The Lies That Define Us (Us 2)

I’m in love with you.

Liam

“Whoa,” Ari’s eyes widened as the car parked near the plane. “You weren’t kidding about the private plane thing.”

I looked out the window at the jet. It was painted a dark blue with a willow tree on it and the name of the band, WILLOW CREEK, emblazoned across the side.

“Why would I joke about that?” I gave her a funny look as the driver opened the door.

“I don’t know.” She shrugged, stepping out of the SUV. “It seems pretty unbelievable.”

I ducked my head, hiding my amusement.

I followed her out of the car, and the driver grabbed our luggage from the back. We started toward the plane as another SUV rolled up. Ollie, Talia, Jeremiah, and Brady hopped out.

Ollie cupped his hands around his mouth and yelled, “I don’t know if Hawaii is ready for us.”

“It’s probably not,” I yelled back while they waited for their luggage.

The competition still a few days away, but we were all headed to Hawaii. I hoped my nerves would calm down before the day of the event, but that wasn’t likely. I couldn’t wait to get out on the water there, though. Hawaii had some of the best waves, and I’d been itching to go back before I even qualified for this event.

“Come on.” My hand settled on Ari’s waist, and I ushered her up the last steps into the plane.

I’d been avoiding her the last few days, ever since I asked her to watch the movie with me. I’d seen something in her eyes that night, something I couldn’t quite describe, and it scared me, so I’d backed off. I knew she was hurt, but I’d chalked up my absence to all the training I was doing, which wasn’t a lie. I’d been living in the water, and it was paying off, but against some of the best surfers in the world, I didn’t think I stood a chance. I wanted to win, more than anything, but I was also so grateful to even be a part of the competition that I wouldn’t care if I lost. Okay, I would care, but I’d be okay. I couldn’t let my desire to win cloud my love for the sport.

The attendant was already waiting on the plane to stow away our stuff, but I insisted on doing it.

Ari settled into one of the aisle seats, nervously rubbing her hands over her bare legs. She blew out a breath, and her eyes shifted around.

“Are you okay?” I asked her, squatting down beside her. I didn’t know why, but I put my hand on her knee and rubbed my thumb in smooth, calming circles.

“I’ve never been on a plane before,” she whisper-hissed under her breath while the others began to get on the plane.

“It’s not scary,” I assured her. “I’ll sit right beside you and hold your hand. Whatever you need me to do.”

Her teeth dug slightly into her bottom lip. “Liam—”

“Liam,” Brady hollered, and I turned to see him with his arms spread wide. “My man. Thanks for this.” He held out his clenched hand for a fist-bump.

“Yeah, of course.” I bumped my fist against his.

“What were you saying?” I turned back to

Ari.

She shook her head, her eyes looking anywhere but at me. “Nothing. It was nothing.”

I didn’t believe her—not for one second.

I lingered a moment longer there beside her giving her a chance to say something, but she didn’t take the bait. With a sigh, I stood up straight and went to make sure everything was on track.

It didn’t take long to get everyone settled, and I took my seat beside Ari.

“Breathe,” I whispered in her ear. “There’s nothing to be afraid of.”

“There’s everything to be afraid of,” she countered.

“Here,” I reached forward, securing her seatbelt, “you need to strapped in.”