“What kind of knot is that?” Zane asked Adela.
“It’s a round turn with two half hitches. Some also call it a fishing tie.”
He watched Adela’s face lit up when she added, “In the ancient world, sailors used it to attach the anchor since it’s so secure and solid. I thought it best to use this knot for the roof.”
She sounded so badass knowing her knots; he couldn’t resist reaching out and take her hand since she’d finished the final knot.
She squeezed as she glanced up at him. “What do you think?”
“It’s exceptional, Adi. Just like you.”
“Can you weave or knot a bucket for me to throw up in?” Reed joked.
Adela playfully nudged Reed’s shoulder. “Remember what I told you about my friends…”
“Oh, yes! I can’t wait to meet the Fiery Raven, the Already Taken Liv, or Haily, the Female Reed. They all sound like a challenge in their own way. And babe, one thing you should know about me: I thrive on challenges.”
Reed ruffled Adela’s shiny brown hair and it astonished Jack she’d let him.
“I just hope they’re okay…” she said with a sudden small voice.
Jack kissed the top of her hair. “Dom will find them, sweetheart. The guy is a maritime warrior. He’s used to extract people by air, sea and land. If anyone can track them down, it’s Dominic.”
Hope flared in her hazel eyes. “Oh, right. I forgot about him being Navy SEAL.”
“He’s actually unemployed at the moment,” Reed said.
“Why?”
“Other than being stuck on this island?”
“Reed…” Adela said, like she had just about enough of his smart ass.
Reed checked Zane and Jack for a reaction before he said, “It’s a long story and his to tell. Sorry, sis.”
Zane scrunched his brows, mouthing “Sis?” to Jack.
Jack shrugged. He didn’t care what Reed called his girl, as long as he kept it brotherly.
“Anyway, I’ll let you guys pick a side and if it’s okay with you, I’ll take a break for a moment,” Adela said.
Jack felt her fingers unwrap from his, but wouldn’t let go just yet.
“Everything good?” he asked.
She smiled at him. “I promise I’ll stay close. I just need some alone time.”
“‘Alone time’, eh? I can show you a brilliant spot to take a dump—”
“Thank you, Reed. I’m not going to… do that.”
“You look a little bloated to me, babe.”
Jack and Zane chuckled when she smacked Reed on the back of his head and said, “You’re taking this brotherly vibe too far, shithead.”
Reed busted out laughing. “Really?Shit-Head?”
Adela laughed. “I give up.”