“You know, man, I can’t believe we lost that,” Caleb says as I clean up my stubble with a razor. The air in the bathroom is still steamy. I just got out after an incredibly long shower where I scrubbed myself thoroughly. It took me three scrubs and a thorough jet spraying with the shower head over every inch of my body before I finally felt like I was cow shit-free and clean. “I gotta give you props for digging through that shit, though.”

“There was a reason I did it,” I say, scraping the last spot on my left cheek smooth. “Because I know it will go toward what Wesley thinks of me. I took one for the team.”

“I didn’t think about it that way,” Caleb says, grinning. I hear him slapping his cheeks. He’s probably put on a little aftershave. A regular Hai Karate man, Caleb is. God knows why. When I come out of the bathroom, he’s already got his button-down shirt on. We’re dressing up a little tonight for the festival. “I guess you’re right, but there’s one problem with that. Wes wasn’t there.”

“It doesn’t seem like much that happens here gets by that man,” I tell him. “No way was he going to let the four of us go after that cliffside canister or dive for that last one without someone nearby just in case something went bad. Not to mention, I’m sure he could fucking smell me.”

“Well, let’s go have some fun. Let it be our rally before we pull off the big win tomorrow!” Caleb says. I can't share in his enthusiasm though. I don’t even know what I want anymore. I don’t want to let anyone down, but I don’t want to do that at Hannah’s expense. One thing’s for sure—I know I want her. And tonight, I’m going to show her something special.

Caleb notices my silence. “What’s the matter, dude? And don’t say you’re tired because today wasn’t even that bad.”

“A lot on my mind,” I say, putting on some fresh underwear. “Just thinking.”

“Fuck that. Your head is not in the game,” Caleb says. “You’re catching feelings for Hannah, just admit it. We can all see it, man. Is it serious or are y’all just fucking around? Because she’s got you tied up inside. Just make sure it’s not one-sided and she bolts on you when the dust settles after this competition.” When I stay silent, he presses. “Everyone knows what’s going on. No shame in it, no use denying it.”

“Whether it’s true or not, it’s no one’s business,” I reply as I pull on my lightweight slacks.

“You’re right, maybe it’s not. But I’m your friend and will always tell you the truth, even if you don’t want to hear it. Be careful with Hannah. I’m not sure who will end up more hurt here, but it’s going to be one or the both of you. And I won’t be the one having to explain it if we lose.

I can’t argue with his words as I put on my Hawaiian shirt that I leave open at the front. “Don’t worry,” I say finally, “I don’t know what’s gonna happen…with Hannah and me or the competition, but I’ll be ready come tomorrow. And Caleb, no matter what, I’m glad I didn’t come for this alone. Thanks man.”

“That’s my boy. Now, let’s go have some fun. Just remember, tomorrow morning, it’s all business.”

“All business,” I repeat.

As we walk out, I don’t know whom I’m lying to—Caleb . . . or myself.

“I can’t wait to get out there and enjoy the island,” Cassie says as she applies eyeliner, making sure she gets just the shape she wants. We’re in our bathroom getting ready for tonight’s festival, and I’m both excited and leery. Tomorrow’s the end, and it’s hard thinking that this will be over soon. It’s even harder when I think that there can only be one winner. Someone’s going home a loser . . . and even with how much I’ve come to want Tony, I really don’t know if I want it to be me. “Don’t get me wrong. I’ve been having fun, slinging arrows, pretending be Yoda and all that, but I’m ready to let loose a little. Enjoy some island eye candy.”

Despite being distracted by my thoughts, I chuckle at Cassie’s antics as I apply a light shade of lipstick to my lips and then step back to critique my appearance. I have on a beautiful multi-colored Hawaiian dress that I just felt I had to wear. It’s so beautiful. I’ve gone with matching makeup, rainbow colored eye makeup with some glitter and blush over my cheeks. I even have a red flower Cassie found in my hair. Cassie says I look like a pale Hawaiian goddess and I smile. But there’s this one damn curl that won’t stay and it keeps coming free. “If only this damn curl would just hold.”

I finally get it fixed and look at Cassie, who’s finished up her own makeup. “You look pretty,” I say, smiling at her. Cassie is in a beautiful green and white dress, her dimples shining even more than normal.

“Thank you,” she replies before blushing. “You look stunning too, but then again . . .”

“What?” I ask, seeing the look on her face as her voice trails off.

She bites her lip, worry in her eyes. “Please don’t get mad at me when I say this, but . . . how far are you willing to go to win this thing?”

I fidget with my hands, suddenly nervous. “I don’t know,” I say quietly.

I can tell she’s afraid to say what she’s thinking. “Look, I know something is going on between you and Tony. I think it’s kinda sweet, but our jobs . . .” Her voice trails off, and I totally get what she’s saying. A pain bites my chest. It hurts to even think about it. “I know I was sent along with you to be your helper, and I know I haven’t done a great job at that. I’ve gotten caught up in the fun and games. Maybe both of us have. But we need to consider the very serious consequences if we’re not successful.”

Tears spring to my eyes and trickle down my cheeks. It hurts so much to see her like this. It’s not the Cassie I’ve come to know, and I pull her into my arms. Hugging her, I swallow down the lump in my throat. “We’re going to win.” God, why does this have to be so damn hard? “And you’ve never hurt our chances. It wouldn’t be this close without you.”

“Promise?” Cassie asks, and I nod, holding up my right pinky. She smiles bravely and hooks it with her own. “I’ve never had anyone pinky swear with me before.”

“Well, you do now. You know, Cassie, I used to think you were annoying.”

“And now?” Cassie asks.

“You’re still annoying . . . but you’re also a good friend.”

She smiles, and we leave our room, heading downstairs. In the living room, the guys are waiting. Tony’s shirt pulls my attention to the tanned, muscled skin underneath. I look up into his eyes, and I see he’s just as stunned. “Hannah . . .”

Wes is with Alani, and for once, I don’t see Mo Mo on his shoulder. The parrot’s on her stand in the corner. “You two are almost matching,” Wes comments.

I glance and realize Wesley’s right. Tony’s shirt and my dress have the same pattern. I gulp, looking at Tony. “You look handsome.”

“You look absolutely gorgeous,” Tony says, grinning. In his eyes, I can see that the connection that I’ve felt growing between us over the past few days is almost visible in the air between us.

Caleb comes over, taking Cassie by the hand and smiling. “You look cute.”

Cassie laughs but blushes too. “You’re just saying that to get some brownie points.”

Caleb laughs, offering his arm. “Please. I could have you on your knees if I wanted. I don’t need brownie points.”

Cassie laughs, taking his arm. “Oh, shut up. If anyone is getting on their knees, it’s you.”

We all laugh. There might be nothing there, but I’m not completely convinced. Tony comes over, extending his hand, and as he comes closer, I can smell a faint cologne. It’s tropical, and it feels special.

“Are you ready?” His smile is pearly white, and my mind starts whirling, thinking of all the ways that he could be meaning his question. Am I ready for the festival? Yes. Am I ready for this trip to be over? No. Am I ready to maybe break his heart? Fuck, no, I don’t think I ever will be ready for that, not without breaking my own.

He takes my hand, and I hear Cassie and Caleb whispering, probably about us. I smile back and decide that no matter what tomorrow brings, tonight is about one thing. Tony, and what we can have . . . for now.

“Yes. I was born ready to party.”