27. Genuine Feelings
GENUINE FEELINGS
LARS
T he Lauder bested Keir’s ship but did not retake first place. Regardless of what we won or did not win, I knew I had fun. That was the point, anyway. This trip got me out of a funk. Heading into another week of this spent with family I felt conflicted about didn’t appeal. Knowing I would lose Rose to her family holiday plans—all of which revolved around the Brits—felt wrong. Keir and Ingrid would get to spend an entire week with her. Meanwhile, I’d be stuck here.
“You know you want to tell her you love her, right?”
I spied Jack out of the corner of my eye. She caught me watching Rose from across the deck.
“I don’t love her,” I said. “That is silly.”
“Is it?” Jack asked, raising her eyebrows. “Because you look at her like she’s a snack.”
“Jack, that’s not how it works for grownups.”
“Okay, maybe it’s different for grownups. I wouldn’t know. What I do know is that you like her. You like her a lot . And I do, too. Who wouldn’t? Rose is sweet.”
“She is,” I agreed. “And I enjoy her company.”
“You two have been joined at the hip since we arrived.” Rose wasn’t buying my line.
“Look, I will see her again someday. But I’m not about to confess my love for her, kiddo. It’s not like that.”
“Then why do you look so sad?”
“Because I don’t know when I will see her again. And… I’m stuck here with Alessandra.”
“I love it when you call her by her first name. The antipathy!” Jack dramatically pretended to faint. “God, she’s a piece of fucking work!”
“Jack.”
“What? Swears are fine if you use them correctly.”
I snickered. “Alright, kiddo. I’m going to get some more food. I’ll see you around.”
I escaped, realising I’d missed Rose. I wanted to talk to her before she left early tomorrow morning. I worried she’d departed her parents’ yacht prematurely, heading back to the Lauder alone. Instead, I found her on the lounger at the bow.
I sat next to her. She leaned over, laying her head lazily on my shoulder.
“The fireworks will be out soon,” she murmured. “I’m not sure we’ll get a good view from here. I am wondering if I should head back.”
“I’ll take you,” I offered.
“Okay. I should probably get some rest anyhow. I think Mac and Mary have reached their absolute breaking point on a long flight back tomorrow.”
“Gotcha. Hopefully, you’re seated far away.”
“It’s our plane. So, no.”
I cringed.
“Yep. Good times,” she sighed.
I stood up, giving her a hand to pull her to her feet.
We said our goodbyes to the old people and my brothers. My father agreed to drop Jack at home. She wanted to stay on with Betty. I didn’t protest, wanting to have one more chat with Rose.
Out on the water, I thought about the fireworks. Of course , Rose would like those. I turned the boat and drove further towards the harbour. We saw the other boats waiting for the show to start. Rose looked confused.
“We’re going the wrong way,” Rose said.
“Nah,” I said, cutting the engine. “We’ll get a good view here. Sit. It will be nice.”
We dropped the anchor and settled into the bench to watch the show.
“Rose, it’s premature for me to care, but… I cannot help but want to see you again.”
“I know, you said that,” Rose said.
“But… I want to know what would work. I’m dying to see you again. I played it cool, but, Rose, I want to see you again—to kiss you and adore you.”
She cupped my chin in her hand. “You are such a total sweetheart, you know that?”
“I am a sap for you,” I said. “Not everyone—just you , Rose.”
Rose leaned in and kissed me. It was the sweetest feeling. She didn’t shy away or fear me; she accepted my words and took them in. I could have stayed there all day kissing her. She laced her hands through my hair and pulled me back onto her. Popping noises filled the air, and I pulled back.
“The show is starting,” I said.
“I don’t care,” Rose said. “Do you want to ensure I never forget this?”
“Sure,” I agreed.
“Fuck me here. On deck. Just out here.”
“Rose, I can’t?—“
“No one will know,” Rose insisted.
She bit her lip in that irresistible way. “You wanted to make my fantasy come true. Show me.”