Page 26 of How to Write a Rom-Com

“Can he not swim?” I ask Liam.

“Of course he can,” he scoffs, feigning insult. “But safety first.” I’m better able to focus when he talks now, because he’s replaced his previously bare torso with a long-sleeve shirt.

He takes my hand as I step onto the boat and sit in the seat next to him. The twins jump on the bench seats in the front of the boat. Mia plops herself right next to Blue and throws her arm around him. I like that kid.

Liam lets the boat idle as he leads us out of the canal. As we travel farther north (or south, or east, or west, it could really be any of the above), I notice that the houses on the shoreline become scarcer. Instead of docks and stairs leading up to cabins and multi-level homes, the houses become more spread apart before fading entirely. The number of boats in the water also decreases, and soon only a few anchored boats remain.

Liam’s blonde hair whips in the wind, and I take this moment to admire his profile as he stands and looks over the windscreen.

“Are we there yet?” Mia asks, her bare feet pitter-pattering on the carpet floor.

“You bet,” Liam says, shutting off the engine. “Who wants to go tubing?”

The twins shriek in unison.

“I think we have to let Lucy go first,” he says, flashing me a coy smile.

“I’m sorry, what?” I ask, surprised to hear my name.

“Yeah! Lucy, go! Go!” I’m met with squeals of joy as little hands shake my legs.

I glare at Liam.

“You don’t want to try it?” Liam asks.

“Oh, well, I don’t know,” I say hesitantly.

“Don’t tell me Miss Big-City Girl is scared of a little lake water?” Liam accuses, the teasing tone of his voice too cute to be annoying.

“I never said I was scared,” I quip.

“It’s okay if you are. I happen to know a four-year-old who could show you how it’s done.” Liam flashes Robbie a devilish grin.

“Hey, who you callingfour, mister?” Robbie yells. “I am four-and-a-half and youknowit!” He points a chubby little finger at Liam.

“I amsosorry. Please forgive me,” Liam responds in a serious tone, begging Robbie with his hands.

“Just this one time,” Robbie says, climbing up on the captain’s chair. “I forgive you,” he says, patting a hand on each of this uncle’s shoulders like he is knighting him.

“So, are you up for it?” Liam asks, turning his attention back to me.

“Well, if I want to save face in front of this harsh little rabble, then I guess so,” I say, standing up.

Liam hands me a life jacket, and I hesitate before undressing into just my bikini. I’m not uncomfortable in my body, but I’m also not all about flaunting it either. I let my shorts drop down to the ground and feel even more uncomfortable with kids watching. Liam averts his gaze, turning around to fiddle with something on the boat’s control panel. I opt to keep my tank top on, and quickly buckle the lifejacket Liam handed me.

“Where do you want me, Captain?” I ask, instantly regretting it.

Liam blinks and shakes his head like he cannot believe I just said that.

“There are so many answers to that question, it’s so hard to pick just one,” Liam says, a wicked grin splitting his face.

“Oh, come on,” I say dismissively, both to Liam and to the butterflies wreaking havoc in my belly. I turn on my heel and carefully make my way to the back of the boat. Liam follows behind me. He grabs the tube that is lassoed to the side of the boat and props it against the edge, next to the engine. Then he holds his hand out to me.

“On you go.”

The tube is more like a float, instead of a donut, so I figure I might not look that ridiculous. I try to be optimistic as I grab Liam’s large hand and hoist myself up on to the seat at the back of the boat.

“Lay down and hold on to those handles there, alright?” Robbie instructs, pointing to the float.

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