I crossed my arms and looked down at my feet.
“I don’t read the ending. Just the last page,” I said.
“And that is considered the...” he teased as I rolled my eyes. To which he cocked his head in that devastatingly handsome way.
“Sometimes, if a book and the synopsis intrigue me, I sneak a peek at the last page. Not the whole chapter, just the final lines.It never gives away enough to spoil the story, but it’s fascinating to see how it all wraps up,” I admitted. “By the time I actually read the whole book and reach the last page, I barely even remember. It’s just a kink I have.”
“A kink, you say?” he grinned at me, like I was cute and it amused him.
“Stop that,” I scolded, but his grin only widened. It was not the Hazel in particular that he liked. He liked women in general. Especially the ones whom he kissed. And he kissed me, because I let him. I had to neutralize this. I needed to keep my boundaries so that yesterday wouldn’t happen again. Luke was intentionally not indulging me on this, so I played it his way.
“Yes, a kink. A word you probably toss around every time you drag some stranger home a few hours after meeting her,” I said to him in a sweet, mocking voice. “And don’t worry—I know I’m not the type of girl a guy like you is looking for. Not for this, anyway.” I nudged my chin toward the romance section. His smile faded, but he kept staring, silent.
No words, big boy?!
I gave him my best smile and walked away. Ava found me at checkout while I was searching for my wallet.
“Where’s everyone?”
“I’m not sure about the others, but Luke’s upstairs hating on the old classic romance stories. You know, the usual.”
She laughed. “He’s not that bad. He’s always supported us at least, and as far as I know, he has never tried to talk Alex out of our relationship, so I guess the concept isn’t the problem.”
So it’s me.I’m the problem, it’s— Ahh. Stop quoting Taylor Swift.
All I managed to reply was an indifferenthmm. Outside, I paused, letting the sight of the spectacular building wash over me. With time, I’ve learned that stopping like this helps me stay present. To appreciate where I am and how I got here.
I gazed up at the towering pillars just as Luke joined us, and took a deep breath. The frustration had somehow eased, leaving only gratitude in my heart.
“Thank you for bringing me here.” My eyes returned to the bookstore’s facade, aware of his steady gaze on me. It took all my willpower not to look back.
“My pleasure.”
26
Luke
Our last stop was the beach. The sun, which had burned us all day, finally simmered down, warming us with its kindness. A slight breeze joined in. It was the definition of a perfect beach day.
With heels in her hands, Hazel strolled along the beach, her feet sinking softly into the warm sand. I couldn’t help but envy anything that got to touch her skin in ways I couldn’t. Stupid sand!
Everything was going according to plan. In the distance, beanbag chairs and a screen were already waiting for us.
“We’re having a movie night,” Hazel said, realizing.
“Yes. But I’m not so sure they’ll let you in,” I said, and she turned to me, confused. “‘Cause you’re such a snack. And movie theaters don’t allow snacks.” I winked at her.
“Oh my God, does this line work on every girl?”
“You tell me. You’re the first snack I’ve brought.” She tried to hide her embarrassed smile at my ridiculous compliment. My mind went blank whenever I noticed those cute lines on her face.
The girls settled in, and Logan and I went to the bar for drinks. The waitress was cute, flirty even. My default setting was to reciprocate, but as soon as I smiled at her and made my order, it felt fake as fuck. She giggled way too much, and her perfume was overwhelming. I glanced at Hazel over my shoulder, and she immediately averted her gaze, a flicker of something fragile flashed in her gaze before she turned.
“So, what movie are we watching?” I heard Hazel ask from afar, as we returned with drinks, catching the snippets of their conversation.
“Honestly, I don’t know, but Luke promised it would be in English.” Summer chimed in.
“Itwillbe in English, but no Jim Carrey classics were available, unfortunately,” I said, handing Hazel the drink. I brushed her fingers for only a second, but it felt like forever. “Gin and Tonic for our birthday girl.”
