Chapter 103
I pinch his arm. He barely reacts but throws me a sly smile. Lacey doesn’t notice a thing, just shrugs and takes another sip.
“If I had to guess, I’d say Tonia’s finally figuring out that three’s a crowd,” Lacey says, wiping her lip with the back of her hand.
I hum, distracted. Cameras are everywhere. I spot one guy pretending not to point his lens directly at us, but he’s not slick. The tension gets worse when I see Becca whispering to a very pretty, very annoyed girl with short hair – Margot, according to Lacey.
“You and Céline haven’t been hanging out much,” Liam says casually to Lacey, eyes on the group across the beach.
I blink at him. Since when does he ask about their friendship drama?
Lacey just sighs into her cup. “Yeah. She’s off chasing rich guys now. Apparently wants to make gold–digging her full–time career. I’m just the emotional support friend at this point.”
“Doesn’t hurt that Tonia’s boyfriend is some crypto millionaire,” Liam says, a little too dryly.
I tug on his arm with a small frown. He glances at me, sees the question in my eyes, and just like that – his expression softens. He pulls me into his side with one arm and rests his chin on the top of my head for a second.
“I’m good,” he says quietly. “Promise.”
0.00%
17:350
Chapter 103
288 Vouchers
I let it go. Mostly because he smells like bitter chocolate and something warm I can’t name–and it’s messing with my brain.
Lacey narrows her eyes at us. “You two are disgusting. Seriously. I need eye bleach.”
“Alright! Cameras are rolling, let’s begin filming!” Becca claps her hands, voice way too bright for how pale she looks. I glance at her, and Margot–standing just behind–catches me looking. Her glare could cut steel.
“Your tasks will be passed around soon,” Becca continues. “Except for Lacey.”
Lacey straightens. “Huh?”
“Céline and Tonia are switching partners for tonight. So you’ll be paired with Tonia,” Becca adds, like it’s no big deal. But it is, clearly. Lacey stiffens, looks down at her empty cup, then huffs and chucks it into the bin. –
She doesn’t complain though–just runs off toward Tonia, who looks like someone stole her phone and her will to live.
Meanwhile, Liam and I are handed a cute little cue card. The second we read it, we both break into laughter.
TASK 1: Tandem Bike Ride Around the Island
Twist: One of you is blindfolded. The other has to guide.
Bonus points if you manage to complete Task 2 at the same time.
TASK 2: Romantic Photo Scavenger Hunt
28 67%
17.35
Chapter 103
288 Vouchers
Find clues along the route and recreate couple–themed photos.
Twist: No peeking. Points are lost if the blindfold comes off.
“The universe hates you, love,” Liam says, wiping a tear from the corner of his eye. “How are we supposed to do this with you being allergic to effort?”
“It’s not easy being this lazy,” I mutter.
He grins and bumps my shoulder. “Good thing you’ve got me. I‘ m an excellent guide. And a very patient one too.”
I raise a brow. “Patient?”
“Painfully.” He leans closer. “But only for you.”
And just like that, the butterflies in my stomach start dancing again. Loudly.
“I’ll be the judge,” Becca says, way too cheerfully. “There are cameras everywhere, so don’t worry about your screen time.”
Somehow, that sounds more like a threat than comfort.
“You have one hour to finish both tasks and get back. Don’t be late. I’ll be waiting.”
I barely have time to blink before Liam grabs my hand and pulls me into a run.
“We’re seriously doing this?” I shout.
He flashes me a grin over his shoulder. “Too late to back out now!”
55.70%
17:35 C
Chapter 103
1288 (Vouchers
We reach the tandem bikes, and he immediately starts adjusting the seats like he’s been training for this his whole life.
“Okay,” he says, holding up the blindfold. “Your turn.”
“Why me?” I gasp. “You’re taller! I should be in the front!”
“And I should also be the one who can see,” he teases. “Come on, I’ve got you.”
I hesitate. Just for a second. Then I sigh and let him tie the soft cloth over my eyes.
“You’re not allowed to crash us into a tree.”
“No promises,” he whispers next to my ear, and I swear my knees forget how to work for a second.
He helps me climb onto the back seat, holding on like my life depends on it. Because it kind of does.
“Pedal when I say pedal,” Liam says. “And don’t panic.”
I immediately panic.
We start slow. Wobbly. I let out a small shriek when we hit a bump and Liam just laughs.
“You’re doing amazing,” he calls back.
“I’m doing nothing! I can’t even see!”
79.49%
