Page 46 of Playing with Fire

The number of speedboats appeared to be significant.

Hazel moaned about the intense heat and rested her head against my shoulder.

I carefully removed the small sweat droplets from my forehead. "I know. Even the breeze is barely helping."

I collected my hair between my fingers and shifted it across my shoulder to expose my neck in hopes of finding relief from the heat.

My attempt at cooling down worked but only gave me a brief period of comfort. I saw Felix over by the cooler. "Felix," I called out his name.

"Yeah?" he replies.

Would you be able to hand me two glasses of water? I ask for glasses of water while shading my eyes with my hand.

He gave his consent through a nod before reaching into the cooler to extract two water bottles. He threw me one bottle followed by the second one. I opened the water bottle that I held in my left hand and took a necessary sip.

The remaining water bottle found its place on Hazel's forehead. She whispered "Oh my god" while grabbing the bottle from my hand.

"Tristan, where's the music?" Jaxon asked.

"Yeah, c'mon man this boat is silent!" Felix mentioned.

I pulled my shirt over my head while laughing. I really wanted to achieve a decent tan throughout today's outing. The school has failed to serve its purpose because

I normally wear T-shirts and shorts that result in visible tan lines which I must now correct.

Immediately.

Nolan and Tristan were busy making a playlist on their phones while Elijah and Kylie claimed the shade and JAMIE took control of the steering wheel.

Hazel and I were honestly overheating. We put sunscreen on before departing but I experienced a burning sensation.

I'm uncertain how much longer I can maintain this sitting position.

JAMIE successfully anchored the boat after a few minutes. Kylie rushed over and took a seat beside me with annoyance in her eyes.

"What's with the face?" I ask.

She complains in a low tone about her brother's behavior that annoys her. I laugh. "What'd he does?" She states succinctly that he hasn't told her about our destination for tonight.

So, you two have plans for a date tonight? I ask you to clarify. My brother announced to me that he planned to take me to a location. She stressed her need for additional details to decide on appropriate attire, so she won't appear foolish.

Since I don't know how much cash he has, casual clothes will work perfectly. I smile.

She agrees with me and starts laughing.

I shift my gaze away from her to take in the boat's surroundings. My smile faded as soon as my eyes met Jaxon. I quickly looked away and then turned my gaze over the boat's edge.

Our last encounter was at prom and I'm happy about it. Although Lily forced me into work yesterday, she was fortunate because he stayed away for no apparent reason.

At school I steered clear of his presence completely and paid no attention to his provocations during lunch or hallway encounters. The moment my eyes met his mind flashed back immediately to Thursday night.

I realize it's awful, but I believe no one has noticed this yet. Both thinking of him and seeing him in person makes my stomach twist until I feel sick.This describes exactly how I am feeling at this moment.

I look out to sea to avoid seeing him while simultaneously soothing my queasy stomach.

I heard gazing at the horizon helps.

Tristan and Nolan succeeded in starting the music after Hazel moved away from my side. JAMIE stepped into the water before Camden and Elijah who entered the water after him.

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