“Ha! I forgot you’re afraid of them.”
“Who wouldn’t be?” Jude dunked his head under the water one more time to double-check they were alone, for now. “After you made us watch Jaws, I thought I’dneverget into the ocean again. Just thinking about it makes me want to get back on the boat.”
Kai laughed and relaxed onto his back. “Whatever, chicken. Bock bock!”
Jude rolled his eyes and wasted no time getting back on the boat. He felt like hiding his toes in the cushions of the chairs and having the captain drive back to shore. Instead, he puffed up his chest and plopped down next to Sonnet.
She nodded her head towards Kai and Zayden, who were now wading in the water awfully close to each other, and for once, they didn’t look miserable. If Jude didn’t know any better, it almost looked like they were enjoying each other's company.
“That’s a sight for sore eyes,” Sonnet hummed. “What are they talking about?”
“Beats me. They must have started talking after I left. Rude!”
“Shh.” Felix shook his head at Jude. “Let them be. They deserve a chance to be with one another without wanting to kill each other.”
The three of them sat quietly, observing the moment between Kai and Zayden, which seemed to go on and on, both of them shifting from conversation to floating and back again. Jude was happy that he got out of the water and that they were starting to feel comfortable with each other again. Before the mess that was their pack, all four of them were inseparable from each other. They weren’t split off in pairs like they were now. Sure, Jude considered Kai his other half, but the four of them all used to be close.
“Do you think they’ll kiss?” Jude finally asked, breaking the silence on the couch. “Zayden would be a lucky man. Kai is a great kisser.”
Sonnet raised her eyebrows. “Really?”
“Oh, yeah.”
Felix laughed. Jude still wasn’t used to hearing him do that, and he forgot how good a laugh Felix had. “I forgot you used to kiss Kai at New Year's.”
“Only once. He ducked the second year.”
They all laughed, and the good vibes kept coming. When Kai and Zayden finally returned to the boat, everyone enjoyed an amazing dinner and some drinks before returning to the shore.
Goose passed out, and Jude didn’t feel far behind. Something about a relaxing day on the water made him exhausted, and he knew the most perfect nap was waiting for him back at the Airbnb. Maybe if he were lucky, Sonnet would take one with him.
She’s the best cuddler.
I love that she lets us be the little spoon!
Jude didn’t try to hide his smile as they docked the boat, and he helped Sonnet and Goose off. Just as he was ready to help her in the car, Kai spoke up.
“Sonnet?” He shifted back and forth on his feet and was scratching at the back of his neck. “Would you want to go somewhere with me?”
Felix, Sonnet, and Jude all froze, looking from Kai to Sonnet to each other and back again.
Is he asking her on a date?
No way. Not Kai.
Zayden patted Kai on the shoulder supportively. “I think he’s trying to ask you on a date, sweetheart.”
Sonnet lit up. Literally. It was like Jude was standing next to the most decked-out Christmas tree he’s ever seen. She wasbeautifullike this, happy and in love.
“I’d love to!”
Zayden didn’t waste any time. He took Goose from her arms and handed him to Jude and then walked towards the car with a hopeful and knowing smile on his face.
If Zayden was hopeful, it meant there really was a chance their pack was healing. The very future that almost destroyed them was finally theirs.
Chapter 38
Okay, fine. I’m falling for this girl. Sue me.
