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“Is that what you want?” I almost whisper, hoping she won’t confirm it.

“There are a lot of things I still don’t know or that I’m learning about myself, Landon. And although it was really hard when you left like you did, a lot of good came out of it.”

My heart wants to break at her words while pulling her to me, infusing as much of the sorrow into her as I can so she’ll believe me when I say our relationship wasn’t an easy thing to walk away from.

“You’re a strong woman, Rachelle. Don’t forget it.”

She gives me a wistful look, but I don’t get a full read because someone is shouting her name.

Tiffany waves to us from a small stand. “I found this sundress for you, Rachelle. I also found a package of severely overpriced wipes you can take a sponge bath with.” She hands over the wipe package and a bright yellow sundress before taking a giant step back. “No offense, but baby isn’t fond of how you smell at the moment.”

Rachelle gives a half-hearted laugh. “You’re just going to blame everything on your baby now?”

“Maybe.”

“Nothing in that pile for me?” I tease and Tiffany turns to me, as if she’d forgotten I’m here at all.

“Not yet, but I think I saw a shirt that would work. You might have to suffer through with your shorts though. Or go dunk yourself in the ocean to get rid of the yeast smell.” She puts her hand to her nose, pinching.

“It’s not that bad,” I say, nearly gagging as the laugh causes me to breathe in through my nose. This is not going well.

Tiffany’s idea to wash off in the ocean isn’t half-bad. It’s better than going back on deck and missing more time with Rachelle.

“Why don’t we do a quick rinse off in the ocean and then you can use the wipes if you need them?” I ask Rachelle. I add in a quick shoulder shrug, hoping that will make my suggestion not sound so much like a command.

Rachelle nods. “I think that will be for the best. Ten wipes is not going to cut it on its own.” She’s trying to keep her face neutral, but the corners of her mouth turn up and I can’t help but smile.

“Where’s Dani?” Rachelle asks as we wade in.

“She said she’d meet me here when she took one of the later buses. She was out late last night and needed more sleep.”

Tiffany startles me when she says, “I miss that girl.” She’s wading close to us but stops when the water hits her knees. I can see what looks like a bright orange flower shirt tucked between her hip and her arm. She’s quick. I wish she’d just take a walk for a bit. This is the most alone-ish time I’ve had with Rachelle all trip.

“Who?” I ask.

“Your sister. She’s the best.”

I laugh and say, “She has her moments.”

Rachelle and I dunk ourselves in the water a few times and come out. It takes everything in me to look away as she’s carefully braiding her long brown hair.

I take off my t-shirt and start putting on the flowered one Tiffany hands me when I notice Rachelle standing a few feet away. The best word to describe her reaction is ogling, and as much as I want to gloat in this moment, I figure I might as well not make things more awkward. She’s ready to take off at any sign of trouble, and I’m going to do everything I can to keep her around. Like, rule follower and not awkward guy here.

Rachelle’s eyes go wide, her gaze still trailing down my chest and abs. I wish I could read her thoughts.

She takes the dress Tiffany hands her and ducks into the grove of palm trees. After another minute or so, she walks out, looking like sunshine and happiness. I open my mouth to say that exact thing, but she speaks before I can get anything out.

“Okay, well, thanks for helping me on the zip line. Sorry I puked on you. Have a nice life.”

And within moments, she’s gone, dragging Tiffany behind her.

CHAPTER23

Rachelle

To be honest, this trip can’t get any more humiliating. So far, I’ve:

1. Punched Landon in the face at the top of the slide.