He smiled and gave me a quick squeeze. I bent down and poked at a red flower. It made a high-pitched melody. When I touched an orange one, it made a low-pitched noise. I caressed a turquoise flower, and it made a different twang. Cocking an eyebrow, I ran my hands up and down an entire line of blooms. They sounded like a xylophone. Each flower was tuned to a specific pitch, like on a musical scale. “Can you believe this? I wish I had it as a ringtone for my cell.”
We all chuckled.
Mike picked a big bloom, as yellow as the suns, and put it in my hair, just above my ear. He flashed me a smile, showing off his perfect white teeth against his gorgeous tan. “This flower represents all the light you bring into my life.”
I grinned. It was corny, but he was ever the flirt. Even there, in that weird place where nothing seemed normal, he had to switch on his irresistible charm. He made me feel special. I knew it was all part of his game, but it felt good nonetheless.
A gentle breeze caused the flowers to ripple. I reached out to pick a purple-red bloom when a butterfly landed on my hand, tickling my skin. I laughed. The luminescent, metallic blue reflected by the sunlight shining on its wings took my breath away. I stood and stretched out my arm. The butterfly slowly opened and closed its delicate wings. With each flutter, it lightly sprinkled silver glitter into the air.
“Oh my gosh! Did you just see that?” I squealed, shaking their shoulders.
“No way!” shouted Mike. “It’s spraying silver stuff everywhere.”
An easy grin lit up Jack’s face, sudden excitement in his voice. “What the heck?”
My eyes flew open and I smiled, a sense of harmony washing over me. Striped, spotted, and squiggly-lined butterflies floated over the flowers, leaving long trails of sparkling glitter in their wake. Steven Spielberg himself couldn’t have asked for better special effects.
Mike’s smile grew bigger. “They remind me of—”
“Tinker Bell!” I said.
“Exactly.” Mike dusted his hands on his board shorts, then gave me a once-over, moistening his lips.
My heart sped as I felt his gaze move from my eyes to my lips, down my body, and then back up to my eyes. Is he...is he checking me out? No way! Heat rushed to my face, and I turned to hide my embarrassment.
“It’s absolutely amazing, but there’s no such thing as Tinker Bell and pixie dust.” Jack looked at us with a blank stare. Obviously, he couldn’t explain the glimmering trail. “It’s…it’s…” He gasped and faltered. “I dunno.”
I knew Jack desperately wanted to explain the strange place and put all of our minds at ease, but he simply wasn’t able to. Everything defied logic and science and natural law, and that was hard on him, for understanding the world was his thing. He spent so much of his time studying and researching with his dad, but that island threw everything he’d learned right back in his face.
As if on cue, a butterfly landed on my nose. For a split second, it lingered there, and then it flew off toward the flowers, leaving a glittering trail behind as it passed over the sea of chiming blossoms.
“See?” Jack motioned toward the garden. “That, my friends, is just not normal.”
My eyes focused on the scene before me. “Well, not normal doesn’t necessarily mean bad.”
Wide, velvet wings fluttered and shimmered everywhere, landing on my head, face, arms, legs, and clothes. Soft music echoed all around me. I couldn’t help but smile. Nature sure knew how to put on a concert with all the bells and whistles. Still, I wondered where the heck we really were. Mike’s words back at the beach rang through my head: “For all we know, we could be in another dimension.” Was he right? Could we have slipped through some kind of portal?
* * *
Jack stood, surrounded by color, reminding me of the brilliant, rich shades on my palette when I painted. I watched as he tried to catch one of the fluttering butterflies swirling around him. The way he jumped up and down, a deep frown set between his brows in concentration, was just hilarious. I snorted as I tried swallowing the laughter bubbling up inside me.
Touching my arm, Mike chuckled. “See? Told you I’d rub off on him.”
I sighed and brought my gaze back to Jack. He looked happy and seemed to forget about our problems, even if only for a moment. It almost seemed like we were in Fiji, exploring a tropical island and having loads of fun. It was exactly how our vacation was supposed to be. I bit my lip, knowing the reality of the situation: We were shipwrecked in the middle of nowhere.
Mike crept through the flowers and pointed at a butterfly. “Check out the one over there.”
