A deep longing swept through me.
“Karson,” I murmured, “these feelings are like like nothing I’ve ever known. And you’re gorgeous, inside and out. But when will I ever see you again?”
His lips traced along my neck, sending a shiver through me as we emerged from darkness.
He pulled away and searched my face, his brow furrowed. “I have to be back in Sydney in time for my mother’s birthday. It’s a huge event. If I miss it, my father will be unbearable. We leave at sunrise, but I promise I’ll come back as soon as I can.”
He was leaving.Tomorrow!
I concentrated on the view past his shoulder, hoping he wouldn’t see the disappointment on my face. “I’d love that.” I mustered a smile. “And maybe I can visit you too. We could swim at Bronte and try not to get caught in the rip,” I joked, but my heart splintered at the thought of him being hundreds of miles away in just a matter of hours.
“It’s settled. I’ll come back as soon as I can.” His smile didn’t quite reach his eyes.
We clung to each other… I didn’t want to forget this feeling. Didn’t want to forget him.
Later, we made the journey back through the sweltering parking lot. With fingers intertwined and determined to enjoy our moments together, we talked about our next visit.
But our hearts grew heavy as our feet shuffled along the ground.
The drive back to the resort was a lot quieter than the other drives we’d shared. The weight of our time together ending so soon hung in the air like thunder on the horizon.
We’d onlyjustfound each other. And already… we had to say goodbye.
7
REVEALED
IVY
I pulled up, ready to drop Karson off in the same place I’d picked him up before we went to the water park that morning.
He leaned over, grabbing his things from the back seat before we climbed out of the car and stepped onto the sidewalk.
“Ivy, I need to tell you something.” He met my gaze with a worried look. “And before you say anything, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you before. It’s just that I try to avoid sharing what I’m about to say, because people always treat me differently. Like I’m not me anymore.”
I studied him in confusion.
“I know this makes no sense.” He stared at the ground.
“You’re right. It doesn’t,” I said, a knot forming in my stomach. “What is it, Karson? You can tell me.”
“Maybe it’s easier to show you than tell you. Do you trust me?”
“Sure. But what’s going on?”
He took my hand. “Come with me.”
We started down the road in the opposite direction from the resort as I glanced back at the enormous white building behind us.
Isn’t he staying at the resort? Why’s he bringing me up here?
We kept walking, only slowing down when we reached the marina.
I took in the endless rows of boats bobbing under the sunshine. “Whoa, this is so cool. Let’s get a selfie,” I said, whipping my phone out as I leaned in closer and snapped a few photos.
Karson pulled out his phone and stepped in closer beside me. As he brushed against me, my skin tingled. He took some selfies before his gaze lingered on me.
He took my hand in his and led me up the walkway toward the locked gate as I arched a curious eyebrow in his direction.
