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“You guys were incredible out there.”

“I really thought we were done for toward the end there.”

“Could have fooled me.”

He folded me into his arms once more, and I smiled as I leaned against his chest. It was impossible not to like Wes, especially when he was like this.

When he pulled back, he was still grinning down at me. “Date me, Isobel.”

“What?”

“I know I’m supposed to be patient and we’re supposed to think this through. But I want this. I want you. Be my girlfriend, for real.”

“You’re still high on adrenaline from your race.”

His expression sobered slightly. “Perhaps I am. But perhaps that adrenaline has also given me clarity. I want you to be my girlfriend.”

“Really?”

He nodded, and a hint of uncertainty entered his eyes. He’d probably been slightly high on energy when he’d asked me, but I could see in his gaze that he meant it, and I knew he’d be hurt if I turned him down.

Even as I looked into his eyes, I thought of Noah. My relationship with Noah had been like a starlit sky. It was beautiful and endless, and the darkness had a unique allure all its own. But the dark was also fraught with danger, and there were so many obstacles you couldn’t see.

Wes was more like the sunny sky overhead. He was happy, easy, and warm. Being with him wasn’t complicated, and his brightness chased away even the gloomiest of shadows. I deserved to be with someone who made me happy. Perhaps this was the nudge I’d been asking for from the universe.

Slowly, I started to nod. “Okay.”

“Okay?” A smile tugged at his lips as my nod became more definite.

“Yes, okay.”

He laughed and pulled me up into his arms, swinging me around again. When he slowly lowered me to the ground, he sealed our relationship with a kiss. His lips tasted slightly salty, and the intensity with which he kissed me had me feeling light on my feet. I could feel his kiss all the way down in my toes, and I smiled as I heard his team whistling and jeering at us from behind.

Slowly, I pulled away, and when I opened my eyes, he was gazing down at me. He was looking at me like I was the prize he was taking home today rather than the trophy his team had just won.

“I think we just made a bit of a scene,” I murmured.

“I think we might have too,” he agreed. “Want to make another one?”

I laughed and pushed back from him. “Maybe later.”

“I’ll hold you to that.” He glanced past me to his teammates who had returned to celebrating their win.

“You should get back to them,” I said.

“I’d rather stay here with you.”

I shook my head. “Go celebrate with your friends. I’ll see you at the party later tonight.”

He gave me a grin and then swooped down to kiss me on the cheek. “I can’t wait.” He jogged past me to catch up with his team and head back to the boathouse, and I smiled as I watched him go.

Wes was sweet and fun, and I liked him so much. Things were moving fast between us, but this felt right, and I was glad I’d agreed to be his girlfriend. I knew we were putting our friendship at risk, but I didn’t want to let that hold us back. Not when we clearly both wanted to be something more. Sawyer was right; what was life without a little risk.

CHAPTERTWENTY-EIGHT

The party at Luther’s was in full swing by the time we arrived. It seemed as though every student at Weybridge was here, and given the number of unfamiliar faces we passed, many kids from the other schools at the regatta had come to the party too.

The sunshine that had felt so warm during the day had disappeared, leaving behind an open night sky and a chill on the breeze. Anna and Cress were wearing short dresses, their skin turning pale from the cool night air. I’d opted for a pair of jeans and a thick woolen jacket, and I’d never been more pleased I ignored my friends’ insistence on wearing something more revealing.