The announcer called for everyone’s attention. This was it. They were starting.

He walked over and stood directly in front of her. “Is there something you need to say to me?”

She silently reminded herself of her vow to stop all this nonsense. She searched her mind for something—anything—other than the truth. “I saw you talking to my dad.”

“This isn’t about your dad,” he said.

“Did you tell him we’re still digging around?”

“Of course not.”

“Promise?” She held up her pinkie like they were ten again. She caught herself and put her hand down. “Sorry. I think I’m just nervous.” What was wrong with her?

He reached over and tugged the buckle on her life vest.

“It’s secure.”

He raised a brow. “Just making sure.”

“I’m good. I’m ready.” She really needed to get control of her emotions. It was as if they had a mind of their own. She turned away and started singing softly. “‘Dancing queen, feel the beat from the tangerine . . .’”

“It’s tambourine,” he said as he moved into place.

She glanced at him. “Tangerine.”

He shook his head and turned away, but not before she caught it—the undeniable smile he was trying to hide. That was enough to fill her up to her toes and put her straight back to where she’d been before—certain she could win him over, make him forgive her, and maybe even convince him he should ditch McKenzie Palmer and run off into the sunset with her.

She willed herself to stop behaving so badly, in spite of the fact that McKenzie was now one boat over wearing a very skimpy red bikini. She tossed a glance toward Cody as Charlie sidled up next to the blonde bombshell blogger, but Cody’s eyes were fixed straight ahead.

“Don’t slack on your job, Chambers,” he called out.

For some unknown reason, she wanted to make him proud. “You got it, skipper!” she called out.

For a brief moment, he tossed a glance at her over his shoulder. She couldn’t help it; she smiled in spite of herself. In spite of her certainty that he and McKenzie were more than friends. In spite of her worry that he would never forgive her. In spite of her inability to stop fantasizing that he might actually feel the same way about her that she felt about him.

To her utter delight, Cody Boggs smiled back.

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

TO SAY CODY BOGGS HAD A COMPETITIVE STREAK would be a gross understatement. And to say it didn’t completely turn Louisa on would be a lie.

She tried to keep up with him, with the trash-talking between the Coasties, with the wind velocity and the changes in direction. Cody would call instructions out to her, and she’d do as he said, remembering their practice sessions, which had apparently sunk in more than she realized.