Page 8 of Fever

His deep laughed echoed through the open cave, then he tilted his head toward the water below.

“We jump, beloved.”

My eyes rose in surprise. Without warning, Josiah grabbed me, wrapping his arms around my waist, sealing us together.

“On the third kiss, hold your breath,” he said.

“What!?”

He jumped, and I couldn’t believe it. His wet mouth found my face and neck, and by the third kiss, my feet hit the water, and we were underneath the aqua blue lake. His hold remained strong as he swam with me clutching him for dear life to the surface. When we pulled up, I took in a massive breath.

“You’re crazy!” I yelled.

Josiah splashed me with water.

“Yeah, and you love it.”

Five minutes. It was all the time we had left before the wedding started. My nerves were on edge as I ran through the double doors and parked myself in the maid of honor position, which Octavia currently occupied. It had taken too long for us to get back, get dressed, and make our entrance. I was sure Desiree would have my neck, but I couldn’t think about that now. Entering the room from a different direction, Josiah adjusted his tie and winked at me as he found his place among the groomsmen. We didn’t arrive unnoticed. Curious stares, glares, and eyes of mischief followed us as we adjusted ourselves. I must have cleared my throat a million times before finally glancing at Samiyah.

She was squinting at me with a soft shake of her head. A silent chastisement. My stomach flipped. I’m sorry. I mouthed. She pursed her lips as if to say, “It’s not me you need to apologize to.” I sighed and let out a deep breath when the music sounded, and both Claudia and Desiree appeared standing a few inches away from each other. They looked at one another and smiled then reached out and squeezed each other’s hands before making their way down the aisle to their grooms. Everyone was dressed to the nines, and I didn’t miss the glare on Desiree’s face when she moved closer.

I swallowed, hoping she would forgive me later. The ceremony went off without a hitch, and all was well. However, at the reception, I made myself scarce, not ready for the stern talking to I knew was coming. When Josiah approached me again, I said the first thing I should’ve said the night before.

“No.”

He threw back his head and laughed. “Oh come on, you haven’t even heard my plea, sweetheart.”

“Still no.”

“I promise to make it worth your while.”

Damn it, I thought, fighting internally with myself. Needless to say, we disappeared again, and this time for the duration of the trip.

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