Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 89878 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 449(@200wpm)___ 360(@250wpm)___ 300(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89878 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 449(@200wpm)___ 360(@250wpm)___ 300(@300wpm)
“I followed up with the chaperones, and they informed me that he was simply tagging along with his younger brother. But that explanation never sat right with me. The kid came from money—well-dressed, polished—not the kind you’d expect on a warehouse tour.”
“What do you mean?”
“He wasn’t a kid from a local public school. The normal group we get. Just odd.”
“I’m not sure how this connects, but if you think it’s worth looking into, have Gary review the surveillance footage from that day and send it to me. Also, try to get me the name of that kid and who he was with.”
“Will do.”
I disconnect the call, feeling no closer to figuring out who’s behind this. There’s a knock on my door, and Noah sticks his head in. “We’re taking the Wave Runners out.”
“Sure thing. I’ll head up and help.”
“I don’t need a babysitter. I’ve done it a million times.” He doesn’t wait for my response before shutting my door. Little shit. It’s not that I don’t trust him; I want to see what my little forbidden fruit is up to.
When I head up, the boys are dropping the Wave Runners in the water. Georgia sits off to the side, chewing her bottom lip. She looks nervous.
“You three all set?” I scan the boys. Vince straps himself in a life vest while Noah unhooks the runner from the latch.
“Totally. Gonna show Lake Michigan who’s boss,” Vince boasts, and I resist the urge to push him into said lake. Noah ignores me, so I focus on Georgia.
“Have you ever been on a Wave Runner, Georgia?” If she were smart, she’d tell them she wanted to stay back and tan, giving us some time alone.
“No, I haven’t.” There’s anxiousness in her voice.
“You don’t have to go if you don’t want to—”
“She’s going,” Noah snaps.
“Oh, come on, Georgia. It’ll be fun. You can ride with me. I promise to go slow.” My jaw clenches at the way Vince winks at her.
“Don’t let them pressure you. If you feel uncomfortable—”
“Dad, fuck, stop hovering. She’ll be fine.”
I take a step toward him. “Listen—”
“It’s fine. I’ll go,” she says, rising to grab a life jacket. I watch her closely. The twitch at the corner of her mouth betrays her as she forces a smile. There’s hesitation in her eyes. She’s fucking lying. “Just go slow, okay?” she says to Noah. I fight the urge to clench my fists as anger simmers beneath the surface, doing my best to remain calm and relaxed. Georgia avoids my eyes, and perhaps that’s for the best since Vince seems to have taken an interest in my concern for her well-being.
“Be careful. Make sure the emergency kit is in the compartment.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Noah waves me off. “Hop on, George.”
God, I want to pull her in my arms and tell them to fuck off. I hold my tongue and do my best to keep my jealousy at bay as she climbs on the back and wraps her arms around my son.
“Sure you don’t wanna join, Mr. Blake? We can race.”
“I’m sure. You kids have fun.” Vince revs his engine, sending a surge through the water. The wave lifts Noah’s skis, making it rise and dip with the current. Georgia tightens her grip around his waist, holding on firmly.
“Hold on.” He reverses and then takes off into the water with my girl.
Fuck.
Georgia
“Georgia, relax. You’re gonna cut off my circulation.” That’s easy for Noah to say. He’s used to all these fancy water toys. The closest I’ve been to this much water is our community pool.
“Then slow down.”
“I’m not going fast.”
“Yes, you are!” I yell. God, why did I agree to this?
Noah’s chest rumbles. “Fine, I’ll slow down. Is this better?”
He decreases his speed enough for me to pull my face away from being smashed against his back.
“Oh my God, where’s the boat?”
“About a mile behind us—”
“A mile!”
“Chill. Nothing’s gonna happen.”
“What if some sea creature attacks us?”
He chuckles and revs the engine, and I plaster my face back in his back. “We’re in a lake. No sea creatures. Only fish.”
“Fish? No way. Take me back.” Vince blazes around us, creating a ripple effect.
“Dude, let’s pick up the speed!”
“Can’t. Georgia’s scared.”
Vince scoffs. “Give me a break. You just trying to get some alone time?” I tense against Noah. “If you two wanna fuck out here—”
“Fuck off, dude.”
“Don’t be a pussy. It’s a little race. You know it takes a lot to tip these bad boys. She’s fine.”
“I’m good—”
“Chicken, bok-bok-bok—”
“Fuck you. You’re on. Hold tight,” Noah says to me, not allowing me to have any input. I grip around his waist with everything I have and squeeze my eyes shut as he takes off. He speeds up, hopping over a wave, and I scream as we slam back down.
As soon as we stop, I’m going to murder him.