Zane clears his throat. “Let’s get it into position.”
When it’s centered, Haley bustles around getting the top of it decorated like the stews always do on the yacht. But hers is even more beautiful. In the middle of the table, she places something covered with a piece of burlap.
Calvin’s back from the beach––he never naps long. Not with the WaveRunner to work on. I’ve helped some. He’s taken it apart. I’m not sure it’s ever going to go back together.
Easton appears from down the trail. “Wow. This looks fantastic.” He pulls Haley in for a hug. “Happy IFD.”
“IFD? Oh, Island Festival Day.” She gives him a quick kiss. “Happy IFD to you too!”
She goes right down the line, kisses and wishes. It’s not a competition, but we’re making it one. Zane dips her, and when she comes upright, she wobbles.
“Happy Island Festival Day, Sam.”
“Happy IFD, Sugar.” I chuckle and take her warm and smooth lips with mine. I hold her waist and deepen the kiss.Fuck, I turn into a teenager whenever I get my hands on her. I could kiss her all day long.
“Enough, Miller.” Calvin taps my shoulder.
I shouldn’t be an ass, but it makes me turn her away from him. I want to growl outmine, toss her over my shoulder, and run into the jungle. She moans into my mouth, and I let her go. Her blue eyes hold mine for a moment.
Calvin kisses Haley, but he doesn’t play along and wish her a happy Island Festival Day. When their lips part, he cocks half a smile at her. “Are we ready?”
“Ready for what? We’re not going to eat until later. And?—”
“Come with me.” Calvin grabs her hand. “The rest of you too.”
There’s bamboo hurdles set up on the beach, and out in the water, there are clusters of coconuts floating like buoys.
“It’s the Island Festival Games,” Calvin decrees.
“Oh, like the Olympics?” Haley claps. We do this sort of thing for guests all the time. Setting up relays or hula hoops. But those are things the deck hands pull out of the toy hauler room. Everything on the beach, Calvin’s made. And he made the chicken coop yesterday.
“When did you sleep?” Zane places his hand on Calvin’s shoulder.
“Full moon. Didn’t need to sleep.”
“Of course you need to sleep. But this is wonderful. What game are we going to play first?” Haley’s holding on to Calvin’s arm.
Calvin nods. “You can decide that. Hurdles, soccer, and the triathlon.”
“Don’t we need bikes for a triathlon?” she asks.
“Not if one person has to carry the other person,” Calvin says.
“I pick Haley.” Zane’s quick to grab Haley’s hand.
“Nope. Rocks.” Calvin pulls six rocks out of his pocket. Three matching sets: black, white, and sandy brown. He cups them in two hands and shakes them around. “Pick a rock but don’t show it.” He holds it above his head. “Haley first.”
“Okay, this is fun.” She grips the stone in her fist.
I’m the last to pick before Calvin. He moves one stone into each hand and holds them out in front of his chest.
“Can I say it?” Haley’s smiling.
“Sure,” Calvin says.
We all have our fists in the circle.
“Reveal.” Haley giggles. And I’m all smiles. The ebony black rock in her hand matches the one in mine.
