Page 43 of Turbulent Fires

One of the locals, Josh, is on Drake’s boat, and lets out a shout of excitement. Everyone who’s along for the ride is having an amazing time. This might be a competition, but it’s also the most exhilarating feeling in the world, and everyone’s having fun.

“Hell of a gust from the west,” Jayden calls.

“Copy that!” Drake answers as all three boats adjust their sails.

Wolf leaps forward, adjusting the mainsail with practiced ease, barking instructions in the chaos. I don’t know what to do other than cling to the side rail with my heart pounding as I feel a rush of adrenaline like I haven’t felt in years. It’s not the danger of the situation, which isn’t all that dangerous with the shore being as close as it is, but the raw adrenaline of it all. We have sunlight flashing on water, wind tugging my ponytail loose, the roar of laughter, and pure raw unfiltered fun.

Wolf gets the boat under control and immediately meets my gaze. “Are you okay?”

“I’m better than okay. This is amazing,” I say breathlessly.

He smiles, relief and pride flashing across his face. “Are you sure you’re a novice at this?”

“Maybe I’ve done it in a past life because I seem to be made for the water,” I tell him. “I think I belong out here.”

“The sea and the island have a way of pulling people in, then never letting them go.”

“I think the tug’s working on me.”

The boat evens out, and the race continues in a flurry of salty sea spray and brotherly taunts. Eventually, we cross the finish marker, a floating buoy near the Green Pier, mere seconds ahead of Drake’s boat. I hear both of his brothers shouting behind us. My grin is so wide it feels like my face is about to crack.

“You cheater!” Drake calls. “I saw you charming the wind.”

“Maybe it simply finds me the alpha of the brothers. I’m the true Poseidon,” Wolf shouts before throwing his head back and letting out a perfect howl that bends me over in laughter. The boats all easily glide to the buoys where the men tie them up. The taxi comes up to our boat first, and I hop on and am taken to the dock.

It doesn’t take long before all of us are standing together, everyone wearing smiles while flicking each other a whole lot of smack. I’m taking it all in with a huge smile. How can a group of people be this much fun?

Jayden’s grinning too, his shirt hanging open, showing off an incredibly hard body, looking utterly relaxed. He claps me on the shoulder. “You did great. Congrats.”

“She did try mutiny today,” Wolf says.

Everyone looks at me and shakes their head. I laugh. “He’s lying. I was simply enhancing our strategy. We did win, so clearly it worked.” I brush my chest and hold my chin up a few more notches. I can give back as good as they can throw it.

“Mutiny can have you walking the plank,” Jayden warns. I take a step back, wondering if I’m indeed going into the water before this adventure is over.

“I’m warning all of you, I hold a grudge, and it doesn’t matter if it takes years.” Their smiles grow.

“Is she throwing a challenge?” Drake asks.

“I like it,” Josh says. He grins at me. “You should come back for the regatta in August.” I think I’m going to hide behind Josh. He doesn’t look like he wants to throw me in the water.

“Maybe I will,” I tell him. “That is, if Wolf promises not to be so overbearing. Otherwise, I’m going to have to abandon ship and find a new boat.”

“You’d have zero problems getting onto a new boat,” Josh assures me.

“I will kick your ass,” Wolf says. He now looks like he wants to throw Josh in the water. Good. Heat’s off of me.

Wolf turns back to me and grins again. “Maybe I’ll let you name the next boat.”

“Deal,” I tell him.

We all leave the docks without anyone getting thrown into the water, and there’s a lot of laughter as we make our way up the hill to Wolf’s place. Well, to all three brothers’ place. It’s huge, shocking since all of the places on the island seem to be smaller. Well, I guess the Wrigley’s places aren’t small at all. The view from their place makes the walk well worth it. It has to be one of the best views on the island.

The Spanish-style property is nestled high in the hills of Avalon with a wraparound deck, clay tile roofing, and a panoramic view that could quiet even the loudest thoughts. I might have just found paradise.

It doesn’t take long for the scent of grilled seafood to drift through the air as the brothers and friends cook lobster tails, shrimp skewers, buttery clams, and halibut filets. I’m sure the entire island is getting a whiff, making stomachs rumble all around. Soon, locals begin gathering as the sun sinks behind the cliffs, and music begins to play as laughter and conversation surround us.

I move away from the crowd and lean against the weathered railing, watching the ocean lap against the shore as the lights turn on and make everything sparkle. I love daytimes on the island, but I love the nights even more. They turn it from paradise into a magical escape.

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