Kiki’s eyes widen and her cheeks turn pink. I’m sure because she doesn’t want people assuming we’re a couple. I stand and point out at the water. “Hey, is that a dolphin?”
Everyone turns to look, including the woman. “Oh, maybe it wasn’t,” I say when no dolphin emerges.
The boat jerks to life, and the tour guide starts to talk about the island. I sneak a peek at Kiki and Skyler. I hadn’t noticed before, but the woman is right. They carry a striking resemblance. Skyler’s freckles mirror Kiki’s, their hair color is similar, and they both have a cute nose that turns up at the end. I can see why the woman would assume.
Skyler climbs off Kiki’s lap and looks over the edge of the boat to try to see marine life.
As the tour progresses, I nudge Kiki. “How are you doing? No sea sickness?”
She shakes her head. “I’m fine. This is cool. I’m learning all kinds of things about the island I didn’t know.”
The tour guide pulls the boat close to a rocky shore and stops. “You can see many turtles here.”
Skyler points and shouts. “It’s turtles, Kiki!”
Kiki kneels on the bench beside Skyler. “I see them. How many do you see?”
“Lots.”
“Let’s count them.” Kiki puts her arm around Skyler and helps her count the turtles.
After we get a good look at the turtles, the tour guide maneuvers the boat away from the island. We travel for a few minutes, circling around the other way. “We can usually see some dolphins in this area.”
He’s right. Soon we see dolphins along side the boat, jumping and sticking their noses up from the water. Skyler squeals with delight.
As she watches the dolphins, I lean toward Kiki. “I’m sorry that woman thought we were together. I could tell it embarrassed you, but don’t worry. It didn’t bother me.”
She shakes her head. “It’s okay.” She hugs herself, and the tension is back between us.
I look out at the ocean, hating the way Kiki’s uncomfortable around me now. We’d been on friendly terms before. I totally destroyed that.
CHAPTER 20
KIKI EMMERSON
We climb off the boat, and I wipe my sweaty hands on my shorts. I’m determined to keep my feelings under control but sitting that close to Tobias made my heart hammer in my chest. Why does he smell like cinnamon and pure masculinity? Why do I want to slip my fingers through his and walk beside him like we’re a couple? I don’t know what’s wrong with me. That kiss really messed with my head.
Skyler grabs my hand and looks up at me with her large, blue eyes. “Can we have pizza for dinner?”
I turn to Tobias. He smiles and shrugs. “Sure. I was just planning on leftovers anyway. Pizza sounds great.”
“Yippee!” Skyler breaks away from me and runs to the car. Tobias uses his key fob to unlock it, and she opens the door and climbs in.
We get in the car and Tobias pulls out of the parking area. “What’s your favorite kind of pizza? I’ll order when we get home.”
I bite my lip, knowing my choice is going to spark controversy. “Pineapple and Canadian bacon.”
Tobias makes a face. “You’re not one ofthosepeople, are you?”
“Yes, I am. Sorry, but I like it. And I will defend my choices until my death.”
He chuckles and raises one eyebrow as he turns down the main thoroughfare on Willow Shade Island. “Death? Pineapple on your pizza means that much to you?”
“We didn’t get pizza very often when I was growing up, but when we did my grandmother’s favorite was pineapple and Canadian bacon. I adored her, so of course that became my favorite, too. Every time I eat it, it reminds me of her.” My throat goes tight, and I stare down at my shorts to get my emotions in check.
He slowly nods. “Then I’ll allow it, although I won’t promise that my brothers won’t make gagging noises and make fun of you.”
I bite back a smile. I like Tobias’s playful side. “Duly noted.”
