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“Did you poison these or something?” I study him with suspicion.

Gio snaps his fingers. “Damn it, why didn’t I think of that?”

I eye him one last time before relenting and take a tiny bite of cupcake. At the taste, I pause, my back straightening. To say this cupcake is good is an understatement. It’s sweet and gooey, but the icing is somehow spicy. I take a larger bite.

“Oh wow.” My gaze flies to his. “Now I understand the boob autographs,” I say with a full mouth.

He chuckles darkly. “I’m ready with my magic marker whenever you are.”

I suck in a breath too quickly, causing a piece of candy to lodge in my throat. My windpipe locks up. My airflow stops, and I proceed to choke in a very unladylike manner that includes hacking and wheezing.

Gio slaps my back, coming to my rescue. And, oh sweet Jesus, as I’m about to black out, I have visions of gagging on other things too. It’s like they were sent to me in a vision from the beyond. It’s a glimpse of what could have been.

One more slap, and my passageway clears. I suck in a clear breath on the next wheeze.

Just as Gio curls around me in a protective manner, whispering words of concern, I hop away. I need space to untangle my brain from images of monster-sized, throat-tickling, eye-watering BJ dick.

“I’m fine,” I croak and grab the wall for support.

But I’m not fine. Nothing about this is fine. What is happening? How can I be this turned on by food? By him?

“Here.” Gio holds out my tea, but concern doesn’t paint his face anymore. Somehow, there’s a knowing gleam in his eyes, like he just read my dirty thoughts.

There’s zero chance he could have, right? Right?

I take a sip, doing my best to act normal, but the next crisis comes before I’m completely recovered.

“Where should I put the bags?” Matt asks.

Amelia steps into the conversation. “I have some thoughts about how we should split the rooms.”

“So do I,” Casey says. “Amelia, Matt, and I each get our own room. You two share the double room.” She points between Gio and me.

“Yesss.” Matt bites his bottom lip and fist-pumps the air.

“I agree.” Amelia’s lips tip when she looks at me.

I’m in too much shock to respond, and apparently, so is Gio.

As if everything is decided, Matt and Casey pick up their bags and head toward their rooms. Amelia returns to her spot on the couch with her book like nothing happened.

“Whoa, hold on!” Gio says, and everyone pauses.

“Absolutely not,” I choke out when I find my voice and give Amelia a death stare.

To which, her expression is slightly demonic. She waggles her brows, sending me a message. Enjoy the rowdy vacation romp, and you’re welcome.

“That doesn’t make sense,” Gio says with swinging gestures. “Amelia and Sophia can stay in the big double room. We can take the singles.”

“Nah, Casey has spoken,” Matt says as he continues climbing the stairs.

Casey explains. “This is the way I see it. We’re in this predicament because of you two and all your ridiculous pranks. This is your punishment, to lie in the beds you made. Together.” She winks at Gio and marches away.

I turn to Gio, my voice rising with panic. “Did you put them up to this?”

“Amelia is your friend, not mine,” he says.

I already know why Amelia did this. She thinks a little no-strings vacation action will be good for me. So, by her logic, her vote to toss me under the speeding Gio bus makes sense.