I cocked my head and whispered, “Which one?” There were millions of them swarming everywhere.
With a wave of his hand, he motioned me over and spoke in a whisper. “Shhh. I don’t want to scare it.”
Smiling, I looked around. “Scare what?” The butterflies didn’t seem too bothered by our presence. Mike waved me forward again. I turned my attention from Jack and followed him across the field.
Mike stopped and cupped a snow-white butterfly in his hands. “Isn’t it cool?”
“Don’t! You’ll hurt it.”
“I’d never do that.”
I narrowed my gaze. “C’mon! Let it go.”
Mike grinned, the same charming smile I’d seen on magazine covers. He was such a child at heart that I couldn’t help but return his beaming smile. “It’s fine. See?” As Mike slowly lifted his top hand off, the butterfly fluttered a few times and then stopped. He quickly cupped it again.
“Please just let it go already,” I begged.
“What? Like my much-needed trip to the barber shop?” He peeked through his fingers at his precious catch.
“You wanna crush its wings?” I jumped up, reaching for his hands. His body twisted, and he tumbled back as we both fell into the soft grass. How can I be such a klutz? I’d just knocked Mike flat on his butt and landed on top of him like a sack of potatoes. We burst out laughing as the butterfly fluttered away.
My long hair brushed across his face, and he gently pushed it away. “I love it when a pretty girl knocks me off my feet.”
“What? You think I was throwing myself at you or something?”
“Feel free to do just that.” Mike winked. “But, uh, I’m going to need some sweet talk first.”
“You’re pathetic,” I teased. Despite the humor, I felt heat rush to my face. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to tackle you like that.”
He chuckled. “Apology accepted.”
A jolt ran through me as my arm brushed against his lean, muscular frame. I lowered my gaze to avoid his piercing eyes. I couldn’t figure out why I had that stupid crush on him. I decided I should swear off Mike forever. Yep, I was done and over with it. He would be my best friend and nothing more. I felt his gaze on me and made the mistake of looking up. My pulse skipped a beat when he shot me his easygoing grin, all dimples and bright teeth. His weapon was his astonishing good looks, and I couldn’t help but fall for him. I groaned inwardly at my dancing heart. Yep, I’ll get over him...starting tomorrow.
Mike jumped to his feet. He reached for my arm and pulled me up. The grin was still there, but something changed in his gaze as I stood before him, staring into his eyes, frozen as if time stood still. I cleared my throat and forced my brain into motion. I tried to think of something to say—anything—but nothing came to mind. The light caught in the green speckles of his eyes, taking my breath away. I drew in air, but more blood rushed to my face like a tidal wave. He looked so…so composed and unaffected, and I knew I was making a complete fool out of myself.
Stroking my hair, he whispered, “You should see yourself in all this glitter and sunshine. You look like an angel.”
“So…do…you,” I stuttered. My voice came raspy and thin, nothing like the way I meant to sound. I cringed and waited for his mocking laughter, but it never came. The way Mike sparkled in the bright sunlight, I could have sworn the make-up and costume artists from the Twilight set had dumped an entire bottle of glitter int
o his wild blond hair and all over him. It wasn’t just his skin; it was everything, from his clothes to his hair. When he shook his head, sparkles landed on the nearby grass and flowers, the air around us glistening like heaven. Even his eyelashes were beaded with the shiny stuff.
I smiled. “You know I have a thing for boys who sparkle.”
“Too bad I don’t sport a pair of fangs too,” he said with a chuckle.
Butterflies circled above as the song of tingling bells hung in the air. Mike held my gaze through the cloud of glitter falling softly upon us and wrapped his arms around my waist, drawing me closer, just as I’d daydreamt during class so many times. This time felt different though—real and right somehow. I leaned against him until I could feel the warmth of his skin against my racing heart, and I lifted my arm to touch his flushed cheek. He didn’t flinch or even react. He just smiled and kissed my fingers where they touched his lips. Just friends...and nothing more... The words echoed in my ears until I dropped my hand again, hesitating a little as regret washed over me.
His eyes fixed on my lips and moved closer. I moistened them, not sure what to do. Is he...gosh, is he gonna kiss me? Or is he just playing games? I knew my stunned reaction must have shown, because he’d never really been interested in me—ever.
