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THORA

“ F or the hundredth time, I’ll be fine.” Aiden throws a pillow at me from his position on the couch. “Go. Have fun. Stop hovering.”

I snag the pillow mid-air and launch it back at him. “Says the guy who tried to convince me a torn meniscus was ‘no big deal.’”

He catches the pillow and presses it against his face, letting out a long, theatrical groan. When he looks up, his expression is pure exasperation. “Thora. You’ve been here for two weeks doing nothing but taking care of me. Please, for the love of all things holy, go see the city.”

“I didn’t come here to see the city.”

“No, you came here to drive me crazy.” He tosses the pillow aside. “And congratulations, mission accomplished. Now get out of here before you drive us both insane.”

I hesitate, fingers drumming against my thigh. He’s right—we could both use a little break. It’s been day after day of nonstop caretaking and PT appointments. “What was that trail called again?”

“Lands End. Like I said, the views of the water are killer. But I’ll text you some other options, too, if that’s not your vibe. Plus some good places nearby to eat.”

I feel my resolve weaken. “Okay. I guess I could go out for a little bit. You’ll call if you need me?”

“Pinky promise.” He sticks out his hand, his little finger wiggling in the air.

Lands End turns out to be just as gorgeous as my brother insisted it would be. The trail curves along the cliffside, ocean stretching endlessly below, and the Golden Gate Bridge rises through the morning fog in the distance. A few other people dot the path ahead as I start walking, everyone moving at their own pace.

Fresh air fills my lungs as I follow the winding trail. A young couple with a drastic height difference passes me going the opposite direction, hands linked, laughing about something private between them. I find myself smiling because they remind me of the leads in the romance novel I recently finished narrating.

It’s funny, really, how I can make fictional couples’ chemistry feel so real in the recording booth, while my own romantic prospects stay firmly in the realm of fantasy. Not that my life feels empty by any means. My career is exactly where I want it to be—I’m booking solid work, getting great reviews, building a real name for myself in the industry. I have some truly wonderful friends and a fulfilling social life. Even my little apartment back in Boston feels just right, with its reading nook and the balcony herb garden I somehow haven’t killed yet.

But even with all the good things in my life, there’s still one kind of happiness that feels out of reach.

A family walks past, their two kids racing ahead on the trail while their parents call out warnings to be careful. My chest aches as I wonder if that will ever be me. I’ve tried all the usual routes to finding someone—dating apps, well-meaning setups from friends, even speed-dating—but none of it has sparked into anything real. To be honest, I haven’t even felt all that attracted to anyone.

Not until Luke, that is. But it’s not like he’s an option.

The path curves again, revealing another stunning view of the coastline. Through breaks in the cypress trees, I catch glimpses of the bridge, its red towers stark against the clear sky. A cool breeze carries the scent of salt and eucalyptus, and I let it clear my head.

This is exactly what I needed—just me, the ocean, and this moment of peace.

The trail climbs gradually until I reach the lookout point. Here, the view opens up completely: the wild edge of the land, waves crashing endlessly against the cliffs below, the bridge perfectly framed in the distance. I close my eyes, letting the sun gently warm my face.

“Thora?”

My eyes snap open. Luke is coming up the trail behind me, wearing joggers and a fitted workout shirt that shows exactly why he broke the internet last season. The sight of him makes my heart trip. “Oh—hi, Luke. What are you doing here?”

He grins. “I could ask you the same thing.”

I smile. “Aiden kicked me out of his apartment. I mean, it’s good he did, though. We both needed a little break.”

“Yeah, being cooped up together must be intense. How’s his recovery going?”

“Slow, but he’s making progress.” I try not to let my gaze drift over Luke’s running gear—or those mouthwatering muscles of his. “So you’re a runner?”

“Off and on,” he says. “I like coming here when it’s quiet like this. Plus...” He gestures to the panorama before us. “You can’t beat these views.”

“They’re incredible.”

“I could stand here all day just watching the waves.” He leans against the railing in front of us, completely at ease.

“I could, too.” Especially if he was here to keep me company. I breathe in the fresh air, savoring one last look at the view. “I should probably start heading back, though.”

“Can I walk with you?” he asks.

I try and fail to ignore the flutter in my chest. “Sure.”

“Did you check out the Sutro Baths on your way up?” he asks as we start down the trail.

“No, I just headed straight for the hiking trail.”

“We should take a look. There’s something cool I want to show you.”

We make our way down to where the old ruins meet the ocean. Luke stops at a viewpoint overlooking the waves. “See that rock formation over there?” He points to a natural arch in the stone, its opening carved into a perfect heart shape. “Thought you might appreciate that, being a romance narrator and all.”

I can’t believe he went out of his way to share something romantic with me, like we’re in our own little story. Get it together, Thora. It’s just a rock. I clear my throat. “That’s really cool. Thanks for showing me.”

The remaining bit of walk back to our cars feels too short. I’m not ready to part ways with this man yet.

“Any other stops before you head back to Aiden’s?” Luke asks as we reach our cars.

“I was thinking of grabbing something to eat,” I say. “Aiden gave me a whole list of places. There was one place in particular he kept raving about. It’s called…uh…” I pull out my phone. “Marcello’s?”

“Mmm. Yeah. Great sandwiches.” Luke runs a hand through his wind-tousled hair. “Man, that sounds good right now.”

Our eyes meet. It feels like the most natural thing in the world, inviting him to join me. Even with my heart hammering away like it is. “I wouldn’t mind some company.”

