Page 85 of Best Wrong Thing

“Exactly. And the difference is that Dad’s with us.”

“Makes sense.”

“Yeah.”

I dare a small step closer. “I get it.”

“What?”

“Why this thing between us needs to stay secret. I wanted you to know I understand.”

Jacob points at Roque Nublo. “How long do you think these rocks have been here?”

“No clue. I haven’t been listening to the guide. Thousands of years. Maybe tens of thousands of years.”

“Small and insignificant,” he says, repeating my words from earlier.

“Yeah.”

The guide finishes her history lesson, and our group disperses to explore the immediate area. Barry picks his way across the rocky ground to us.

“Absolutely fascinating. Don’t you think?” he asks.

“Very.” Hopefully, he won’t quiz me or Jacob on anything the guide said.

“Our next stop is the top of the volcano in time to watch the sunset. I’ll have to take lots of pictures to show Molly.”

“I’m sure she’ll appreciate that.”

“I’m going to have a little walk around. Do either of you want to join me?”

“I’m good.”

“Same,” Jacob says.

“It’s good to see you getting along.” Barry wanders away.

I rub the back of my neck. “He’s said that a lot today.”

“He likes you,” Jacob says.

Could Barry accept Jacob and me being together? It’s not worth voicing the thought. Any talk of going public has to come from Jacob.

“He’s only seen me on my best behaviour.” I grin and wink.

“I prefer it when you’re not behaving.”

My heart flutters. “When we get home, I’ll be as naughty as you like.”

“I just want to touch you,” he whispers. “I want to hold you and talk to you.” He sighs.

“Yeah, I know. Me too. Soon.”

His dad is several metres away, taking photos of the giant rocks with his back to us.

Jacob steps closer to me. “I wanted you to know it’s not the sex I’m missing most. It’s being close to you.”

My heart soars. I feel giddy and light-headed. A bubbly laugh escapes me. I’d fling my arms around him and hold him close if I could, but I can’t. Not that it tempers my elation one bit.