His mouth lowered on mine. Our lips connected in a slow, gentle touch. In spite of the smoldering temperature, a shiver ran through me. I closed my eyes, savoring his sweet taste. Goosebumps rippled my skin as his strong hands wandered down my back to my middle, lifting my arms and guiding them around his neck, drawing me unbelievably closer; I was already standing so impossibly close. More sweet, romantic kisses on the lips followed. My heart drummed so hard that I wondered if Mike could hear it. If he could, I’d surely die from embarrassment. Why does this have to be my first kiss? And why am I so nervous anyway? Is it because I’ve dreamt of this moment a million times?
His arms squeezed me more tightly, but his touch remained soft, like the butterflies fluttering on the nearby blossoms. I stood on my toes and parted my lips, unsure of what else to do. Without warning, he pulled away, staring down at me, wide-eyed. I let my hands linger on his shoulders a moment too long before taking a step back, the magical moment broken and confusion taking its place. “Did I...did I do something wrong?” I wanted to ask, but I didn’t have the courage.
Mike cleared his throat and ran a hand through his hair. “Sorry. I…I don’t know what came over me. I just…”
I gaped at him, speechless. Apologizing? It was absolutely perfect, but...I guess it wasn’t good enough for him. I looked away, ashamed that I’d thought I could keep up with all the experienced girls he usually dated. I was nothing like them at all.
He cupped my face and kissed me on the forehead. “You’re my best friend. I shouldn’t be crossing the line. It’s just…I can’t stop thinking about you.”
My jaw dropped. I realized he might just be making fun of me, but it still felt great hearing him say it. I stared at him, still speechless, waiting for him to laugh and tell me he was just joking. When his lips didn’t even flinch, I wondered what had changed between us. Is it because I shed my tomboy image? Because I got rid of my ponytails and caps? My baggy shirts and holey jeans? Maybe it’s just because we’re stranded on some weird island, and there are no other girls around...yet.
I reached back into my memory to try and get a grasp of what might have sparked his interest in me as a girl. Recently, I had been making efforts toward being more mature, more girly, and more hip. I’d even shown up at his seventeenth birthday party a month earlier dressed to kill in a red dress, matching jewelry, and high heels, with long black curls tumbling down my back. It was the first time I had ever used a curling iron and make-up, but the results were stunning, and Mike and Jack had sworn I’d walked right off the pages of a fashion magazine. Maybe that did the trick. But that didn’t explain why Mike seemed so interested in me now, when I was all dirty and sticky and had sand in my shoes and marks on my arms and legs from spider battles and collecting wood.
“Your eyes are as blue as the summer sky,” Mike whispered as he took a step closer and wrapped his arms around me. “They take my breath away.”
“Thanks, you’re so sweet.” My skin prickled, and my heart began to race again. I began to wonder if that would ever stop. I doubted I’d ever get used to Mike’s affections. If all I ever got was that one chance—that one precious kiss—I’d treasure it forever. I grinned at him, ready to get back my magical moment, because I was tired of drawing stupid arrow hearts on my folders, papers, and even on the giant oak tree in my backyard.
He suddenly frowned. “You’re okay with this, aren’t you?”
“What?”
He looked uncomfortable as his fingers fidgeted nervously across my skin. “I’ve been thinking about this for weeks, but I wasn’t sure…well, I had no idea how to tell you. We’ve got a connection. I…I…” He sighed. “I don’t think we can be friends.”
“What?” I repeated.
“What I’m trying to say is that I want more than friendship, Casey.”
I looked at him, my head reeling. Am I dreaming? Did some tropical bug bite poison me into some kind of stupor? My crush was finally giving in to the attraction I’d been feeling for years, and I couldn’t believe it. I took a deep breath to calm my nerves, hoping I’d be able to finish the conversation without passing out.
My knees threatened to buckle. “I’ve felt the spark too.” Spark? More like a raging forest fire. My voice seemed barely more than a whisper. I cleared my throat, forcing myself to hold his gaze.
He echoed my thoughts. “I think it’s more than a spark, don’t you?”
