Page 35

AMELIA

The other wedding guests, including my family, arrive tomorrow which means we have the entire day to relax and take it easy.

Tia texted the group chat earlier that we’re all meeting for dinner tonight in a few hours, so in the meantime I’ll be hitting the pool.

After changing into my pink two-piece bikini I pull a few face framing pieces from my bun, sliding my sunglasses up and slip my sandals on. I step out of the bathroom and look over at Caleb, who’s scrolling on his phone waiting for me.

“Ready?” I ask.

He barely glances up at first, still focused on his phone but when he finally does it feels like time has slowed down significantly.

His eyes rake over me boldly starting from top to bottom like he’s memorizing every inch.

It makes me feel a little nervous, but excited.

I’m not used to him looking at me this intently, especially half dressed.

Lying under the blazing sun with my Kindle in hand, feeling the warmth seep into my skin is exactly how I want to spend the rest of my life.

Palm trees sway lazily around us, drinks are being served, and the lounge chairs are so comfortable I could sleep here all night. I might just ditch Caleb later and do exactly that.

I tilt my head just enough to peer over the top of my sunglasses, glancing toward the pool as Caleb steps out, water streaming down his rippling abs, glistening in the sunlight.

His broad shoulders somehow look even more defined than before. The injuries have subsided, leaving only a small bruise.

Woah.

“Water feels good,” he says stepping closer to me as water continues to drip, torturously slow.

I hum, pushing my sunglasses back up with my finger. “Oh yeah?”

“Take a swim with me and put your filthy book away for a minute,” he teases as his eyes glint with mischief.

Heat rushes to my skin. “Caleb!”

“Joking. Come on,” he grins, reaching for my hand, helping me up. I quickly toss my sunglasses onto the lounge chair as we make our way to the steps of the pool.

I dip my toes in the cool water, but it’s the feeling of his hand resting on my lower back that makes me shiver.

He steps down, guiding me with him, and we fully emerge into the water up to my hips just as ‘Boom Clap’ by Charli XCX blares from the speakers, filling the air.

We both swim to the far end of the pool, where it's quieter and more secluded, surrounded by boulders and more palm trees. I close my eyes for a moment, letting the sun warm my face as I shift slightly, searching for a comfortable spot while the water gently laps against our chests.

My eyes snap open.

His leg brushes against mine under the water, sending a rush of heat through me. I glance at him but he’s not looking at me, he’s just taking in the view.

His leg brushes against mine again, and I let out a soft laugh.“We’re practically alone over here and you’re still taking up space.”

A quiet chuckle rumbles from him. “You’re the one who keeps moving.”

The only sounds are the gentle ripple of water and faint music drifting through the air.

His lips curve into a playful smile as he shifts in front of me. “Feel good?”

I lean back against the edge of the pool, resting my elbows on the concrete, watching him float closer. “Yea…”

He’s right in front of me, so close I can’t help but glance at his lips, my breath growing shallow. My arm almost slips off the edge, but he’s quick, wrapping my legs around his waist to steady me.

His hard body presses against my chest, igniting something deep in my core. I instinctively wrap my legs tighter.

I’m trying not to get carried away, but it’s hard with him so close…his presence is overwhelming.

His hands settle on my thighs, burning against my skin as they slide upward, reaching for the strings of my bathing suit. I swallow, trying to steady my breath.

He rolls the strings between his fingers, each movement making my pulse race.

I bite my bottom lip, forcing myself to stay calm, to not give too much away. Then my brows furrow when his voice slices through my jumbled thoughts.

“Maybe we should head back,” he says with a smug grin, pushing himself up from the pool, his swim trunks hanging dangerously low on his hips. “Don’t wanna be late for dinner.”

My jaw drops, watching water droplets trail down his taut back as he leaves me here, breathless.

God.

“I still can’t believe my little sister is getting married this week,” Caleb says reaching for his menu. The resorts’ restaurant is so elegant and classy, it has wraparound sliding doors that let the cool breeze sweep in, it’s literally the perfect romantic scenery.

He flips through the menu, looking over at me briefly.

Amir smiles warmly, resting his arm behind Tia’s chair rubbing her shoulder, kissing her temple. “I’m lucky,” his voice light. “Unfortunately that just means I’m stuck with you,” his eyes landing on Caleb.

Tia laughs, swatting at Amir’s chest. “He’s not that bad.”

Caleb raises a brow, shocked that Tia defended his honor. “What do you need?”

Tia rolls her eyes and I can’t help but laugh at their bickering. “You know what, I’m never defending you again.”

“He is that bad.” Marcus quietly chuckles as he steps toward the table taking a seat by Caleb.

“You saved me a seat, how kind of you.” Marcus nudges Caleb’s arm laughing as he takes a seat beside him.

Maya strolls in wearing a sheer black cover-up. “Hey, hey, hey!”

“Uh oh, here we go.” Marcus rolls his eyes. “Loud mouth is here.”

Maya plops down beside me and glares at him. “You’re just mad that I got a room with a balcony. Don’t be jealous.”

