Page 9 of You Kissed Me First

It doesn’t take us long to find Nessa singing at the pub with Casey and a couple of new friends they have made. It does, however, take us quite a bit to convince her to come back to the room with us. By the time we get there, I’m regretting not drinking my entire strawberry daiquiri.

“What was so important that you had to pull me out of karaoke to come back to the room? I mean, I wouldn’t say no to some hanky panky, but I’m not doing that with my sister here.”

Grant shakes his head, chuckling. “It seems your sister has some explaining to do. Something about her and Dom dating.”

Nessa’s eyes clear as they lock on me. “What? You bitched at me for an hour yesterday for rooming you with him and now you’re dating? What the fuck, Katie?”

I hold out my hands. “I don’t know what he did, but he told Barrett that we were dating. I guess Barrett didn’t believe him because he came to find me on the pool deck. Only Dominic found me first. He kissed me. I don’t know what the fuck is going on, but I’m fucked.”

Nessa giggles. “I bet you’ll be fucked. I’ve heard Dominic knows what he’s doing too.”

Grant sighs. “Seriously, babe?”

She shrugs. “You’re the one that told me girls fawn after him.”

“This is entertaining and all, but I won’t be fucking him. I don’t even like him. Now he wants to pretend to date me? I mean, it’s bad enough your brother cheated on me. Now Dominic is going to pretend to be my boyfriend, then dump me? How much more humiliation can I take? I’m going to have to move.”

It wouldn’t take much. I lost my job at the newspaper two months ago. I’ve been living on my savings while taking a part-time waitress job while I try to figure out what else I can do. Journalism seemed like a great job until it became obvious the only things people want to read is about fashion and makeup. That’s where the money is.

“You’re not moving,” Nessa says seriously.

I throw up my hands. “What do you propose I do? It was bad enough being around Barrett because you’re marrying his brother. Now his best friend too? We can never hang out as a group again.”

Grant steps forward. “I think you’re overreacting. You said Dominic did this, right? He never makes impulsive decisions. Talk to him. He probably already has a plan. One that doesn’t involve humiliating you more. He’s not like that.”

I roll my eyes. “That’s why he doesn’t date, right?”

Grant gives me a quizzical look. “He doesn’t date. Not for the reason you imply. You should ask him about it. I think you will be surprised by who he is.”

I huff, throwing myself on the bed next to Nessa. “What do you think?”

She shrugs. “I think you were planning to hide away in your room the entire trip to avoid dipshit and now you have a reason not to. Dominic is a good guy. I think you should accept his offer to fake date or whatever and enjoy this trip. At least having him near you will keep Barrett away.”

I nibble my bottom lip, looking back at Grant. “I know why Barrett hates Dominic, but why does Dominic hate Barrett?”

He huffs out a sigh. “My brother is an idiot, but what he did to Dominic was especially bad. It’s his story to tell if he wants you to know. Just know that the only reason Barrett is even still in this wedding is because my mom begged me.”

Letting out the breath I was holding, I stand.

“Okay. I guess wish me luck.”

“Where are you going?” Nessa asks.

“To find my boyfriend,” I say sarcastically.

3

DAY TWO: SEA DAY

I was hopingKatie would have come back to the room by now, but she’s still not here. Pulling off my clothes, I step into the bathroom to take a shower. The shower is small, but it’s enough to do the job. I just hope I don’t end up having to rub one out. I’m likely to slam my fist against the wall.

After a quick shower, I dry off before wrapping the towel around my waist. I didn’t hear Katie come in, but I’d rather not give her an eye full. She is already wary of me.

Making my way out of the bathroom, I feel slightly disappointed that she’s not here. Part of me wanted to see her.

Dropping the towel, I grab a pair of boxers. As I’m pulling them up my legs, the door opens.

My eyes dart up to find Katie closing the door behind her. As she turns, she freezes, her eyes growing wide.

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