit us!” I point to the water. “Jump!”
Ethan and I lock eyes, understanding quick between us. We move… but it happens too fast. One second, we’re on deck, and the next the speed boat ison us. Ethan dives into the water just before we’re hit, but I’m not fast enough.
The impact is pure chaos.
Metal screeches against wood, violent and all-encompassing.
I’m thrown airborne so fast I barely have time to register what’s happening. I don’t know which direction I’m flying when I slam into the water. Pain explodes through my body. Pain and pure terror.
