Page 7 of When You Had Me Adapting

“No, sir, that’s the rate.”

I massage my temples and take a deep breath.

“Fine.” Taking out my wallet, I hand him my credit card.

I follow him down to the rocky beach where the pedal boats are kept. He unties my boat and attempts, and fails, to give me decent directions to the boat. I buckle my life vest and push the boat into the shallow water before climbing in. I begin to pedal.

At 6’4”, my knees are up to my chest in this thing. I’m sure I look ridiculous and while I know Lacey hates me, hate is the furthest emotion from how I feel about her.

So much for the image of a knight in shining armor riding in on a horse. Instead I’m going to pull up to their boat sweating my ass off from having to pedal myself across the lake. I rip my life jacket and T-shirt off because it’s unnaturally hot out here. The life jacket isn’t helping my image and I’ll be damned if Lacey is going to see me looking even more pathetic than I already do. She may want nothing to do with me, but I can at least try to arrive looking good.

I wish they had a jet ski; it would have made what I’m about to do so much cooler.

CHAPTER 3: DEATH WISH

LACEY

Logan and Tanner kept their word and Jace isn’t here. We’re anchored in a small cove with a few other boats. The sun beats down on us and for the first time today, I’m glad I came. A mix of country and rap music fills the air as it bounces off the surrounding boats and water.

Poppy and Logan are cuddled up on a giant float tied to our large pontoon. Tanner is attempting and failing to flirt with Gray. I’m seated on the bench seat drinking her famous homemade margaritas and laughing at his shameless efforts.

It feels like summer and I love it.

“Could you rub some more sunscreen on my shoulders?” I turn around and grab the yellow and white tube before handing it to Gray. I move my hair to the side.

“I can do it.” Tanner practically leaps at me.

“Hard pass,” I deadpan.

“Oh come on, buddy, I’ve seen you naked. I can’t rub a little sunscreen on your shoulders?” He wiggles his eyebrows and then throws me a wink.

“Don’t be gross, Tanner, we were drunk and it was one time.”

“Wait, you two have slept together? I need to hear this story.” Gray takes the sunscreen from me and starts rubbing the cool white lotion into my skin. “Okay, so spill. How did I not know about this?”

“What’s there to tell? Lacey couldn’t resist my good looks and charm, so I brought her home and rocked her world.” He jumps up on the edge of the boat and flexes his muscles.

I choke and the sip I took sprays from my mouth. “Is that what you think happened?” I turn and lean over the side of the boat, sitting up on my knees. “Poppy,” I yell, “do you remember how I described my night with Tanner?”

Poppy sits up on the big float and adjusts her sunglasses. “I think the word you used was,” she pauses for dramatic effect, “mediocre.” Gray and I burst out laughing.

“Ouch,” Logan laughs.

“I’m hurt, Lacey. Truly.” Tanner throws me a big pout and grabs his chest like I’ve shot an arrow through his heart. He falls off the boat with a big splash.

“Oh, stop. You and I have both since agreed it was a mistake and we’re better as friends,” I yell down at the water. I watch as he swims and jumps up on the float, almost flipping it.

“I know we are, buddy, don’t worry.” He flashes me a cheeky grin.

I turn back around. “He’s such a child.”

“I’m gonna need you to give me more details,” Gray laughs.

I shake my head, thinking back to the night we first met the guys at The Local. If I had known who Tanner was, I would have never left the bar with him. “Poppy and I met Logan and Tanner the same night. She had just found out her spring externship was canceled, so I took her out to forget about it,” I laugh.

“The ’90s party?” Gray asks.

“Yep. After one too many tequila shots, we ended up leaving with the guys. I regrettably hooked up with Tanner which is why you’ve never heard about him.”

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