"Here." I place my bag in Carter's hands and he carries it over to the car.
I didn't pack a lot of things for this trip. Next to my two swimsuits, an extra outfit, including a sundress and my payamas, I also placed a red dress because Hailey insisted we go out to a club there. I agreed to a dress, but immediately said no to heels.
"Can we go now?" Luke asks from the car, resting his hands on the steering wheel.
"I made sandwiches." I walk over to their car and give Luke the bag.
"Thanks, mom." Mel chuckles from the passenger's seat.
"Repeat that when your stomach starts to grumble." I say and he just shakes his head, placing the bag in his lap.
With the other plastic bag, I walk over to Hailey's car and enter the backseat.
"We can move now?" Hailey asks.
"Yes." I answer, making myself comfortable. "Too bad Dave won't be going."
Dave caught a flu and decided not to come with us.
"Yeah. I'd rather have him than Dylan." Sarah mutters from beside me.
"What's so wrong with him?"
"Nothing much. But he has a habit of being a dick. He will do things and say things to make himself look good, while embarassing others." She says.
"Like that situation with Dave?" I ask, remembering how Dylan pretended to flirt with his girl.
"Yes, exactly." She confirms.
The ride goes by fast. The girls and I chat about everything possible. It's still incredible to me just how fast I adjusted to them, and how fast they accepted me. I am constantly asking myself if I'm intruding and I'll probably keep on wondering that until the end of summer. But I've been having more fun than ever, and feel extremely comfortable with this group.
"This is it." Hailey points to a small building with a smile on her face.
The building is a bright blue color, it's balconies sticking out on the street. It looks warm and cozy. We all get out of the cars and take our bags, proceeding to the reception. The inside is just as pretty as the outside, with subtle yet intriguing decorations that connect the outside to the inside, making it feel more open.
"Hello." I say as I glide my hand over the crystal white pult. I succeed in getting the attention of a dark haired receptionist, who smiles at me when she notices us.
"Hello and welcome." She greets us, her hospitality making me smile. "Do you have a reservation?"
"Yes. Four rooms on Katherine Banner?"
"Ah, yes. Two rooms for two?" She looks up at me and I nod, waiting for her to continue. "And two rooms for three?"
I nod and she seems happy with that as she types something in her computer. She lifts her head and grabs a binder from the side.
"Can I please have your documents?"
The rooms are wide, although I did not expect them to be. The one I'm in has a king sized bed and one single bed. The bathroom has a tall shower and beautiful light blue tiles. I walk out on the balcony and feel immediate happiness when I see the shore from where I'm standing. I place my stuff near the single bed and take note of the look that Carter sends me. He still doesn't know I know of him and Sarah, but I don't want to be the one to tell him, so I look away and start unpacking.
"You really couldn't be more subtle, sugar?" I hear Carter's chuckle and look up to see him sitting on the large bed.
"About what?" I take out my payamas and fold them back on the bed.
"It slipped, Carter. I told her." Sarah's voice comes closer. I take the last thing from my bag, my cosmetics bag, and stand up. Carter is smiling at me before he looks back at his pair.
"That makes everything easier. I thought I was gonna have to sleep there." He points to the single bed and I chuckle, glad that he's okay with me knowing. I still don't understand why they wouldn't tell the others, seeing as they're really close to them, but then again, Wes told me and like Sarah said, it slipped when she mentioned it. I'm not the one to meddle in their personal business.
"I actually thought Kat and I could share this bed." Sarah smiles wickedly, dabbing the white sheets on their bed.
"That would be interesting." Carter smirks and I scrunch my nose. Sarah laughs out loud before she continues to unpack her bag.
We head to the beach soon after everyone is settled and suddenly I wish I brought my hat with me. I have my sunglasses on but the sun is strong, hitting right at my scalp. The beach is not far away, maybe a seven minute walk from our hotel, but it seems pretty crowded when we arrive.
We place our towels on the sand and I almost squeal as I stare at the waves hitting the shore. The faint music can be heard from a nearby bar and the atmosphere seems so energetic.
"I wanna try the jets!" Jessica points to an umbrella, where a big sign is placed in the sand, promoting jet skis.
