Chapter 125

Lucie frowned. "Don't even think about it. Just stay here and wait for us."

Elio shook his head stubbornly. "No way. I'm coming with you."

"Elio, can you not be such a pain?"

"Lucie, come on. I'm a guy. Wouldn't it be safer if I went with you?" He glanced over at Ruby, grinning mischievously. "Besides, you're really going to leave a cute girl like her alone with me? Aren't you worried I might... misbehave?"

Lucie shot him a sharp look. Elio was a shameless flirt. The minute he saw a pretty face, he couldn't help himself. And with his good looks and deep pockets, he always seemed to get what he wanted.

He grinned, totally unbothered. "If something happens, don't blame me, okay?"

Lucie hesitated, nervous he'd actually cause trouble. She finally gave in, exasperated. "Fine. Come with me, then."

Elio's face lit up. "Awesome."

Lucie let out a heavy sigh. "Jean, Ruby, you two stay here and wait for us."

"Yes, Ms. Anderson," Jean replied.

"Ruby, give me your backpack. You and Jean can just share one for now."

"Okay." Ruby handed her backpack over.

Elio jumped in and grabbed it first. "Let me. I got it."

"Seriously, be careful this time. Don't lose it again."

"Relax. Even if I lose myself, I won't lose this bag."

Jean had already inflated the little raft and set it on the water. Lucie climbed in, moving carefully. Elio hopped in after her.

Once they were both settled, Elio snatched up the paddle and started rowing like he was in a race. The raft lurched, almost tipping them into the lake.

"Hey! Slow down! If you flip us, we're in trouble."

Elio was grinning like a kid. “Come on, green mountains, clear water, boating with you, Lucie. How is this not romantic?"

Lucie rolled her eyes and looked away. His mouth always got him in trouble. Sometimes all it took was one smart remark from him to have her seething.

He and Steven couldn't be more different. Steven was all quiet confidence, sharp as a tack, always reading people and their motives. He could figure out what you wanted in five seconds and play along like pro:

SWI

Elio was the total opposite. Loud, cocky, not afraid of anyone. He made friends with everyone, no

matter who they were. He'd jokonet

around with CEOs and janitors. without missing a beat Facing someone like Steven didn't

intimidate him at all. And he'd just as

happily sit on the ground and play chess with a security guard.

"Go that way. Don't drift off course. Actually, just give me the paddle. I'll steer," Lucie said.

"No way. I'm the guy here. How can I let you do the heavy lifting?"

"Elio, cut it out. If it gets any darker, we won't see a thing."

He grinned, totally unrepentant. "Isn't that perfect? Then we'll have to spend the night across the lake, just the two of us. What do you think, Lucie? Wanna try it? I bet I'm way more fun than that old guy..."

Lucie glared at him, dead serious. "Shut up. Say one more thing like that and I swear I'll lose it."

"Okay, okay, I'm done. I'll keep my mouth shut."

Lucie ignored him, turning to check how far they still had to go.