Total pages in book: 65
Estimated words: 63068 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 315(@200wpm)___ 252(@250wpm)___ 210(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63068 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 315(@200wpm)___ 252(@250wpm)___ 210(@300wpm)
“Here’s hoping,” I said, trying to savor every bite but wanting to devour it.
We were having a competition this morning, and after finding the chest yesterday and eating mac and cheese with dinner last night, I was confident in our chances.
“It’d be badass to finally win a competition,” Archer said. “But whatever we do, we have to at least kick Neil and Shayla’s asses.”
“I always do my best.”
“Whatever we’re doing, I’ll take the lead.”
I scoffed. “How generous.”
“Can we not argue about which of us is more athletic?” he asked, glaring. “It’s what I do for a living.”
“Really? You dig hockey pucks out of mud holes?”
“Don’t be a stubborn asshole, Lo. You know what I mean.”
I scowled as I chewed a mouthful of gummy bears, making him wait. From his expression, I could tell waiting made him even more aggravated.
“I don’t appreciate being patted on the head and told to let the big, strong man be in charge,” I said. “I worked out for an hour every day when I found out I was coming to do this show. I train with my rowing team. I’m not a slouch.”
Archer’s brows shot up. “You coach rowing?”
“Yep.”
“You don’t know shit about rowing.”
I shook my head, disgusted. “I do now. Believe it or not, Midwestern high schools don’t have former Olympians vying to coach our teams, and teachers have to step up.”
“I think that’s really cool.”
“Don’t patronize me.”
“Clearly your good mood from the sugar has worn off,” he muttered.
“Is being stranded on an island with your ex good for anyone’s mood?” I shot back.
“You can either put your energy into winning or into bitching.”
I shrugged, refusing to look at him. “I’m a multitasker. And you haven’t heard me bitch about anything but being stuck here with you, so get off your high horse.”
He took his T-shirt off of our makeshift twine clothesline and put it on, cringing. “This thing smells fucking fantastic.”
I finished my food, rinsed my dishes, and followed Archer out of camp, neither of us saying another word. Sweat had already soaked through my swimsuit top, and by the time we arrived at the site of our competition, my T-shirt was well on its way to being drenched, too.
As I scanned the faces of the other contestants arriving, the fatigue and crankiness I felt was reflected in their expressions. Neil shot Archer a dirty look, apparently still pissed over the treasure chest.
I closed my eyes, trying to recall my positive attitude from earlier.
Focus, Lauren. Show him that you can do anything you put your mind to.
“How’s everyone feeling?” Josh asked, looking fresh and well-rested.
There was a collective groan from the participants.
“Jack and Moira, I hear you guys almost tapped out last night,” Josh said.
Everyone turned to Josh and Moira. She’d been one of the quieter women during our time at the resort, but right now she looked like she could spit fire.
“Yeah, we were close,” Jack admitted. “It’s fucking hard not having anyone to talk to except someone who hates you.”
“You guys hate each other?” Josh asked, sounding amused.
“Pretty much,” Jack said as Moira nodded. “There was a reason we broke up.”
Crossing her arms over her chest, Moira said, “The reason is because he’s an asshole and a liar.”
Jack rolled his eyes. “Here we go.”
Moira turned to him, about to let loose, when Josh cut their interaction short.
“Why don’t you guys just channel that energy into this competition?” he said. “Not only is a $500,000 donation to the charity of the winning hockey player’s choice and a $500,000 cash prize to the winning ex on the line, you could also win a steak dinner for two on the beach tonight.”
All the contestants looked around, and I could tell everyone was excited about this prize. Oh my God. A sizzling, medium rare steak would be life-changing right now.
“Dinner will include mashed potatoes, salad, and peach cobbler,” Josh continued, eliciting actual moans of pleasure this time. “And also ice-cold Coronas and margaritas. It’s all you can eat and drink, guys.”
My mouth watered at the thought. I loved margaritas, and I had questions. Were we talking frozen, or on the rocks? Generously salted rims? Classic flavor, or fruity?
Not that I’d turn down any of them. I just needed to know what to picture in my mind as we did this challenge.
“I’d give my left nut for a cold beer,” Archer said under his breath.
That brought on even more questions that made me smile as Josh started to explain the competition. What would be the process in which Archer would give up one of his nuts? I imagined him having to cut it out with the machete in exchange for a beer and could hardly contain my amusement.
The guidelines for the competition wiped the smile right off my face, though. Josh was explaining that we had to take turns as a team climbing ladders that led to platforms at the tops of coconut trees.