"Me too!" I say as well.
"Let's try the water first, then we'll stop there." Mel says, taking Jessica's shoulders and pushing her towards the water. I watch as they both jump in, their laughs becoming a part of the beach noise.
"Are you waiting for everyone to turn around or?" Wea says from the side, his eyes focused on the sundress I'm in. I almost forgot to take it off, seeing the fabric is barely there.
"Just taking my time." I say and grab the bottom of the dress, easily pulling it over my head. I notice Wes's eyes widen and I praise myself for choosing my best swimsuit. Its bright red colour sticks out on the light sand, and it hugs my hips and my curves perfectly.
I drop the dress on my towel and take off my sunglasses before making my way to where the others are. I know Wes is behind me but I don't expect it when his hand subtly caresses my butt, and his face comes in my vision, his infamous smirk plastered all over it.
"You're just teasing." He mutters before winking at me and running off towards Carter and the boys. I try not to look too flustered as I approach the girls.
The water is not cold, but not warm. It's been a long time since I actually swam somewhere and it's not a pool. I make sure to use all my time to pretend like time doesn't exist. I swim and dive and basically become a little child.
We borrow a ball from some little girl and try playing volleyball but since we all suck at it, except Carter, we decide to give up. I fall way too many times and if I hear one more person yell 'out!' I will lose it. In the end Wes gets angry because his team loses and he blows out the ball, making the little girl cry. We all make him go to the store to buy her a new one and after ten minutes of begging him, he takes her hand and leaves to the store stubbornly. The girls and I start laughing so hard my stomach starts to hurt. We eventually decide to rest and both Sarah and Carter fall asleep while the rest of us try getting some tan.
"So, the jets?" Jessica looks at her official boyfriend, who is just downing a bottle of water. He finishes it and shakes at as if he can't beileve he drank it all.
"I'm down. Kat, you wanna come too?" He asks me and I nod ecstatically.
"But I don't know how to drive that." I pout.
"You don't have to. There are trained guys who'll take you for a ride." He tells me and I nod once again.
"But actually." He looks at me. "Wes knows how to ride one, he'll take you."
I tighten my lips at Mel's amused face and just as I'm about to cuss him out, strong breaths are heard from behind me.
"Man, these kids walk so fast. She dragged me around the store. I almost fainted." Wes says as he supports himself by placing his palms on his knees. "I need water."
"Uh, we didn't bring any." Mel says and I see Jessica chuckle lightly.
"What?" Wes breathes. "I'm gonna die."
"Relax, drama queen." Jessica says as she stands up. "You'll buy some after the jet skis."
"Jet skis?" Wes asks in the same time as I glare at Mel, silently telling him to see what he's done now.
"Yeah, you know how to drive one, right?" Mel's girlfriend says and I want to tell her not to ask him so bad but then again, I'd rather have him drive me than some stranger.
"Yeah." Wes says, still out of breath.
"You'll drive Kat, then." She smiles proudly and starts to walk towards the little stand. Mel gets up as well and follows behind her but not before sending me a short wink.
I turn to Wes, who has a confused expression on his face. I just shake my head and stand up.
"It's Mel." I start explaining as we follow the couple, keeping my voice down until we are distanced from both them and the others from our group. "He keeps on -"
"I know." Wes says, his eyes glaring at his cousin's back. "He's been giving me shit about it all this time."
"It's annoying."
"I know why he's doing it." He sighs. "I did the same thing to him when he started messing around with Jess."
"Seriously? Great." I mumble sarcastically.
We reach the little stand and I gawk at the number of jet skis placed on the water.
"Pick whichever you like." The tall guy says just as Mel hands him the money. I stare at the cash, deciding to give my part back after the ride. I don't like when people pay for me.
"Can we take this one?" Wes calls and I roll my eyes before walking over to him. He's pointing at a dark blue one and I must say it looks pretty damn furious.
"Sure." I shrug and he smiles like a little kid. As long as he's driving me safely I don't mind which jet I'm sitting on.
