LOGINNina The warm summer breeze brushed across my skin as I stood on the patio, clutching my robe tightly around my body. Laughter and splashes echoed up from the pool below, where our friends were already gathered for our big end-of-summer party. I should have been down there too, soaking up the ve
“What... what do you mean?” He braced his hands on the doorframe, leaning in closer with a heavy sigh. “I mean, by the time I caught up to them this morning, I only saw them long enough to get that photo before they were boarding a speedboat and taking off. Hell, I’m still not even totally sure wh
Nina My breath caught in my throat as I pulled open the front door expecting to see excited party guests, only to be immediately met with the sight of Luke’s grim expression. His brow was furrowed in a deep frown, his lips pressed into a tight line—clear signs that something was very wrong. “Luk
Nina I huffed out a breath as I hoisted the oversized cardboard box higher in my arms, carefully navigating my way through the living room. Strings of fairy lights poked out haphazardly from the top, and I could feel the weight of glass jars and other assorted decor inside shifting precariously wi
Then, at the last possible second, the scout seemed to find an extra burst of speed. He surged forward, hurtling between two towering oak trees and vanishing into the cover of the forest beyond. “Dammit!” I slammed my palms against the rough bark of the nearest trunk, powerless to do anything but
Enzo The crunch of leaves and snap of twigs echoed through the trees as Matt and I tore after the Schreiber scout. Our breaths came in ragged gasps, the hot summer air burning our lungs. Overhead, a little red bird chirped and flitted through the green canopy of trees; Daphne. But even she wasn’
Warm water cascaded over me as I took a deep breath, inhaling the lavender scent from the bath oils. The warmth of the tub worked its magic, slowly melting away the tension and fatigue from the evening. With every passing moment, I felt my muscles relax, sinking deeper into the comforting embrace of
“You’re right, Luke,” I said softly, my voice filled with a combination of regret and exhaustion. “I can’t believe I was even considering it. I’ll wait until Enzo gets back from his weekend trip. We need to discuss this in person.” Luke sighed, his eyes softening as he nodded. “That sounds like th
I laughed, momentarily taken aback by her directness. “Yes, I’m married. Happily, might I add.” Mila’s smile morphed into something enigmatic, a strange blend of amusement and intrigue. She tossed a lock of blonde hair over her shoulder and folded her arms across her chest. “Well, I must say, I’d
“Luke told you?” I managed. Jessica nodded, her arms folded across her chest. “I can’t believe you’d tell him before us.” “Yeah,” Lori continued. “You’re lucky we love you, or we’d never forgive you.” I had to stifle a laugh. “Alright, alright,” I said, stepping out of the way and letting them







