Page 36 of One Night in Hawaii

“No one touches the boat,” I said, holding one finger in the air. “All of you better plan on sleeping on the beach. You’re not sleeping below deck. That’s where I’ll be. No one touches the keys or my scuba gear. Kane, I’m looking at you.”

There had been an incident with him getting drunk and trying to put on my wet suit.

“I won’t touch anything,” he promised.

“If you want to get a blanket or something, go get it now. You can’t have mine,” I said firmly. “You guys want to do the nasty with some girl you pick up, do it on the sand or your own blanket, not on mine.”

Archer had a goofy grin on his face. He probably thought this was all really silly, but he didn’t know the guys like I did. Every rule was established after an incident occurred that required such rules to avoid further disaster.

Ryder looked at his buddies. “Go,” he said to Kane. “You better bring a couple.”

There was some joking and laughing as Kane hopped off the boat and ran up to the house. Penelope and Archer both looked confused. “Is that what this is?” Penelope asked.

“You’ve never been to a beach party?” Ryder questioned.

“I’ve been to parties and some included a beach, but there was never a need for blankets,” she said with a hint of condemnation.

“She’s talking about partying in the Hamptons,” Archer said. “No one needed the beach because the houses all have twenty bedrooms and pool houses.”

It was another reminder of the differences between us and them. Kane returned and jumped on the boat with three blankets. “Ready!” he declared.

I started the engine while Ryder untied the boat.

As we pulled away from the shore, the wind whipped through our hair and the smell of saltwater filled our nostrils. I felt the rush of adrenaline as I guided the boat out into the open sea.

We cruised along the coastline, the moonlight casting an ethereal glow on the water. The boys were whooping and hollering, their laughter echoing across the waves. Penelope, on the other hand, was quiet, lost in thought.

“You okay?” I asked her, my eyes flicking over to her for a moment before focusing back on the horizon.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” she said, forcing a small smile. “This is crazy.”

“It’s not that bad,” I assured her.

“No, I mean, I’ve never done anything like this and I have to admit, that makes me a little sad.”

“There’s a first time for everything,” I said, grinning. “I’ll make sure to keep an eye on you tonight. Just don’t go sneaking off with any boys.”

She giggled and gave me a side hug. “Thanks for being a good friend.”

15

ARCHER

The bonfire on the beach was a sight to behold. The flickering flames illuminated the night, casting a warm glow over the gathering. Music filled the air, and laughter mingled with the crashing waves in the background. It was a lively party, with plenty of alcohol flowing and people dancing joyously. I sat on a log with a cold bottle of beer in my hand. I was content to observe. It was a totally different culture. Shiloh and Ryder blended right in. It was very much a part of who they were.

It was hard not to look at Shiloh. The dress she was wearing showed off her tanned legs while teasing the bikini she wore underneath. I could practically feel her breasts pushed against my chest. The brief contact we enjoyed in the galley of her boat had nearly set me on fire. I would have kissed her had my phone not rung. I was pretty damn sure she would have let me.

When she came up from below deck earlier, the sight of her took my breath away. She always looked so alive. The tiny bit of makeup she put on enhanced her beauty instead of masking flaws. When I first saw her, my inner caveman nearly sprang into action. I wanted to push everyone off the boat and drag her right back downstairs to have my way with her gorgeous body.

But I knew better than to act on such impulses. Shiloh was not the type of woman to be claimed so easily. She was a free spirit, and I respected that about her. So, I just sat there, watching her dance with Ryder, her body moving fluidly to the beat of the music. I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy as I watched the way Ryder looked at her. But I knew that jealousy was unwarranted. Shiloh was not mine to possess. And Ryder was her best friend. There was nothing sexual between them.

“Shots!” Ryder shouted and held up a bottle of tequila.

Shiloh grabbed Penelope’s arm. “Come with me!”

I watched them do shots with some of the other guys. Shiloh was a little drunk and having the time of her life. She knew everyone and it seemed like everyone loved her. I understood why. To know her was to love her.

“Your turn,” Ryder said and handed me a plastic cup. There was definitely more than the typical shot in the cup.

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