Letting My Brother's Best Friend Take My V-Card

LA WAY OUT LUKE

Every ounce of determination pushed me forward as I stepped closer to the towering cliffs, my fists clenched at my sides. My heart thundered in my chest, the sound almost louder than the waves crashing against the rocks below. I scanned the jagged surface, the sun bearing down on my neck, mocking me as I searched for any way-any way-to get down. Frustration clawed at me, threatening to spill over.

It has to be down there. It just has to.

A glint caught my eye, and I squinted, spotting a narrow ledge higher up. My chest tightened with a flicker of hope. I scrambled. toward it, fingers scraping against the rough rock as I hauled

myself up. My arms burned, my muscles trembling, but I didn't stop. Not until I reached it.

The ledge narrowed into nothing, a jagged dead end with a sheer drop that would kill me if I wasn't careful. My jaw clenched so hard I thought my teeth would crack. "Fuck!" The word tore out of me, swallowed instantly by the crash of the waves.

My hands shook as I balanced on the ledge, staring down at the ocean below. This was it. There was no other way. My options were to jump or climb back down and admit I'd failed again.

I pressed a hand against, the cliffside, grounding myself, and whispered, "Jess... if I don't make it... forgive me. I love you."

The words burned as I said them out loud, and before I could let doubt sink in, I jumped.

into me like concrete, knocking

my feet hit the sandy bottom, and instinct took over. I kicked hard, breaking through the

face and treading water. I glanced around, spinning in slow circles. The cove

as the waves lifted me,

The boat.

a broken laugh escaped my lips. I had to blink twice to make sure I

me. Every stroke felt like a victory, like maybe we weren't completely screwed after all. I hauled myself onto

floated. That was enough. A quick glance

gift from the universe. I turned them, and the engine roared to life. Relief washed over me as the steady hum vibrated through the boat. It sounded strong, but when I checked the

Half a tank.

here?" I muttered, switching off the engine to conserve it. The reality hit me hard. There was no way I could take this boat all the way around the island.

zeroed in on a small, circled island. It looked familiar, like the one Sarah had marked in

She was always right.

just get to

I shook my head.