brow. Seems not much has changed. He chuckles. “Oh, it was way worse. I was living high on the hog.”
I roll my lips to not laugh but fail miserably. “What does that mean?”
“I was making lots of money. And I did some stupid shit. Things I’m ashamed to admit, too.”
I sigh, respecting that he’s trying to make my mistakes seem inconsequential. “My father was furious when he found out.” Because nothing on this island stays a secret.
“You don’t say? I’m slightly scared that I’ll wake tomorrow morning missing a couple fingers.”
I snort out a laugh and push him on the shoulder. “My dad is a big softy. He just takes it to heart when it comes to my well-being, but he wouldn’t hurt anyone.” Ryker rubs his chin and nods like he has doubts. “But you’re different. I’m here because I want to be with you, not what you can offer me. I know what this is.”
His grin turns down. “Can you tell me, ‘cause I’ve yet to understand.”
I swallow the emotional rock choking me. Saying goodbye will scar my heart, but I couldn’t walk away if I tried. “Two people enjoying each other’s company?” I didn’t mean for it to come out like a question.
He hums and pushes up to give me a quick kiss. “I’m definitely enjoying your company.” But then he leans back, resting his hands behind his head. Early dawn light filters in from the wall of windows, highlighting his perplexed expression.
“Ryker, what’s wro—”
My brain catches up to what’s happening outside. Daylight. I jump up out of bed, scrambling to find my panties. When I find them balled up under the dresser, I lift the soaked flimsy material and groan.
Ryker sits up. “What’s going on, Whiskey?”
“I have to go,” I panic, bunching them in my hand. I am not putting these on. I shimmy into my dress and glance in the mirror, throwing my hair in a bun. “Thank goodness I baked all my cookies yesterday. But I have to deliver them this morning.” I rush outside with Ryker on my heels and freeze on the platform. What? No, this can’t be happening. “Ryker, my canoe is missing!” My gaze jumps around the water and other huts, looking under their platforms.
“I’m sure I saw you tie it up.”
“I did!”
Pinching the bridge of my nose, replaying the events of last night and how this could have happened I come up empty. There’s only one thing I can do. Spinning on my toes, I shove my panties in Ryker’s hand. “You hold on to these.”
I laugh at his boyish grin. “I can’t very well be walking around with wet panties in my hand.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I’ll call Dante. He’ll be up already.”
Ryker’s shoulders drop. “Well, at least I get to keep your panties. But knowing you’ll be naked under that short dress…” His hand fists tighter around my panties.
His jealousy is cute. Misplaced, but cute. “I’ll keep my legs closed.” I stand on my toes and pull him down for a kiss. He leaves my lips swollen and wanting more before breaking the heated kiss.
With one quick glance before I rush out the door, he says, “Definitely enjoying the company.”
“Qu'est-ce que… Non c'est pas possible !” I dart from my seat and dash to the front of Dante’s boat when my house comes into view. Floating next to the dock is my canoe. I squint my eyes and notice it’s tied up. How did it get there? I jerk my gaze to Dante, looking for answers, he shrugs.
“Maybe someone found it and knew it was yours, so they returned it.”
I lean against the side of the boat, tucking my dress between my legs as the wind whips it around. His explanation is plausible. I narrow my eyes at my longtime best friend who has played many pranks on me in the past. “Are you sure you had nothing to do with this?”
He holds up both his hands. “Wasn’t me, Manu.”
I study him, waiting for his tells. A yank on his ear or a slap to his belly. Neither come, so he’s not lying. He cuts the engine off and we coast to the dock.
Without waiting for the boat to butt up to the dock, I stand on the side and take a quick jump onto the ramp. I rush over to inspect my canoe. None of the gear is missing and nothing seems amiss. Maybe Dante is right.