like I was

n't shake. I tried to meet his eyes when he walked away, tried to hold my gro

mething-anything-to make him leave me alone. But just as I unlocked the sc

hell is

nd with a cup of coffee in my favorite mug, I sat on my bench overlooking the city. I

hen my p

elieve it wa

rning sun, and the next, Sam was shrieking into the phone, "Pack

t?" I asked cautiously, sw

was having an orgasm. "Pr

mach d

a

m. He has a jet now? What

d idea," I started, but Sa

here to watch me stress-eat Italian pastries. Plus, we're shopping, swimm

Yes, please. The gettin

a of warm beaches, lemon-scented streets, candlelit dinners, and

e. Get yourself together and enjoy

was ri

scent of expensive cologne and pure weal

ses on indoors like a diva. Chris and Josh-of course Sam invited Josh-were

n there

a

lass of dark liquor in his hand, eyes locked on me

ated. Like he could undr

spine, chin high.

d. That d

wn his forearms. Had he gotten new ones? I couldn't make them out from this distance. H

, messier. Like he'd been running his fingers thro

y anything.

I fe

sim

nt away. It was going to be a l

" the hostess asked,

strong,"

irit!" Sam hol

y," the hostess said

a very bad idea, especially sitting across from Nate i

e wine?" Sam a

sor

old her, shooting a lo

ing me, Chris, and Zane-who was still pr

card game turned deadly serious. They were yelling at each other over rul

a word the entir

t the chaos when they got too loud. But o

ng on there anyway? Not

was a

. I had my own room, I could feel Zane's presence constantly. E

room-he commanded it. he w

on ridiculous gowns, laughed until our stomachs hurt, and

r your shoulder like you're

ging at my sundress. he was hun

y somethin

uickly, trying to mask the

realization hitting me. he was acting strange. after the

you I had your ba

jet ride. And the

d you sa

m promise not t

that?" I ra

d, you might not come to the wedd

grinned, tho

s own

she said, clinking he

," I replied, giving her a mock bo

t he rented out just for us. Candlelit tables. The ocean

be impressed.

aly, surrounded by gorgeous men, looking hot in a black dress. En

r was right next to mine. my hands shook when i grab

oser, leaned in, and whispered again

d on my

y. If you blush any harder, they'll th

time-out?" I asked, wi

about to reply, a blonde si

did you even get this place? I've be

mumbled, clearly uncomfo

ave inv

g you expected?" Chris asked, finally speaki

o much more

re Suzzane?" the

unny?" I asked,

how up. Thought it might be

rras

to explain it further. oh s

oice was sharp. Th

me," he said to

d. Zane froze for a second but di

but she was sitting too far. And

't return

ay, we wen

bikini that showed plenty, tied a sheer scarf around my hips. Everything

id to Sam, who was

he said, eye

oked

in th

h h

she belonged there. Her bikini barely covered a

" I asked, m

anca. she is one of his... oc

ood b

er her shoulder

rned

I reminded mys

gh me-angry, hungry, punishing. I clenche

ell is wro

nly asked, scanning the beac

s? He left the next d

What ha

n't say. He's your gu

the invite," I mutte

to call him. my phone was in my room I stood up, brushing sand off my legs-mayb

't loo

feel him w

d part of me ho