The guys at the stand pull out our jet skis and place them on the water in front of us, so we can directly sit on them. They start questioning the boys how many times they've driven, are they sure they know it, who taught them and similar questions. Then they instruct us on how far we're allowed to go and when we're supposed to return and finally give us our life vests. I'm glad they're not too thick otherwise it would be uncomfortable. Wes goes first and I sit behind him, my hands loosely going around his torso. After one of the guys tells us we're ready to go, Wes starts the engine and we speed up.
I shriek as the water droplets hit my face but frown when Wes suddenly slows down. Just as I prepare to ask him why he stopped he turns his head a little bit.
"You'll have to hold on tighter, baby." He tells me and I raise my eyebrows.
"Baby?"
But my voice is muffled by the sound of the engine as he speeds up again, this time faster than before and my hands grip his torso tighter. I allow the wind to blow at my face at full speed and watch as we go further and further away from the shore.
Then suddenly the jet ski removes itself from the water and I yelp loudly when we hit the surface again. My heart jumped out of my chest at that moment, but Wes doesn't seem to mind as a laugh escapes his throat.
He swirls around the beautiful deep water, leaving a white trail behind us. A chuckle escapes my lips when he tilts the jet ski and my knees hit the water. Once again he speeds up and makes us jump, to which I let out a small scream, full of joy.
"Do it again!" I tell him loudly.
"Okay." He laughs and does the same, this time with more force. I want to let my hands go but I know that is not a good idea. Instead I smile brightly at the feeling of adrenaline rushing through me.
Once again Wes slows down but this time he lets one handle go and turns to me.
"Do you wanna try?" He asks and I widen my eyes, transferring them to where the little umbrella has now become just a dot to me.
"I'm not supposed to. They won't allow it." I fumble with my words.
"They won't even notice." He waves it off.
"But I don't even know how to."
"I'll teach you." He says and looks at me for a moment, expecting my answer. I think for a second and look back at the shore. They won't mind, will they? Like I will get another chance to drive it. I eventually nod and Wes pulls a small smile which doesn't reach his eyes.
"I'll move aside so you can slide closer." He tells me and scoots aside. I don't know why he doesn't just get in the water but nevertheless I slide to the front and grab the handles. Wes sits behind me, pushing the jet down and starts showing me how to use it.
"Just go slow, don't try anything I did." He warns and I bite my lip.
"But I wanted to fly." I chuckle and hear him scoff.
"Don't kill us, please." He mutters and tells me to start. I gently add some speed until the jet ski is actually moving and I squeak when I realise I'm the one doing that.
"Good job." Wes says from behind me and I speed up a little, which makes him grab onto my waist, causing me to smirk.
I chuckle at myself the entire time as I make turns and pretend I'm at some race. I'm probably going snail speed but the adrenaline is hitting me hard. Suddenly I feel Wes's lips on my neck and I let out a sigh, trying hard to focus on my driving. He leaves small kisses on my skin, each burning more than the other. I tilt my head to the side and feel his lips form a smile. The sensation of his skin touching mine is making my mind swirl with thoughts. His hand gently rubs the side of my thigh and those two actions distract me so much I eventually stop to a halt.
"Already done?" He asks, sarcasm evident in his voice.
I let one of my handels go and around to glare at him only to be trapped in his blue eyes again. Seeing the clear blue water in the distance mixed with the beautiful shade of his eyes makes my breathing shallow. It's hard for me to admit how he makes me feel, probably because I purposely try to avoid that feeling most of the time.
His eyes drop to stare at my lips as he licks his own and my breath is caught in my throat. He leans in before lifting his hand to gently grab my chin. His lips meet mine in a second and I release my breath as our lips move against each other. The kiss is sweet and salty, much different than our first one and I can't help but enjoy it. But I know it's not the right thing to do, I know it's not what we are supposed to do, so I slowly back away to meet those ocean like eyes again.
He doesn't seem to show any emotion, instead just looks down at where I'm sitting.
"We have to switch so we can go back." He says and I nod while getting up, feeling like I just created an awkward tension.
But it isn't all my fault. He goes and tells me how he doesn't want our night to repeat and how nothing else is going to happen but then he kisses me again. I rarely get confused about boys, but this is tying my thoughts and I don't know what to think anymore.