Chapter 47: Tan

The sun is merciless—hotter than I’ve ever felt. After lathering myself in sunscreen, I stretch out on a lounger by the pool, letting the heat seep into my skin as I slowly tan. Somewhere to my left, the boys are blasting music and knocking back heavy drinks. Aiden’s among them, and every so often I catch the sound of his laugh blending in with the others.

Forty males. One female.

But I ignore every single one of them. I focus on my breath, my heartbeat—a slow, steady rhythm pulsing through me.

The sun against my skin is intoxicating. Almost as good as Aiden’s touch.

A large shadow suddenly blocks my sun.

I crack one eye open and find Aiden standing in front of me, flanked by Noah, Daniel, and David—who’s awkwardly leaning on crutches.

Aiden holds something out.

I frown. “What’s this?”

“Your book,” he says with a shrug. “Book two. As long as I get the first one back—these losers want to read it.”

I gasp and shoot upright, snatching the precious object from his hands. My finge