Page 30 of Fractured Mind
I snicker and go to take a step onto the boat when two hands grip my hips, helping me up with obvious familiarity. Such an innocent touch, but my body is hypersensitive when Ashton is around. I’m about to say thank you, but Ruby pulls me inside and passes me my drink.
“It’s Levi’s parents’ boat,” Ruby says as we walk inside the cabin. It’s luxuriously decorated in a combination of white and black, with touches of wood. I take a seat and gaze out the window. “I didn’t realize we were going to a party.” I cringe. It slipped out of my mouth before I could stop it.
Ruby groans aloud and slumps down into the couch. “Me neither. I’m sure Levi let it slip that we were going out on his boat, so I’m guessing someone else would’ve arranged the party.” She takes a sip, leans back, and frowns while looking at me. “If you want to do something else, we can leave soon.”
“No, it’s fine,” I quip, even though my heart’s racing. I have to overcome my shyness with crowds if I’m planning to spend time with their group. Especially because everyone wants to be where they are. I’m used to being alone, so being thrown into these situations triggers my anxiety.
After the boat moves, Ruby gets up and sits next to me and holds out her phone at arm’s length. “Smile.” I force one forthe photo, but she doesn’t stop. Her hand moves in different directions.
I hear a deep chuckle, and it’s Roman. “Better you than us.” Ruby cocks an eyebrow at him and shoots him a look that says she will get him later.
The boat slows, and the voices from outside are louder.
As I follow Roman and Ruby, my nervousness skyrockets. The second we step outside, high-pitched squeals and laughter pierce my ears.
Three girls climb up the ladder on the side of Levi’s boat, but they stop when they hear his voice. “You know the rules, girls.” They whine and climb back down.
I lean in closer to Ruby. “What was that about?”
She grins smugly. “Levi doesn’t allow anyone on his pride and joy but us.”
My lips turn up into a smile that matches hers. “I like that rule.”
She and Roman chuckle. “Me too,” Ruby replies.
Ashton, Levi, and Jackson join us. While glancing at the water, Levi says, “It’s a cracker of a day.”
“It’s a what?” I ask through a laugh.
“Cracker... as in the weather is perfect. It’s going to be a fantastic day.” He gives me a funny look, like I should understand his slang.
“How long have you been in America?” I ask curiously.
He peers away before he answers. “Mmm... five years now.”
Levi looks at Ruby, then an evil smile twists his lips. He steps closer to her and puts a hand on either side of her waist. She spins around to glare at him. His evil smile grows bigger before he pulls her down with him and they fall into the water with a splash.
Ruby resurfaces and screams, “Levi!” as the water trickles down her face.
He throws his head back in a fit of laughter. Her eyes narrow, and she swims after him. He snickers and says, “Oh, shit,” as he swims faster to get away from her.
It makes me giggle until warm hands are on my waist. It’s Ashton. He smirks, and my stomach sinks when I realize what he’s going to do. Before I can say a word, I’m free-falling, and then the pressure of the cool water hits my body.
When I reach the surface of the water, there’s laughter, this time at me. Ashton is grinning, and instead of being angry, I laugh a carefree laugh—something I haven’t done in a long time. His head and the tops of his shoulders are above water. Strands of his thick, wavy hair dangle over his eyes, and drops of water fall down his face.
I swim toward the boat’s ladder, following Ashton. I find Ruby waiting for me at the top with a towel. She’s wearing a bikini and has a towel around her waist. Her expression is sour. “Ruined a perfectly good drink,” she grumbles.
I peel off the shirt that’s clinging to my body and step out of my shorts. I get goose bumps as the air nips at my skin. When I reach for the towel, Ashton grabs it first. His intense gaze leaves me breathless. Ruby clears her throat, and he blinks, his eyes returning to normal.
When Ashton wraps the towel around my shoulders, his arms linger longer than necessary, making my breathing speed up. Then he takes a step back, giving me some room, but all I want to do is be in his arms again. I want more... so much more.
“We’re going over to the slide. Do you want to come?” he asks.
“No, thanks, I’ll stay with Ruby.”
He dashes upstairs. Moments later, they are all doing flips off the boat and gliding into the water. I grab the railing and watch as they swim toward the activities. Several girls from differentboats dive into the water after them. Everyone seems to gravitate toward them.
“Lie down with me,” Ruby says. She’s sitting back, sunbathing, with her Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses covering her eyes. I can’t resist joining her, and after a few minutes, the sun has warmed my skin, drying up the remaining water droplets, and my body relaxes into the deck chair.