Page 81 of Best Wrong Thing

“Morning.” He smiles, his eyes sparkling.

My heart skips. His smile is so damned beautiful. “Morning. Have you been for a run?”

“Yup. And a swim.”

As much as I want to see him swim each morning, I’ve avoided being outside until he’s finished. Watching the man I’m falling head over heels for swimming in nothing but a pair of tight-fitting swimming trunks isn’t a good plan.

“Ready for the trip?” he asks.

I nod.

“I’m so excited.”

“So am I,” Dad says.

Archer’s expression drops like a stone.

My stomach flips and congeals. “I’m sorry, what?”

“The volcano tour. I booked a place on it as well.”

I gape at him. “When?”

“After you said you were going on it. Didn’t I tell you?”

I glance at Archer, who offers the slightest shake of his head.

“No, Dad, you didn’t.”

“Oh, well, I am. I wanted Molly to come along too. Watching the sunset at the top of a volcano would be romantic.”

I grit my teeth. Yes, it would have been.

“But she didn’t want to come. Maybe she’ll join us on a trip before the holiday is over.”

“I wouldn’t bet on it,” Archer mumbles.

Dad checks his watch. “We’d best get going, or we’ll miss our pickup. Do you boys have everything you need? Water? Sun cream? Snacks?”

“Yes, Dad.”

“Good, good, let’s go.”

I hang my rucksack over my left shoulder.

“You shouldn’t carry it like that. You’ll hurt your back.” Dad puts his on properly and fastens the waist strap.

I grind my teeth. My jaw aches, and my temples throb. If I pinch myself, will I wake up and realise this is a horrible nightmare? Unfortunately not.

“Come along.” Dad heads to the door.

Archer follows but stops in the doorway. He pouts and makes puppy eyes, which gives him sad golden retriever energy. “Are you still coming?”

I release a sigh, which could double as a groan and slump my shoulders. I adjust my rucksack but don’t put it on properly and follow Archer with heavy footsteps.

“It won’t be that bad,” he whispers.

“Won’t it?”