Page 42 of Sand in My Boots

His lips quirk up on one side. “You’re going to love it. Trust me.”

The truth is, I do trust him. But I’m not sure about right at the moment.

“Let’s go.”

Cameron backs the car out of the spot and sets off on our way.

It’s a quick drive to the next village over. Palm trees sway overhead on the winding roads, and with the sunroof and the AC on low, the temperature inside the car is comfortable.

The marina is at the end of a long road, and to my amusement, filled with boats of different shapes and sizes. Through my sunglasses, my eyes skim them all, looking for the one we’ll board soon. Cameron’s choice of parking spots gives nothing away. He tucks the car in the back of a lot half-filled with different brands of cars. “Bring your bag,” he instructs as he climbs out.

The bag with the towel I won’t need on a “cruise around the islands”? Oh yeah, I won’t forget that.

Bitterness endeavors to best me, but I tamp it down. There’s a lot to be excited about—being here with Cameron, being on the water, the way the sun shines down, the air sizzling with heat. Okay, I could do without the humidity, but other than that, my reasons stand.

“Come on. I promise it’ll be fun. And if it’s not, I’ll make it up to you in the bedroom tonight.”

“Yeah, you will.”

Okay, that’s the last bitter comment I make. Commencing positive attitude now.

Cameron grabs my hand in his, his palm sweaty to the touch. I surmise it’s more to do with the weather rather than how he feels. “Our hands fit well together.”

“Along with other body parts.” Oomph. Why did I say that out loud? He’s being all sweet and swoony, and I have to be a teenage boy.

Cameron’s chuckle rumbles his chest. “I would definitely agree, sweetstuff.”

“I feel like my mom calls me that. So, no.”

“Noted. I’ll keep trying.”

I love how he’s determined to find a pet name for me. Are we headed to a place for pet names? My heart leans toward yes, but my head shuts that down immediately. It’ll be nice for however long it lasts.

Lost in thought, I don’t pay attention to where we’re going, so when we stop in front of a little hut, I check around for a cruise boat. The only one I see is a speedboat. I don’t let the feeling of hope bubble too high. Cameron’s made it clear we’re taking a cruise boat. He even emphasized cruise a few times when he described it.

He’s busy shaking hands with the young kid in charge. Makes sense since he mentioned he sets up a lot of excursions for guests of the resort.

“Thanks, Buddy. We’ll be back in about three hours. I really appreciate this.” Keys and life jackets are exchanged between them, and soon Cameron points me down the boat ramp. How did I not realize a man standing at the end of it?

My steps are small down the ramp, not willing to fall through the slats separated by little space. I hold tight to the rail with my right hand; I don’t need to make a fool of myself. Cameron doesn’t rush me or try to get ahead of me. He’s patient, like most things in his life. His easygoing nature first attracted me to him. He wasn’t like any of the guys in the crowd of wealthy kids I knew growing up, nor was he like any of Preston’s other friends. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him get upset.

“Hey, Cameron. We’re finally doing this?” the man standing against the rail greets us.

“I told you one day we would. Today seems like a great day.” From behind me, he reaches his hand out. The other guy receives it warmly, giving it a firm shake. He’s about our age, give or take a few years in either direction. His skin is tanned from the sun, his cropped blond hair in direct contrast. Somehow it works for him. A warm smile stretches his mouth. I like him instantly.

“This is Juli, my date for the day.”

My ears perk up at the word date. Even with the qualifier of “the day,” I like the sound of it. It’s a better label than anything I’ve come up with so far.

“Hi. Axel Sansone. Good to meet you. Are you staying at the resort?”

“Yes, but Cameron and I go way back. He’s a friend of my brother, Preston’s.” The name doesn’t register with Axel, but I don’t press it.

“Ah, okay. Well, shall we get to it?”

Curiosity gets the better of me. “What is ‘it’ exactly?”

The two men exchange devilish looks. It seems Cameron has sworn this guy to secrecy, too. Where does he find people who succumb to his evil plans?