I gasped, ready to blurt out the secret I’d sworn to keep to myself forever, but he didn’t give me any time. Leaning forward, he brushed his warm lips against mine—and wow! The chemistry between us was hotter than the two blazing suns above our heads. I locked my arms around his neck as his fingers drew soft circles on my lower back. It felt so good that I leaned into him, letting him hold my weight when my own knees wouldn’t. Before the kiss could deepen, I heard the call of a familiar voice.
“What the heck’s going on?” Jack’s mouth fell open, and I saw hurt, shock, and confusion flash across his face.
I jumped back like a startled cat. Crap! I was so caught up in the moment with Mike that I’d forgotten all about Jack. My head swam. Blinking several times, I broke away and smoothed out my hair, waiting for my mind to kick into action, but it took its time. Finally, I said, “We’d better get out of this rain...I mean, this…this glitter storm.”
Mike smiled and winked as he brushed off his clothes. “We’ll, uh…chat more later.”
I gave him the biggest grin ever. I felt like I was walking on air, giggly and floating, as I scrambled over to Jack, the heat in my cheeks scorching my skin.
“You two having fun?” asked Jack, sarcasm filling his voice.
I could only hope he wouldn’t start asking too many questions, because I had no idea what to say if he did. I put on a smile—the best way to downplay the situation—and laughed as I gave him a tap on the shoulder. “Just clowning around.”
But my hopes that he wouldn’t interrogate me were pointless. “Clowning around? Is that what you call it?” Jack asked, frowning. “It looked to me like you were Super Glued to his lips.” He looked angry, but that was nothing new these days, particularly when Mike flirted with me. “Why, Casey? Why him, of all people?”
I shrugged, hoping he’d drop the subject, but judging from the way he was clenching and unclenching his fist, he wasn’t about to let it go that easily. By way of explanation, I offered, “Everything happened so fast. I mean, I’m just as surprised as you are.” Surprised? More like flabbergasted, but he doesn’t need to know that.
“I don’t believe this!” Jack blew out a breath and shook his head. “Are you seriously into Mike?”
Mike stepped forward and straightened his shoulders. “And what if she is?�
��
I elbowed him and shot him a shut-up kind of glare. “Hey, me and Jack need a minute. Okay?”
Hesitating for a moment, he huffed a sigh. “Sure thing,” and with that, he turned and walked away.
Guilt flooded through me, forcing me to stare down at my toes, embarrassed. I realized how horrible it must have been for Jack to see us kissing. The hurt look in his eyes turned my stomach into knots. I just wished he approved, but I knew he never would. Why would he? Jack cared about me, and in spite of the fact that Mike was my best friend, we both knew he was also the biggest player in town—heck, in California or the whole United States, for that matter. Getting involved with him was a bad idea. I knew it, but I didn’t care. I reasoned that Mike was worth the risk, whether Jack liked it or not.
Jack snorted and shook his head again. “You can’t even deny it! The way you look at him like some…” He gestured about with his hand, trying to find the right word. “You’re like a freaking lovesick puppy! You’re playing with fire.”
“You think I don’t know that?”
“I know Mike’s our best friend and I shouldn’t be talking about him like this. But he’s crossing the line. I won’t stand by and do nothing…and watch you get hurt. Mike makes a fantastic friend, but that’s it. And you, of all people, should know that guy’s nothing but trouble. Do you really want to be one of those girls? Because I think you deserve a lot better than that.”
Of course I didn’t want to be one of Mike’s girls, the groupies that hung all over him at the beach and lingered on his every word. That was Jack, big brother to the rescue. He could come up with a list a mile long why me and Mike shouldn’t date. The first pang of doubt started to nag at the back of my mind. Maybe he has a point. Maybe Mike is playing me like all the others. But why would he risk our wonderful friendship over something he’s not even serious about? “You’re making a big deal over nothing. It was innocent—a little kiss on the lips. Me and Mike are just friends,” I said. For now.
Jack frowned but said nothing. Somewhere behind us, feet shuffled in the dirt and leaves. We turned in time to see Mike approaching and pointing to the meadow, unfazed as usual. “Hey, you guys, see those crazy-looking trees by the river?” he asked.
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