Carolyn and Watson sat a little off to the side-close enough to see the way Allison''s cheeks turned pink, and the way Joshua looked at her.

    His eyes were full of hope, and softer than Carolyn had ever seen. For a second, her heart squeezed so tight it hurt.

    She''d never seen Joshua look at anyone like that. There was so much affection in his eyes, it was almost overwhelming.

    "Allie,e on, look at him! He''s just waiting for you to kiss him," Brian joked, grinning wide. "Seriously, I''ve never seen Joshua like this. Ever. Hahaha..."

    Sabrina joined in, chanting, "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"

    Olivia nudged Allison with her elbow, teasing, "Allie, how can you say no when he''s basically asking for it?"

    Everyone startedughing and cheering-everyone except Watson and Carolyn. Joshua was sitting right next to Allison.

    Allison blushed, looking a little flustered. But with everyone watching and egging her on, she gave a shy smile, wrapped her arms around Joshua''s neck, closed her eyes, and kissed him.

    At that same moment, Carolyn looked down at the floor. It felt like someone had driven a knife straight into her chest. The pain was sharp, making it hard to breathe.

    She never imagined she''d one day see Joshua-always so cool and distant- kissing another woman in front of everyone. And what''s worse, he was the one who''d asked for it.

    Carolyn stared nkly at the floor, her vision swimming. For a second, it felt like the ship itself was rocking beneath her.

    But the cruise was steady, the sea outside calm. The dizziness was all inside her.

    Watson turned away, refusing to look at the couple. His face was nk, eyes dull, as he sipped his drink in silence.

    Allison had only nned to give Joshua a quick, barely-there kiss, just enough to get it over with.

    But as soon as her lips touched his and she started to pull back, Joshua''s hands slid to the back of her head, holding her gently but firmly. Suddenly, he was the one leading the kiss-pulling her in, deepening it.

    Their friends got even louder, cheering andughing.

    Allison''s face was burning.

    Joshua kissed her deeply, his lips moving against hers, his tongue tracing hers in

    a way that made her heart race.

    Allison could barely catch her breath.

    At first, she was embarrassed—it

    wasn''t like they''d ever kissed in front of so many people before. But Joshia was all in, and his kiss was so confident and warm that Allison soon forgot about everyone else.

    Little by little, theughter faded away. She forgot about the game, about the people watching, lost in the kiss, tangled up with Joshua and not wanting to let go.

    Nobody interrupted them.

    When they finally pulled apart, both of them were a little out of breath.

    Allison''s lips were red and swollen, soft and shining.

    Sabrina shot her a wink, grinning. "I knew tonight would be fun, but I wasn''t expecting that kind of show!"

    Allison rolled her eyes, trying to y it cool. "You''re the worst, you know that?"

    Watson''s voice was cold as he cut in, "Let''s get on with the next round."

    Just then, the lounge door swung open and Carolyn''s friend Tessa poked her head in. “Luna! There you are—I''ve been looking everywhere for you."

    Carolyn forced a small smile, trying to keep it together. "Just ying some games in here. You want in?"

    Tessa nced around the room, and when she spotted Joshua, her eyes lit up. "Ohhh, so that''s why you didn''te hang out with us. You''ve got your own reason for staying."

    Carolyn shot her a look. "Don''t start."

    "What are you guys ying? Mind if I join?" Tessa dropped into the seat next to Carolyn.