most 5 p.m., and all anyone could talk about was the beach trip planned for seven. I waved goodbye to the others and he

lass of wine sitting beside her. Everything was tidy and

redible," I said

a plate. Go wa

in the

nd if I went out f

t I couldn't seem to break. I wanted to go to the beach, even if the thou

d you don't touch any alcohol, have f

ng a drink now and then. Never enough to get drunk; I always kept myself i

mise. Did you find ever

sm growing with every second. I loved food, and

setting the plate in front of me. "Sorry, sweetheart.

one more night

s? Do you know

after t

om the very first bite. My grand

she added, taking a sip of wine. "I hope

said. "I h

her glass and

porch for a bit. I'll se

ound me, staring at my open suitcase. I had no idea what to wear

earing to the b

eath. It seemed absurd in this cold, but I

e almost im

It can get wild sometimes lol, don't worry, we

one. I pulled my hair into a high ponytail, wrapped a scarf around my neck, and threw my

t my lip. They wouldn't survive the beac

Isla's house. Music was already pulsing from inside, p

eople, but I was far from comfortable in this kind of si

ard gaze locking onto me. What was with t

d aside as Isla took his pla

Come in-what do

g was spacious and bright, with floor-to-ceiling windows a

sked, grabbing my coat and tos

retted taking off my jacket. I'd never had issues

ve it. I can tell you're wearing a bikini," she sai

ace bodysuit hadn't been the best idea. It was just tucked int

nly cut through the r

oom turned. No one was staring at me an

wist of lime," she said,

d as I

she asked,

m going crazy," I said, taking a sip before moving c

ake designed i

I said, mesmerized. "I'd

"Tomorrow night, we're having dinner at my parents'

ask

d before disappear

ypnotized by the view. This place

chill ran down my spine, followed by a w

ng down wi

reflection in the glass. He was watching m

aring at

and I had no idea why. The smartest

e leaving," Isla announc

on but di

laying a hand on my forehead. "You

ouch, but then her

ischievous smile playing

are you ta

go get you some water. You

the table. From the kitchen, hushed voi

to eavesdrop," a d

n aro

ak

eone nonstop considere

shorty," he said,

ow whether to run or stay. My b

with us?" Brooke calle

e up, just as

t out la

begins," sh

e that could have bur

e. They were strange, but

ed outside. Broo

some fun before the B

. But once we were in the car, the e

n a growl that seemed to ma

ody began

ne had bowed thei

Pain

g blurred

ured, squeezing my hand.

But my excitemen

oved an inch when

ook

was pur

ned as a car door

. Now," he ordered,

, I di

Brooke!" h

She would have bee

ght," he anno

out of the c

s, everyone h

itting in the back

y way. And that, more