I immediately pull the hat off my head. “Here,” I offer.

“No, it’s—”

“It’s cool.” I tighten the back and hand it to her. “You’ll burn. And who wants sunspots?”

She tries not to smile. “Are you messing with me right now?”

“No. Just wear it.”

Hesitantly, she puts it on. NAVY in bold letters stares back at me.

“Looks good.” I clench my fists, trying not to enjoy the fact that she’s wearing something that’s mine.

“Thanks.” She gives me an undeserved smile.

I eat it up like a starving man given a morsel of food. I never knew how hungry I was until Lauren.

We paddle through the slots as the girls marvel at the colors and light play. Vincent once told me that this part of the country made him believe in God. I finally understand why. It’s centuries of evolution written in rock formations. Every detail here was made by nature alone.

“Basically, what happens”—Eve’s voice echoes—“is there’s a crack in the rock. A heavy rain comes down and seeps into that crack along with sediment and natural debris, which then carve away at the inside edges.”

Sharing a board, Vincent quickly paddles himself and Eve around the bend as they continue their discussion. I slow myself down to brush my hands against the red-and-orange-striped wall. It’s so smooth.

Lifting my head, I notice that Lauren’s no longer ahead of me. Turning my head, I see she isn’t behind me either. Still, I didn’t see her rush ahead with the others.

“Lauren?” I call out.

No reply.

“Fuck.” I want to spin my board around, but the slot is too narrow. Paddling faster, I try to reach a wider section but can’t find one. I get off the board, starting to swim. The water is cold as shit, but I couldn’t care less. Did she fall? The light dims as I swim around, dunking underwater and swimming deeper to see if she’s there. I can’t see her.

I pop back up.

“Boo!” she screams.

My eyes widen in surprise as I turn. “You—”

Her laughter is song. “You were zoned out, and I hid behind that section. Never thought I’d get you into the water though,” she says happily on her board, pointing to a small bend on the right. “Looks like you’re too slow, Slade.”

I want to grab her. Tear her clothes off and show her how fast I can be. Instead, I climb back on the board and tightly grip my oar. “It’s dangerous. You should never sneak up on someone. Especially not on a man like me.” My mouth dries out, words sounding like a threat.

“Oh, is that right?” she sasses. “You might have scared me last night with your temper and tough-guy attitude. But, in the light of day, I see you’re nothing but an asshole. You don’t scare me, Slade. Not one. Little. Bit. Oh, and here’s your hat.” She throws it at me, and it lands straight at my chest.