Page 23 of Tell No Lies

After hours of rotating, we decided to go back to the boat and shower before everyone else got back. As we were getting ready for the bonfire, the other girls came shuffling in. Talia and Alexis were talking excitedly about each fish they’d seen but stopped when Cassie came in looking flushed.

Talia stopped midsentence and pointed at her. “We saw you two seconds ago. What happened?”

Cassie’s blush deepened, and she giggled. “Caleb kissed me.”

Screams broke out, and we tackled her in a hug and landed on the bed. Luckily, the door had already been closed, or the guys staying in the front room would have gotten an eyeful.

Alexis pulled up first and took Cassie’s face in both her hands. “Details, woman!”

More giggling broke out as we untangled ourselves from each other and waited for her to spill.

“He took me to the flybridge while everyone else came down here, and he told me how much fun he’s had with me and how happy he is that we’re officially a couple. Then he kissed me.” She shrugged shyly and looked at the bedspread she was rubbing her hand across.

We broke out in a chorus of “aw”s before there was a knock on the door.

I stood to open it and stepped back as Caleb walked in. “Are you guys okay in here?” He smirked like he knew exactly what was going on.

I nodded and tried not to smile too wide. “Yup, we’re just getting ready now.”

“Mm-hmm. Well, the boat will start taking people back for the bonfire in a few, so hurry it up.”

We agreed. I shut the door and fell against it, laughing.

Cassie stood and shook her head. “That’s so embarrassing! He totally knew I told you guys everything!”

Talia stood and grabbed her things on her way into the bathroom. “Whatever. He’s probably feeling pretty good about himself now.”

We broke out in laughter again, and Cassie’s face reached a new level of red.

I was on my best behavior at the bonfire. There had been enough drama over last night, so I stuck close to the girls tonight, but after a few s’mores, I started feeling sick.

“You were in the sun a lot today. You’re probably just dehydrated.” Mckayla’s logic sounded right, but I wanted to lie down. She put her hand on my forehead and sighed. “You’re on fire, hon. Do you want me to walk you back to the dock?”

I shook my head. I didn’t want anyone to miss out because of me.

I stood and told the girls goodbye. I hoped to avoid Mike, since I knew he would protest me making the five-minute walk alone. I slid into the darkness outside the reach of the campfire easily.

I continued along the path when I heard a snap from somewhere close behind me. I froze and listened for more movement. I only heard silence and convinced myself it was just an animal when the sound came again, closer this time.

I stopped and was considering turning back when my vision went black. My heart jumped to my throat when I realized someone was holding me against them. I threw an elbow back and made contact with a hard mass.

A male voice grunted. “What the heck, Aubrey! Why did you attack me?”

I spun and was face to face with Donny. My breathing slowed to a normal rate, but I was suddenly furious. “Don’t ever sneak up on a girl like that! I thought you were a murderer or something! Geez, Donny!”

He chuckled deeply and hugged me. “I’m sorry, little one. I thought it would be funny. Evidently it wasn’t.”

I punched his arm once before hugging him back. “Jerk. Why were you following me?”

“Talia said you were walking back alone, and I couldn’t allow that, so I came to make sure you made it safely.”

I turned and continued on the path. “Good job at that. You scared me to death.”

He threw his arm around my shoulder. “I know. I’m sorry! I’ll announce myself next time.”

We reached the dock a few moments later, and instead of making sure I got on the boat and left, he climbed in behind me.

“Why aren’t you going back?” I didn’t want him to miss out because of me.