Page 74 of Explorer's Revenge
“Yes.” I press against his chest, and he backs up until he hits the tree, his eyes widening. “I know you would, so don’t give me that big bad Wilder attitude when we both know you would risk your life over and over to save me. I came back, so you should be thanking me. Thank me.”
His jaw clenches as he stares at me, and I raise my eyebrow. “Thank you, Carter,” he grinds out.
“That didn’t sound sincere. Thank me,” I demand. The others are staring, but I ignore them. Wilder and I have always butted heads, and even our kisses taste like anger and a fight. I love it, but I refuse to back down now. If I do, Wilder will try to walk all over me. He’s used to getting his way.
He needs someone to put him in his place.
“Carter,” he warns.
“You know what? A real thank you should be done on your knees to show how truly grateful you are for me coming to rescue your stubborn asses.”
“Don’t push it,” he growls, glancing from my lips to my eyes.
I wait, and he glares. Neither of us back off. I know one of the others will step in and cool us down, but he suddenly drops to his knees in the mud, and I freeze, gaping at him in shock.
Wilder kneels for no one.
“Thank you, Maeve, for coming back for us.” His words sound so sincere, I just gawk. “Isn’t that what you wanted? If I didn’t know better, Carter, I’d say you like seeing me on my knees.” His meaning is clear, and it breaks me from my stupidity.
I scoff as I step back. “Dream on, pretty boy.” Turning away, I find the others gaping, completely shocked as Wilder chuckles behind me and climbs to his feet. His heat hits my back as his mouth brushes my ear.
“You think I’m pretty?”
I elbow him, making him grunt, and ignore the flush in my cheeks. I started it, but I should have known he doesn’t play fair.
“Um, I missed you too, so do I get a kiss?” Logan jokes, and I know it’s to defuse the tension, but I stride over, grip his chin as his eyes widen, and kiss him.
He stares up at me in shock. It’s the first time I’ve ever seen him speechless.
“Well, fuck, that isn’t fair.” Rick stands up and purses his lips. “I missed you the most.”
Laughing, I head over and kiss him softly, uncaring at this point. It’s almost a game. Besides, it isn’t something I haven’t thought about before. I turn away and freeze. Aiyaret and Way are watching me, and I simply smile as I walk over and press my lips to Way’s cheek. There is something between us, but I know he loves Aiyaret, and I’m happy for them since they seemed to have figured that out.
Turning to Aiyaret, I wait for permission, and when he offers me his cheek, I lean down to press my lips there, but he turns his head as if to check on me, and our lips meet. I pull away immediately, feeling guilty as he stares at me, but he isn’t panicking.
“Sorry,” he murmurs. “I didn’t . . .” He stops as we stare at each other, and I glance at Way, but he doesn’t seem bothered. He’s simply observing us with a little smile on his lips.
“If we are done with the kissing booth, we should get moving,” Wilder whispers, and I clear my throat and stand, going to my bag and slipping it on. I started it, but I’m the one left embarrassed and shy until I pull up my big-girl panties. I kissed them all. So what?
We’ve almost died a hundred times on this island, so what’s a few friendly kisses?
Once we are off this island, this strange bond we built will be gone. They will go back to their team, and I’ll return to being alone, so I’m going to make the most of having them on my side while I can.
Checking my GPS, I nod north. “That way. We should get there before nightfall if we move fast.”
We’re silent as we walk—not uncomfortable, just quiet.
Way falls into step at my side, and I glance at him, but he seems lost in his own thoughts, so I leave him to it until he’s ready. “I told Aiy.”
“I noticed.” I nudge him with my arm. “It went well?”
He looks at me with an embarrassed, happy smile that warms my heart. “It did. He felt the same. You knew, didn’t you?”
“Even the croc knew,” I scoff. “I’m glad you two sorted it out. So you’re dating?” I wiggle my eyebrows, and he looks away as I chuckle. “I’m happy for you both. You deserve to be happy. I hope you know that.”
“Are you?” He takes a deep breath, meeting my eyes. “I know you like Aiy.”
Well, shit, I guess we are going there.
