Page 54 of No Such Thing as Serendipity
Full of determination, I flopped onto my back. In that position, it enabled me to push off with my legs, and my head emerged through the hole in the kayak. Just as I pushed harder to bring myself to a sitting position, I must have hit something because the kayak listed. Without thinking, I shifted my weight to correct the movement.Big mistake.
The kayak tipped, and I plunged into the water. By now, I was laughing hard but snapped my mouth closed before my face smacked through the surface of the creek. Once in the water, I pushed off the kayak and swam underwater to clear myself from it. I surfaced several yards away and burst into the sunlight.
It had taken longer than it should have to fish me out of the water since we were all laughing so hard. I wasn’t certain if I had tears streaking down my face from laughing or if it was the creek water pouring off my head. Emma had the biggest smile of all, even though she chastised me for my recklessness.
Finally, back on course, I was sad that Robyn no longer rowed beside me. Instead, Katlynn moved up next to me. I supposed I needed to get to know my villa mates, so I turned and said, “So tell me about yourself.”
Yep, the sun and water were doing something weird to me.
CHAPTER 16
Yesterday’s kayaking had beensuch a rush that today had been a letdown. Since we’d stayed around the campfire way too late last night, I’d woken up groggy, which made our physical activity for the morning excruciating. It definitely wasn’t pug yoga. The drill sergeant instructor had run us through a series of old school calisthenics. I’d glared at Emma several times during the torture, but she’d just grinned as she did her jumping jacks.
If that wasn’t bad enough, we’d gotten the same instructor for our sharing circle. While Robyn created a relaxed vibe, the drill sergeant was all business. She had a goal to reach, and by god, she would achieve it. I chuckled to myself.Damned retreat.Wasn’t that how I preferred it? When did I get soft, wanting Robyn’s gentle leadership? Once I’d realized the error of my ways, I’d dived into the sharing circle, and Dana and I were the stars of the day. If there was such a thing as stars of a sharing circle.
We’d just finished lunch, and Emma had gone inside to use the restroom before we made our way to our next class. I was standing on the porch of our villa waiting for her.
Dana slid up beside me. “Everyone needs to go to bed early tonight, or we should slip them some roofies.”
I looked at her in horror.
“Joking. Joking. Jesus. Relax.” Dana held up her hands and took a step back. “I’ve been trying to get you alone, but all this togetherness is making it impossible.”
I considered mentioning she and Noelle had disappeared last night. What would be the point? Was I jealous?No,I’d like a taste of Dana, or Noelle for that matter. I wasn’t looking for anything permanent, but I’d settle for a hellcat between the sheets. Something told me either would deliver. Now, if only I could convince Emma that a healthy dose of sexual release would enhance my experience at the retreat.
I played it safe since Emma would be back soon. “Togetherness? I don’t see you around during the day.”
Dana leaned in and put her hand on my arm. “I’ll let you in on a little secret. I’ve figured out the easiest schedule or at least one that doesn’t require me to sing kumbaya. Say the word, and I’ll help you.”
I hadn’t seen the schedule, but I didn’t plan on telling Dana. She’d already made me feel stupid for letting Emma choose everything for me. I figured bravado was my best defense. “Ah, I can handle it since it makes Emma happy.”
“You’re a better sister than me. If I were you, I’d tell her to take a flying fuck.”
Hearing her talk about Emma that way raised my hackles. “I wouldn’t advise anyone to speak to my sister that way.”
“Mmm.” Dana smirked. “You’re sexy when you get all protective. I bet you’re a real tiger in bed.”
As I prepared to say,maybe you’ll find out,Emma popped her head out the door. Her joyful expression soured when she noticed who I was talking to.
Dana waggled her fingers in Emma’s direction. “I was just heading off to my next class.” Her eyes were full of lust when she met my gaze. “I’ll see you tonight.”
Before I could answer, she leaped from the porch and jogged off.
“That woman gives me the creeps,” Emma said.
“Why?”
“Bad energy.”
I groaned. “Have you been talking to Robyn?”
Emma narrowed her eyes.
“Robyn and I were talking about energy yesterday.”
“You? You were talking about energy?”
“Don’t act so surprised.” I drew in my eyebrows, going for my best frown. “You wanted me to experience all the retreat has to offer. Be open.” I spread out my arms and lifted my face toward the sky, exaggerating my exuberance.
