Page 74 of Guarded Love

"Madison! What the hell?"

"What? I'm just saying what I saw." She shrugs, completely unbothered by my mortification. "And trust me, that man was not thinking about rain gear."

I sink onto my bed, burying my face in my hands. "This is such a mess."

"Why is it a mess?" Madison's voice is gentle now. "He's gorgeous, you're gorgeous, there's obviously something there and we are in Puerto Rico..."

"Because he's my brother's best friend," I say through my fingers. "Because he rejected me once before. Because this trip is supposed to be about Puerto Rico, not whatever psychological warfare we've been engaging in."

"Psychological warfare?" Madison laughs. "Willow, that's not warfare. That's sexual tension so thick you could cut it with a chainsaw."

I peek at her through my fingers. "You think?"

"Honey, I thought the rainforest was going to spontaneously combust because of you two." She stands up and moves to her suitcase. "The question is, what are you going to do about it?"

"Nothing," I say automatically. "Absolutely nothing."

"Uh-huh." Madison pulls out a small makeup bag. "Is that why you've changed outfits three times and keep checking yourself in the mirror?"

I hate that she's right and she hasn’t known me for that long. I hate that I'm this transparent. I hate that despite every logical reason to stay away from Blaise Dalton, I can't stop thinking about what changed today even if I can’t name it.

"I don't know what I'm doing," I admit quietly.

"That's okay," Madison says, settling beside me on the bed. "You don't have to know. But maybe stop fighting it so hard and see what happens?"

"And if it all blows up in my face?"

"Then at least you'll know." She nudges my shoulder. "Besides, from where I'm sitting, it looks like he's fighting the same battle you are."

“You’re not wrong—” My phone vibrates on the nightstand, and I reach for it. I could almost kiss whoever caused that notification to go off because I’m grateful for the distraction. I find a text from my mom to the group chat with my father, Abue, and Knox.

Mom: How was your day, sweetie? Send pictures!

Right. I'd completely forgotten to update anyone since this morning. I quickly pull up my messages and start typing.

Me: Day was amazing! Hiked through El Yunque rainforest and it was absolutely incredible. Heading to dinner in San Juan now. Here are some photos.

I scroll through my photos from today, selecting a few that capture the beauty of the rainforest and try my best not to let my mind drift to thoughts of what Blaise did to me there. But I fail. With a heavy sigh, I send them to the group chat and almost immediately get responses.

Dad: Beautiful! Stay safe and have fun.

Abue: You look so happy! The rainforest looks magical, and now I’m regretting not getting on the flight with you.

I can’t help but laugh at Abue and the thought of her joining this trip with the rest of my class. She would definitely be the most popular person on the trip, and to be honest, it would be lovely to travel with her again.

Knox: Damn, that place looks sick. You’re hiking in those conditions? Be careful.

I roll my eyes at Knox's protective streak coming through even via text.

Me: I'm fine, Knox. It was just a little rain.

Knox: A little rain? That looks like a monsoon in the background of one of those pics.

Me: It's a RAINFOREST. Rain is kind of the point.

Mom: Are you eating enough? Make sure you're staying hydrated in that heat.

Abue: And don't forget sunscreen! Your skin burns like mine.