Page 172 of Collide

I take him all, tasting the salt and heat of him, not stopping until he finally slumps back against the pillows, utterly spent.

For a long moment, there’s only the sound of our breathing before we both drift off into a dreamless sleep.

Chapter 23

August

We were reluctantly up before sunrise. The children of some of Manhattan’s finest, now reduced to a mess of clammy bodies and quiet regrets. The staff glide through the house with practiced efficiency—salty, greasy breakfast laid out across marble counters, intravenous drips humming quietly in the conservatory. The preferred cure for too much money and not enough sense.

But not all sins get erased so easily.

The moments with Broderick still cling to me—quiet, charged, too close.

Then what followed with Alex.

My head spins thinking about it.

I’m tangled, pulled in opposite directions, and none of it feels clean.

The girls and guys have split off, each group indulging in more civilized pursuits for the day. I’m thankful for the distance.

The girls begrudgingly start with an early morning yoga session on the beach, led by Natalie. While some of the women take it seriously, Riley spends most of the time making exaggerated poses and whispering hilarious commentary under her breath, sending me into fits of laughter. Philippa, ever theperfectionist, shushes us repeatedly while trying to hold her warrior pose. But I can see her quaking, trying to stave off the lingering effects of last night’s excess.

After yoga, we board the Montgomery yacht for champagne and canapés, cruising along the Hamptons coastline. Sunhats and oversized sunglasses are practically mandatory, and the mimosa refills never stop. It’s indulgent, glamorous, and very Philippa. At some point, a few of the girls jump into the water, squealing as the salty waves envelop them. Riley, of course, dares me to join, and after some coaxing, I cave, splashing into the cool ocean together, it feels good to let loose with the girls.

Meanwhile, the guys go jet skiing and deep-sea fishing, a combination that suits their rugged, adventurous energy. From the text updates Broderick sends, it seems like Andrew has been crowned ‘King of the Sea’ after catching the biggest fish, and Broderick dubs himself captain of the ship.

Alex spends the day with his own friends, who are also enjoying the weekend in the Hamptons.

By early afternoon, we’ve dried off, changed into our brightest summer outfits, and make our way to The Patio, a chic poolside bar. The place is quintessential Hamptons—white linen curtains billow in the warm breeze, turquoise pool water shimmers under the sun, and a playlist of upbeat tropical house music sets the perfect mood.

Philippa, stunning as ever in a white sundress and a ‘Bride-to-Be’ sash, holds court at the head of the table while we sip chilled champagne and indulge in fresh seafood platters. I sit next to Riley, both of us in bold, colorful summer dresses, matching the vibrant setting around us.

I’m mid-bite into my lobster roll, half-listening to the hum of conversation around me before one of Philippa’s friends grabs my attention.

“So, Elena.” Sienna leans forward, twirling her cocktail straw with a knowing smirk. “We need to talk about Alexander.”

“You guys were all over each other last night—it was sickening in the best way,” Avery says, her face full of mischief.

Little does she know howall overeach other we actually ended up being.

Natalie practically swoons. “You guys are like…a dream. How did you meet? And don’t give us the ‘mutual friends’ excuse. We need details.”

Riley stifles a laugh into her mimosa, while I take a slow sip of champagne, giving myself a moment to collect my thoughts.

“Well,” I start, setting my food down. “We met at a vintage store.”

“A vintage store?” Sienna raises a brow. “That’s so mysterious.”

“It’s kind of a long story,” I admit, remembering how our first meeting had been anything but ordinary. How we collided into each other, how I ended up in the hospital, and how he later showed up at my apartment, charming as ever, with gifts and a teasing grin.

“Did you know who he was?” Natalie asks, resting her chin in her palm.

“Not at first,” I confess, playing with the stem of my glass. “I mean, I knew he was ridiculously handsome, but I had no idea he was famous. I got to know him as just…Alex.”

A collective sigh moves around the table.

“He’s so much hotter in person,” Avery gushes. “I saw him once at a fashion event, and I swear he looked unreal. It’s not fair.”