“Maybe I need you to remind me,” I coo against his lips.
“Damn it, I knew I should have woken you up thirty minutes ago,” he groans, kissing me frantically before springing up off the bed. “But you have ten minutes before we leave for the island themed bar.”
My lip pouts in protest, wanting to stay put in bed with Lucas beside me.
“You’re the one who said we need to let loose and convinced me to go on this trip!” He swats at my behind playfully and mutters, “Trust me, I miss being walking distance from a rink.”
“Fine,” I groan, “what am I getting ready for.”
“The last night at the beach bar,” Lucas responds. “Can’t you tell by my attire?” He gestures to his navy short sleeve button down hanging slightly open to show off his delectable muscles paired with his khaki swim trunks.
“Oh yes.” I roll my eyes mockingly, “our beach bar attire is vastly different from than what you’ve been wearing this entire trip.”
Slowly, I rise out of bed, letting out another yawn. Before I know what’s happening, a finger is shoved into my mouth. I let out a cry of surprise.
“Told you I would do it,” Lucas mumbles, a boyish grin plastered across his stubbled face.
Taking a step toward him, I narrow my eyes and threaten, “Next time, I’ll bite.”
Lucas raises his eyebrows at me, and whispers, “Promise?”
“Get out of here,” I squeal, tempted to grab a pillow off the bed and chuck it at him. “It’s already been at least two minutes, and you will make me take much longer.”
Before he can object, I teasingly shove him towards the door.
Reggae music dances through the salty air, complementing the sound of the waves and competing with the noisy bar, almost packed wall to wall unlike last time.
“THERE!” Blake points across the patio to a group of people gathering their things to leave.
“Move, men!” Tyler commands, seemingly in a lighter mood than when I saw him a few hours ago. Hopefully, his newfound positive attitude stays the entire night.
“Go, go, go!” Blake darts and weaves through tables and people, almost knocking over a waitress, to claim the table for our group. He gives the rest of our group, who slowly make our way over to ensure we don’t knock down any staff members, a double thumbs up before shouting, “OVER HERE!”
The goofiness makes me chuckle, and I mutter to Bren, “Did he have a few drinks before this?”
“Oh absolutely,” Bren confirms. “Pretty sure everyone but you did.”
“Nope, I did not,” Tyler chimes in, overhearing us.
“Probably for the best,” Bren mumbles, patting him on the shoulder before darting away to the bar before Tyler can dish out a comeback.
“Laur, about earlier,” Tyler starts to apologize, his hands sheepishly finding his pockets.
“Let’s just enjoy the last night,” I quietly reply. My pulse speeds up with the anxiety of having to talk about Tyler’s antics. Again. Avoiding him, I quickly turn away to sit down next to Lucas.
Releasing a loud sign, Tyler turns to head to the bar. I meant what I said. I really want to just enjoy the last night we have on the beach. Once we get back to campus, reality will hit. My responsibilities linger in the back of my mind, reminding me they’re there like an unread text notification.
Something cold taps my shoulder, shaking me out of my trance.
“Thanks, Bren,” I say as she hands me the crisp, cold light beer.
“Cheers to a good last night.” She grins, clinking her beer bottle against mine.
“Looks like someone is already having a good night,” Lucas mutters.
Before I can ask Lucas what he’s talking about, my ears ring with the most obnoxious attempt at flirtatious giggles I have ever heard in my life. My eyes widen at the sight of not one but two girls clinging to Ryder—girls is probably not an accurate way to describe them. They are significantly older than the eighteen year old kid.
“Guess the rumors about Ryder aren’t just rumors,” Blake mutters.
