“Attention, everyone!” Gustavo’s voice soars over the crowd and I look up. He’s perched on a low railing along the boardwalk, arm raised. “Our coach bus is here. I hope you are ready to meet some of our famous giant tortoises.” The crowd claps and cheers as people begin shuffling toward the bus.

“Hey, do you—” I begin before realizing that Walsh isn’t by my side anymore.

I crane my neck and spot her scurrying over to board the bus. She ditched me! Pursing my lips, I weave through the other passengers to catch up with her.

When I board the bus, I discover she’s sitting with one of the naturalists. They’re already deep in conversation, but she still manages to shoot me a smug look. I counter it with a don’t-think-you’ve-avoided-talking-about-Bad-News-Bears glare. Bumping her shoulder as I pass, I find an empty row in the back and shuffle into a blue-and-orange window seat.

Outside, a handful of fishermen are selling their morning catch at a table set up near the water. I take a picture of a massive sea lion resting its head on the table next to a fisherman’s elbow like a dog begging for a treat.

The chatter on the bus grows louder as it fills with passengers.

Without warning, Nikolai pops his head over the seats in front of me. I jolt. “Good morning,” he purrs, but the effect is ruined when he bumps his head on the low overhead storage rack. Wincing, he rubs the spot.

“Good morning,” I say politely.

“I have not seen much of you these last few days. You have not been avoiding me, have you?”

I force a strained smile. “Just busy.” And avoiding him whenever possible.

Dwight is sitting next to Nikolai; I can’t see him since his seat is blocking my view, but I catch his low voice, murmuring an unintelligible admonishment. Nikolai mutters something back then refocuses his attention on me.

“I wonder, is this seat taken?” He nods to the empty seat beside me, already inching out of his row.

“Actually…” I quickly look for an escape. Several rows up, Graeme is making his way down the aisle. I exhale in relief. “Graeme!” I call. “There you are. I saved you a seat… like you asked,” I enunciate with a meaningful flick of my eyes at Nikolai.

“Super, thanks.” The smile Graeme gives me makes my stomach muscles quiver involuntarily. “Nikolai,” he acknowledges as he passes the other man.

Nikolai’s lips pucker like he’s just swallowed a lemon. “I hope you enjoy the turtles.”

“Tortoises,” Graeme corrects.

“You too,” I say to Nikolai.

Swinging his backpack off, Graeme lowers himself into the seat next to me. A buzz of electricity surges between us when his knee brushes mine—warm skin on skin. I pretend not to notice.

“Thank you,” I whisper.