“So, how do you feel about being a soon to be wife?” I glance over at Tia, smiling.

“Counting down the days,” she says, taking Amir’s hand.

“It’s crazy that it’s been a goal of mine to marry her and now it’s actually happening,” Amir adds.

Love is such a beautiful yet complex concept.

There was a time when I thought I had it all figured out, and truly believed I was experiencing it.

I even imagined myself marrying Jared last year.

But, ever since he cheated on me, it’s been nearly impossible to look at any connection with an open eye.

Now, I can’t help but jump to the worst-case scenario over every interaction.

Every gesture. Every word. I always feel like every conversation is laced with ill intent and that they don’t really mean what they say.

It’s just a game for them. That’s why I never think too hard if a man flirts with me, I always push back in the end.

I’ve never gotten closure from my breakup and the more I think about it makes me wonder if I let my anger get the best of me.

Did I shut myself off from healing properly?

That’s why my feelings for Caleb, however uncertain, are so terrifying. We’re still caught up in this whole fake dating scheme, and what if everything between us has only ever been part of the act?

We finish up our last bites of dessert, Tia groans, leaning back in her chair unzipping her shorts. “I’m beyond bloated.”

“Agreed,” I say.

“Ready to go to bed?’ Amir laughs, reaching for the check the waiter left a few minutes ago and sliding in a hundred-dollar bill.

“Mhm. I am going to slip into a food coma any minute now,” Tia says.

Maya and Marcus mumbles something that sounded like a ‘me too’ as they reach for their checks, jotting down tips.

Caleb reaches over, sliding the check toward him, and my hand shoots out landing on top of his “That one’s mine.”

“I know,” he says casually, scribbling with his pen a tip before slipping his card inside.

“You always do this.”

“You should know this by now,” he grins, handing the check to our waitress. Then his gaze locks onto mine, making my heart skip several beats.“When you’re with me, don’t bother bringing a wallet.”

Caleb and I head out the restaurant, automatic door glides open as the cool breeze sweeps in carrying the ocean scent our way. The gravel crunches beneath our feet, and I look up at him to ask a question that’s been sitting on my chest for weeks. “Have you spoken to your dad lately?”

Caleb deeply exhales. “Not since the Driftwear event.”

Figures. I’m just nervous about seeing him tomorrow. I just hope, for Tia’s sake, his dad doesn’t start any problems.

“Do you plan on talking to him tomorrow?” I waver.

He huffs out a dry laugh, squeezing his thumb again that makes my heart ache. “Honestly? I’d prefer not to, but I will for Tia.”

Entering our hotel room, he kicks his shoes off and takes off his jacket, leaving him in a plain white t-shirt. I slip off my sandals and look over at him sitting down on the couch scratching his eyebrow, annoyed.

“He doesn’t get it at all,” Caleb mutters as his voice is thick with frustration. “He doesn’t get how he fucked up my childhood.”

My entire chest tightens knowing I was there with him through it all and I hate how I didn’t stand up for him.

It makes me want to claw at my insides. He does so much for people and what does he get in return?

His dad telling him how much of a disappointment he was at age thirteen.

He’s always trying to please everyone and it’s time for him to get the same treatment.

My eyes soften, and I settle beside him, squeezing his arm gently.

Our eyes lock, and the longer I look into his, the more I realize something's changed. I think I’m in love with my best friend and I can only hope maybe he feels the same.

Then he softly grips my chin. “You always do that.”

“Do what?”

“Look at me like I matter,” he murmurs. “Like I’m enough for you.”

Silence .

“Because you are.”

Love feels like a myth to me. A fluke. It’s something that’s wrapped up in a pretty bow, but the moment you unwrap it, all that fills it is lies. But God, when I’m around him, it’s like unwrapping that same box and finding it full of hope, promises, and happiness instead.

I’m in the middle of brushing my teeth when Caleb walks in, shirtless, and I freeze mid-brush.

“Mind if I brush too?” he asks, stepping closer. His forearm brushes against mine, sending a trail of goosebumps up my arm.

My eyes travel down his body through the mirror. He’s only wearing a pair of grey sweatpants slung low on his hips, V-line on full display tonight. Damp fluffy hair, and black-framed glasses. My gosh, does he workout with the Avengers or something?

I continue brushing. “Not at all.”

He grabs the toothpaste and with one precise squeeze, drags a line of minty blue paste onto his brush. As he brings it to his mouth, our eyes meet in the mirror. Heat rises in my chest as I try to focus on my own reflection.

He grins. He freaking grins.

Shortly after brushing, he leans over the sink to spit, his eyes still locked on mine. I should be grossed out, but why does that only turn me on? He finishes and flips down the faucet as he grabs the floss.

A few seconds later I finish brushing and turn the water back on, sneaking glances at him like I’m a freaking creep. I don’t even realize how long I’ve been staring until he tosses the floss into the trash and jerks his chin toward the sink.

“Water’s running.”

And just like that, he strolls out, shutting the door behind him. He’s gotta stop doing that to me. I can’t take it. Seriously, how does he manage to make every mundane task so attractive?

It’s so not fair.