The corner of Luke’s mouth lifts. “Anyone’s company? Or, specifically, mine?”

“Specifically yours.” Am I flirting with him? Oh, God. I think I’m flirting with him.

“I’m flattered.” Luke jingles his keys, that half-smile still playing on his lips. “Should we take my car?”

“Come on, trade me.” Luke nods at my remaining sandwich half. “You keep eyeing mine.”

“I’m not eyeing it. And besides, yours is?—”

“Too good not to share.” He swaps our halves before I can protest further. “Trust me, you’re doing me a favor. I always want to try everything here.”

We’re settled at the window counter at Marcello’s, our stools close enough that our elbows brush whenever we reach for our drinks. The last hour has flown by, watching tourists navigate the steep sidewalks outside while trading stories between bites. I’ve learned that he fell in love with baseball at age six, when his dad took him to his first Giants game. That he worked as a lifeguard through high school and still can’t stand the smell of chlorine. That he’s always wanted a German Shepherd but his travel schedule makes it impossible.

Every time I share something about myself—about the weird hours I keep when I’m recording, about my collection of pressed pennies from every city I visit, about my disastrous attempt at podcasting in college—he leans in closer, those gorgeous eyes focused entirely on me. And he’s asked me such specific follow-up questions, like each detail about my life actually matters to him.

“Okay.” Luke crumples his wrapper, his knee bumping mine as he turns toward me. “Where to next? Dessert?”

My heart flutters, knowing that he wants to keep hanging out. “Aiden didn’t actually suggest any dessert places.”

“That’s because your brother has terrible taste in sweets.” His eyes crinkle at the corners as he grins, and my heart does that stupid flutter thing again. “Lucky for you, I know exactly where we should go.”

The shop Luke brings me to is barely wider than a hallway, with a hand-painted menu board and potted plants in the window. He orders us both the special—coconut soft serve swirled with salted caramel, topped with fresh mango and crispy rice pearls. We eat while walking, and I can’t help laughing when he gets some on his nose.

“Here.” I reach up without thinking, brushing it away with my thumb. His skin is warm under my touch, and for a moment, neither of us moves. The air between us charges with possibility.

Then Luke clears his throat and checks his watch. “I should probably get you back to your car.”

The drive back to Lands End feels too quiet. I keep my eyes fixed on the passing scenery, heat creeping up my neck as I replay that moment. God, what was I thinking, touching his face like that? Way to make things weird after such a perfect few hours together.

When Luke pulls into the parking lot, I expect him to just drop me off. Instead, he kills the engine and walks me to my rental car.

“Thanks for today,” I say, turning to face him. “It was?—”

His lips find mine before I can finish. The kiss starts soft, tentative, but then his hand curves around my waist and pulls me closer. My fingers curl into his shirt as our kiss deepens, growing hotter and more urgent with each passing second.

The way he kisses me—desperate and sure, like he’s been waiting all day to do this—erases every doubt I had about him being out of my league.

Then suddenly he breaks away, cursing under his breath. “Fuck. I shouldn’t have done that.”

It takes me a moment to steady myself after the kiss he just gave me. “Why not?”

“Because I promised your brother I wouldn’t pursue you.” He runs a hand through his hair, the gesture rough with frustration. “And he was right about why I shouldn’t.”

Indignation surges through me. “Aiden doesn’t get to decide who I’m involved with.”

“It’s not just about him being protective.” Luke steps back, putting space between us that feels like miles. “I’ve tried long-distance before. Failed at it spectacularly. And once the season starts...” He shakes his head. “I’ll be gone more than I’m here. Different city every few days, crazy practice schedules, media obligations. You deserve someone who can actually be there.”

“Shouldn’t that be my choice?”

“Yes. But your brother’s right—those are good reasons why this is a bad idea.”

“What if he’s wrong?” I meet his eyes. “What if this isn’t doomed for disaster?”

An amused smile gently curves his mouth as he studies me. “What are you saying, Thora? That we’re destined for some epic love story? Marriage, house in the suburbs, couple of kids running around with baseball mitts?”

His tone is playful, but his words send electricity racing down my spine. It takes a world of effort to play it cool. “At least. Maybe more. We could have a whole baseball team.”

“God.” He laughs, but his eyes are intense as they meet mine. “You’re making this really hard, you know that?”

“Good.” I hold his gaze. “Because it shouldn’t be easy to walk away if this could be something real.”

“This is such a bad idea,” he murmurs, stepping closer. “But I’m going to kiss you again.”

I don’t stop him. Don’t want to stop him. His hands cup my face as he leans in, and this time the kiss is deeper, hungrier. I arch into him, all thoughts of why we shouldn’t do this evaporating as his tongue slides against mine.

Then a distinctive camera click breaks through the haze.

We jerk apart to find two young women a few cars away, phones raised. When they realize they’ve been caught, they gasp and scramble out of view, but the damage is already done.

Luke’s entire demeanor shifts, his jaw tightening as he moves to shield me. “Fuck.”

I carefully peer around him. “It’s okay, Luke. They’re gone.”

He exhales a deep sigh. “Yeah, and they could be posting that photo on social media right now.”

Oh. Right. My heart thumps with nerves. “And then what? What does that mean?”

“I don’t know. I just know how quickly things can spiral online.” His hand curls into a fist at his side, knuckles white with tension. I want to reach for him, to smooth away the lines of stress around his eyes—but that’s exactly what got us into this mess. Public intimacy isn’t something he gets to have, and I’m starting to understand just how much that costs him. Then he winces and curses again. “And Aiden could end up seeing the photo.”