The soft ocean wind swirls around us, tugging at my hair, but I barely feel it. Everything else fades. The waves, the sky, the world. It’s just him and me, standing here like nothing else matters.
And as crazy as this all is, I don’t hesitate. One moment, I’m frozen, the next, I’m in the sand, my arms wrapping around Donovan as I kiss him fiercely, like I’ve waited years for this exact second.
Between kisses, with a crooked smile I’ve always loved, Donovan asks, “So I take that as a yes?”
I let out a low chuckle, still breathless, and whisper against his lips, “Yes, you absolute menace. Of course it’s a yes.”
Suddenly, you hear whooping and hollering behind us, as my cheeks start to blush.
The next week blows by in a blink. Wednesday rolls around, and my carry-on is packed and waiting by the door. It’s time to fly back to Agave Hills.
Donovan’s tied up with classes and prepping for one of the biggest games of the season—the one that decides if they’re heading to the state championship.
Meanwhile, Ansel is attempting to sneak Colin out of the apartment like he’s some kind of dirty secret. “Good morning, Colin. Have an amazing day!” I call out sweetly, head still half-buried in the fridge as I dig for something to drink.
Ansel slinks over to me, the color rising in her freckled cheeks. “I’m sorry, Slaymuffin. I wanted him gone before you woke up,” she says, snatching the offered Diet Coke and taking a long, regret-laced gulp.
“Sugar Plague, I don’t know why you do this,” I say, straightening with a bottle of water in hand. “I don’t care if you have Colin over. I’m aware you’re not a—” I pause dramatically, then loudly gasp, “'virgin.' So why are you acting like you smuggled a corpse out of here?”
Ansel shrugs, then mutters into her soda, “Because I might actually like him, and that feels illegal.” She tries to play it off with a smirk, but her eyes flick toward the door like he might still be lingering.
“And I’d rather die than give you the satisfaction of being right about it.”
A few hours later, Ansel is dropping me off at the airport, wrapping me in one of her trademark hugs—all tight arms and coconut shampoo.
Tomorrow starts the finishing touches and final practice runs ofSweeney Todd. Everything looks like it’ll be ready for next week.
My flight is filled with the comfort of an audiobook. Nothing beats a goodwear-the-hat, ride-the-cowboytype of book. I’ve mastered the art of listening to the filthiest scenes with a completely neutral expression. No one on this plane will ever know.
Once we land, I grab my carry-on—still thankful my mom bought me a second wardrobe to keep here in Agave Hills. It’s honestly changed my life.
Walking out of the airport, I immediately shrug off my jacket. I still can’t get over the temperature shift. Arizona feels like the inside of a hairdryer.
I catch a taxi and head back to my parents’ house.
Upstairs in my old bedroom, I toss my bag onto the bed and start a hot bubble bath. Steam curls around the room as I scroll through my phone, grabbing it from my purse. A new text from Donovan lights up the screen.
Sir-O’s-alot: I miss you already. I’ll see you soon, Mrs. D’Angelo.
I smile, biting my lip.
Me: Whoa, slow down there, killer. Who said I was going to be Mrs. D’Angelo? Why can’t you be Mr. Carrington? I miss you too ??*kiss emoji*
I strip out of my clothes, slide into the bath, and lean back with a sigh. The water is just the right kind of hot—the kind that makes your skin pink and your muscles loosen.
With the bubbles drifting high and the water nearly covering my chest, I raise my phone.
Snap.
Send.
I set my phone down, calming meditation music softly drifting from the speakers. I lay back with my eyes closed, feeling the warmth relax me. I hear my text notification go off, and with a smug smile, I grab my phone.
Sir-O’s-alot: Goddamn it, Stella Lenore Carrington. You’re going to be the death of me.
Sir-O’s-alot: So fucking beautiful… You don’t even know what you do to me.
Sir-O’s-alot: My little temptress. My ruin. My favorite sin.
