Page 18 of Blue Hawaiian
Ice water shot through her veins. “Sharks? Gabi didn’t mention sharks.” She scanned the horizon. “Shouldn’t there be signs up?” She was about to wade back to the beach, but Connor caught her arm. The sensation sent tingles through her.
“Kidding. I wanted to see if you were still scared of them.”
She smacked him in the chest. “You bastard. If I’m afraid of sharks, it’s because you forced me to watchJaws.” She lifted her hand to smack him again, but he grabbed her wrist and held it tight. She stumbled, and he steadied her with his other hand. They were inches apart, and she was more aware of his physical presence than ever. She swallowed, torn between enjoying his touch and putting some distance between them.
“Jawsis a classic,” he said. “Every movie buff needs to watch it at least once.”
“But you told me sharks had been sighted at Big Bear Lake. It was beyond cruel.”
He chuckled. “It was a freshwater lake in the mountains. Zero chance of a shark attack.”
She’d forgotten how much she loved his laugh. Or how much she enjoyed teasing him. “At least I didn’t freak out and claim a rogue grizzly was rooting through our garbage like you did that summer.”
“Hey, it was pitch-dark outside. And it sounded like a bear.”
She gave him a huge eye roll. “It was a raccoon, you big dork. You had bears on the brain after we watchedThe Revenant. Worst movie choice ever.”
“I had to put it on my bucket list. Leo won an Oscar for that movie.”
The sparks between them made Jess’s pulse race. She licked her lips, tasting salt water, only to find Connor staring at her unashamedly, as if he wanted to claim those lips for himself. She forced herself to pull away and take a few steps back before she did something stupid, like kiss him.
“I…I watched some of the movies on the list you gave me.”
He placed his hand over his heart. “My cinematic bucket list. And?”
“Some of them were great.Snowpiercerwas brilliant, but so dark.The Blair Witch Projectgave me chills. But2001: A Space Odysseywas a total snoozefest.”
“Remember how we wanted to do aJurassic Parkmarathon and watch all the movies back-to-back?” he said.
She laughed. “Until your mom reminded us the purpose of being up in the mountains was to get outside and enjoy the fresh air.”
As much as she’d loved being outdoors with the whole gang, she’d treasured the times she and Connor had spent watching movies, hidden away in his family’s cushy media room at the lodge.
He pointed to her arm. “You’re looking a little pink. You might need more sunscreen.”
She pressed her fingers against her skin, which had grown sensitive to the touch. Even though she’d practically bathed in Coppertone, she was on the verge of a sunburn. “Thanks. You should do the same.” She took off her fins and tucked them under one arm.
As they waded back toward the others, Luisa approached them and flashed Connor a sweet smile. She placed her hand on his arm. “I need a break from the sun, so I’m heading inside. But I’ll see you tonight. Should I come to your room, or should we meet at the shuttle?”
Connor had the courtesy to look uneasy. “Ah…how about the shuttle?”
“Perfect.” She gave his arm a squeeze. “I’m glad I won’t be flying solo on the cruise.”
Jess wanted to keep silent. Sheneededto keep silent. But as soon as Luisa walked back to shore, she turned on Connor, her voice dripping with venom. “Nice work. You’re here less than twenty-four hours and you’re already hitting on my cousin?”
“I wasn’t hitting on her.”
“The hell you weren’t.” Here she was, falling prey to his charm, evenflirtingwith him, and he was up to his old tricks.
“For your information, Luisa approachedme. Everyone else on the cruise is part of a couple, and she didn’t want to feel left out. We’re going as friends.”
“Is she aware of that? Because she seemed into you.” Jess knew she was crossing a line, but she didn’t care.
“Who are you to judge, seeing as how you’re spending the evening withLance?”
The disdain in his voice told her exactly how he regarded the arrangement. “What’s wrong with that? It’smyvacation. I could use a little fun.”
He crossed his arms. “I get it. But you might want to tone down the judgment. And stop assuming the worst of me. We haven’t talked for five years. Maybe I’ve changed.”
