By noon, the sun was high and the boat was obnoxiously luxurious.
A sleek, gleaming yacht bobbed at the dock, its white deck sparkling like it was auditioning for a billionaire's Instagram story. Investors milled about in sunglasses and resort wear, cocktails already in hand despite it being barely past lunch.
Aria eyed the vessel like it might bite her.
"I don't do boats," she muttered.
Ethan appeared beside her, looking disgustingly relaxed in a crisp white button-down and those stupidly perfect sunglasses.
"You'll be fine," he smirked. "Afraid of a little water, Lane?"
"I'm afraid of drunk investors and people named Lena trying to push me overboard."
Ethan grinned. "If anyone tries it, I'll throw them off first."
"Chivalrous of you."
He leaned down, murmuring, "Couldn't risk losing you now, could I?"
And then — because apparently the universe wanted to kill her — he winked.
Actual wink.
Aria's brain short-circuited for a full five seconds.
Get it together, Lane.
---
The boat trip started out… surprisingly peaceful.
They cruised along the lake's glassy surface, sun warm on their skin, the shoreline a blur of trees and quaint cottages. Aria managed to avoid Lena for a solid twenty minutes by hiding near the snack table, eating alarming amounts of strawberries dipped in chocolate.
"Good strategy," Ethan commented when he found her there.
"I'm a survivalist," she said, popping another strawberry in her mouth. "This is my shelter."
"Wanna make it interesting?" he asked, leaning casually against the table.
She narrowed her eyes. "Define interesting."
"A bet."
"On?"
He glanced toward the upper deck where a group of investors, including Lena, were gathered near the railing. "First person to make Lena storm off in a rage wins."
Aria smirked. "What's the prize?"
"Winner picks one thing the loser has to do. No backing out."
She considered. Dangerous. Reckless. Tempting.
"You're on."
They shook on it, their fingers lingering longer than necessary.
And then it was game time.
---
Ethan struck first.
During casual investor small talk, he mentioned a certain deal Lena had botched last year — in the most charming, passive-aggressive way imaginable.
Lena's smile cracked.
One point for Ethan.
Aria countered by loudly complimenting the fiancée of one of Lena's exes, who happened to be on board with them.
Lena's cocktail glass nearly shattered.
Two points.
It escalated fast from there.
Snide remarks. Subtle insults disguised as compliments. At one point, Aria pretended to mishear Lena's job title as "executive assistant."
Ethan actually snorted out his drink.
By the time the boat's captain announced they'd be stopping at a little island dock for photos, Lena was visibly twitching.
And then Ethan sealed it.
"Lane," he called, loud enough for everyone to hear. "Since we're doing truth-or-dare tonight, you ready to admit you have a thing for me, or should I pencil it in for dessert?"
Aria choked on air.
The table went silent.
A flock of gulls cried overhead. Somewhere in the distance, a dramatic violin probably played.
And Lena?
She stood up so fast her chair nearly tipped over.
"I'm done with this juvenile nonsense," she snapped, storming off to the lower deck.
Silence hung in the air.
Ethan grinned, holding out a hand. "I believe that makes me the winner."
Aria glared at him, cheeks burning. "That was a dirty move."
"Effective though."
She took his hand, letting him pull her up.
"Fine," she said. "You win. But remember — you still owe me one thing from our original dare."
"Wouldn't dream of forgetting."
Their eyes locked. The air between them felt heavier, crackling with something electric.
And before she could talk herself out of it, Aria tugged him closer by his shirt collar.
"Since you're so sure I've got a thing for you," she whispered, "here's a preview."
And then she kissed him.
Not like last time. Not a dare. Not a moment of chaos.
A real, steady, slow-burn kind of kiss.
Ethan froze for a second.
And then kissed her back like a man making up for lost time.
It was messy and smug and perfect.
When they finally broke apart, Aria smirked. "Now that's how you win a bet, Cole."
Ethan looked half-wrecked, half in love.
"Careful, Lane," he murmured, voice rough. "You keep doing that, I might actually fall for you."
Aria's heart did a dangerous, traitorous little lurch.
Too late...