I sucked in a breath and stopped walking altogether.
“Oh God,” I breathed, wanting to turn around and run back inside.
However, Lincoln looked my way, and our eyes locked. It was too late to run. I adjusted my dress and told myself I wouldn’t be awkward. I’d handled worse.
The moment I stepped onto the lantern-lit deck, I was swept up in introductions.
“Ava! Finally, we meet in person.”
Lincoln walked over to me and placed a palm on my lower back. Instantly, I felt better. He was… familiar. “Everyone, this is Ava.” He glanced at me. “You already know Alex.”
He got up, and we shook hands. I’d already met Michael and his wife, Mia, at the charity gala. We shook hands too, but Mia gave me a warm hug—she was sweet like that.
Next, I met Olivia, Alex’s wife, followed by James—he told me to call him Jamie—and his wife Charlotte. Last was Spencer, with the cute accent.
It was Spencer who almost had me spiraling into that awkwardness I said I’d avoid.
“I heard you two used to date,” he said. “So, you two are back together, then?”
Michael groaned. “Jesus, Spence. Real subtle.”
“Of course they are,” Charlotte said. “Or she wouldn’t be here. I think it’s wonderful,” she gushed.
Lincoln gave me a worried glance. “Guys, don’t start. Ava and I?—”
“Yes, we’re together,” I said.
Lincoln was right about what he’d said earlier. It was easier for everyone to think we were a real couple, even his friends. Besides, it would be super awkward to have to explain our whole fake-dating plot.
After a surprised glance, Lincoln smiled.
“I get it now,” Olivia gasped.
“What?” Charlotte, who was beaming at us like a proud aunt—I wasn’t sure why she’d be so excited about Lincoln and me being a couple—asked.
“Cay d’Ava,”Olivia said in perfect French.
We all stared at her blankly.
“Ava’s islet—or Ava’s cay… The name of Lincoln’s island.” She gave us aduhlook.
My eyes widened—to the size of saucers, I was sure.
Lincoln cleared his throat lightly, and his palm slid away from my back.
“Mia, whom I’d gathered from our one meeting was a big romantic—clutched her chest. “Lincoln, you named your island after Ava. That issoromantic.”
I looked up at Lincoln. He named his island after me? Why?
He refused to make eye contact. And was heblushing? My eyebrows lifted. I guess no one was supposed to figure out that little detail. Olivia, who had spilled the beans, looked at Lincoln with guilt. I guess she realized she wasn’t supposed to have shared.
“Um… what are we waiting for, guys?” she said. “Let’s eat!” She gave Lincoln another apologetic look as she diverted everyone's attention. Not mine, though. I was still stuck onCay d’Ava.
The ladies got into place along with Spencer. Alex, Jamie, and Michael stayed put to glare at Lincoln.
“Thanks a lot, Linc,” Alex grumbled.
“What?” he asked.
