Page 59 of Meant to Be

“To swim,” I deadpan.

She gives me a look. “Hey, don’t be pissy at me. I wanted to ask you to come, but one, you hate Harley and Brennon, and two, Jess asked if she could.”

“I’m not mad.”

“You’re mad.” She rolls her eyes. “I’ll make it up to you.”

“Unnecessary.”

“I’m coming over tonight for movies and wine.”

“I’m busy.”

“Yeah, with me. I’ll see you at seven.”

I roll my eyes, acting like I truly mean my words, but she just smiles.

When I see the others get to their feet, I march to the edge of the quarry. Nick is helping everyone safely get into the water, as the rocks are extremely slippery, coated in a thick moss. I wave him off when his hand extends to me.

He dives into the water from the rocks, and I watch the group swim out deeper. I look to my side, seeing the ghost of Elise beside me. Her long, bronze hair. Her stunning smile. I feel her hands over my shoulders.

She should be here. She deserves to be here. More than me.

With my head buzzing full of thoughts, I stride into the quarry, completely forgetting about the rocks. My foot slips from underneath me and suddenly, two warm hands settle on my waist, righting me.

I whip around, meeting Harley’s eyes and that stupid, irresistible lip ring.

“Watch yourself,” he murmurs, his gaze lowering to my lips momentarily, before meeting my eyes once more. “Don’t want to get hurt, now, do we?”

“You’ve done a plenty good job of that on your own,” I seethe.

We glare at each other for a moment before I realise we have an audience. And that his hands are still on my waist. I step out of his touch, his skin leaving a burning effect on mine. The way his eyes dip over me makes my insides feel like someone has trailblazed through them with a lit match.

I’m thankful for the coolness of the water when I sink into it. I avoid Nick’s curious—and slightly suspicious—gaze and dip my head under. When I see Jess and Harley closer than I appreciate, I make a show of flirting with Nick. I hate that he brings this side out in me, but I have little control over it. Harley makes me crazy.

After an hour, I retire from the water, leaving the boys to their wrestling and cliff jumping. Harley is laid back on his towel, propped up on his elbows when he notices me. His blue orbs peer over his shades as I walk. I hate how my body flushes under his gaze.

Impulsively, I grab the sunscreen and walk over to them. Harley takes his bottom lip between his teeth, his gaze running all over me, a gesture wildly hot, affecting me in more ways than it should.

“Hey, Belle, do you mind giving me a top up?”

“Sure,” she answers, pushing to her feet.

I turn, positioning my ass right in his view, and hand her the bottle. I undo the back of my bikini top, and my breasts spill over my arm, which is pressed against my chest. I gaze ahead as I feel her hands lather the sunscreen over my body.

“You need help with that?” Harley asks, and no one misses the slight hoarseness his tone has suddenly taken.

Jess pales slightly as she stares from Harley, to me, and then back to Harley. Without a word, she gets to her feet and strides away. No one seems to notice.

Belle re-ties my top and places the bottle in my palm.

“Thanks, girl,” I say. “See you later tonight.”

“You bet!” She smiles, oblivious to the entire show taking place in front of her.

I strut back to my towel and collapse onto my stomach. I glance towards the cars, seeing Jess disappear inside one, then drive away.

This time, I don’t feel bad. Because honestly, I just did her a favour.