I was a mess, emotionally, mentally, and maybe even hormonally. A part of me wished things had gone further. Another part, probably the more rational one, was grateful Sophia’s message came when it did. If Liam had pulled away the next day, or <b>worse</b>, acted like nothing happened… I wouldn’t have survived the humiliation. Not while we <b>were </b><b>still </b>stuck in each other’s space on this ind.


    I sighed, picked up my phone again, and scrolled aimlessly until Lisa’s name popped up with a row of heart–eyed emojis and voice notes reacting to the yacht pictures I’d sent earlier.


    Lisa: “Girl. Are you in a MOVIE? That view?? That bikini??”


    Lisa: “Who is that tall ss of melted chocte behind you? Please tell me he’s single.” Lisa: “If you don’t FaceTime me in the next ten minutes, we’re fighting.”


    Iughed, my heart already a little lighter. I tapped the video icon and propped the phone against my water bottle.


    Lisa’s face lit up my screen, her wild curls in a pineapple bun and her bedroom a chaotic mess behind her.


    “There she <i>is</i>!” she squealed. “Miss Tropics herself. Girl, you’re glowing. Don’t tell me it’s just salt air and pineapple juice.”


    I snorted. “Hi to you too.”


    She narrowed her eyes, like she could read my entire life through the screen. “Now spill. You look like you justmitted a sin or came close to one.”


    So, I told her everything. The flirting, the tension, the kiss, the almost–sex. Her eyes widened by the second.


    “We almost did it,” I admitted. “Like… it was close. Scary close. And honestly? I wanted it.”


    Lisa blinked once. Then grinned. “My baby’s finally living.”


    “Shut up,” I muttered, grabbing a pillow.


    <b>07:09 </b>


    “I’m serious. You’ve been giving me crumbs about this Liam guy for days. And now you’re talking yachts, kisses, and emotional wreckage?Em, I’m proud.”


    I sighed, weary to my bones. “I’m scared it’ll ruin everything. We’ve still got days left here. What if it gets awkward?”


    Lisa leaned into the camera. “Sweetheart. It’s already awkward. Just have sex with <b>him </b>and stop letting your anxiety make the rules.”


    I nearly choked, “Wow… not even a little sugarcoating?<i>” </i>


    “You’re spending all this energy thinking about what could go wrong. What if it goes right?


    I hesitated. “And if it doesn’t?”


    “Then you move on knowing you lived. But right now, you’re ying mental gymnastics with someone you obviously want. Just go with the flow. Enjoy the moment. Worry about consequences if theye.”


    I smiled and touched the screen. “I love you.”


    “I know. Now go sleep. You need your beauty rest if you’re going to be wrestling billionaire guilt tomorrow.


    We said goodnight, and I curled into bed. Sleep came quickly, dragging me under like a tide. <fn8b96> For more chapters visit FindN()vel</fn8b96>


    It felt like I had just closed my eyes when I sensed someone hovering.


    Too close. Too smiley.


    I yelped and sat up.


    “Jesus, Sophia!”


    She beamed down at me like the ghost of sleepovers past. “You’re alive. Thank God. I was starting to think Liam killed you with pleasure.”


    I grabbed the nearest pillow and smacked her. “Don’t ever wake me like that again. You nearly gave me a stroke.”


    “Come on. Spill. Did it happen?”


    07:09


    288 Vouchers


    I squinted. “Why are you asking like it’s a gossip column and not your brother?”


    “Because I have no shame and I live for the thrill.”


    “Well, sorry to disappoint. Nothing happened.”


    She groaned. “Ugh. You two are dragging this like it’s a slow–burn novel.”


    “And you’re reading too fast.”


    Sophia stood and stretched dramatically. “Fine. Get up, sleeping beauty. We’re doing girls‘ day out. You, me, Linda, Mom, and Melissa.”


    “Wait… Your mother and Melissa areing?”


    “Yes. They asked to join. Shocking, I know. Don’t stress, they’re actually fun.


    Reluctantly, I got up, showered, curled my hair, and slid into a soft floral sundress. By the time I met the girls downstairs, I was d I came. The energy was… light. Easy. Even with Laura and Melissa.


    We piled into a luxury van and headed into Gustavia. The town was stunning, sun–soaked streets, designer boutiques by the marina, soft breeze scented with sea salt and high–end perfume.


    And surprisingly, Laura and Melissa were down to earth. They teased each other like sisters and gave brutally honest opinions about handbags.


    Sophia tried on every hat in one boutique. Linda vanished into racks of pastel dresses. Laura and Melissa kept cracking jokes and grabbing iced teas like it was any random afternoon in <ol><li>LA. </li></ol>


    At one point, while Sophia was busyparing sandals, Laura leaned closer.


    “You seem distracted.”


    Melissa joined in. “She’s thinking about him.”


    I froze. “Who?”


    “Oh please,” Laura said, sipping her drink. “Sweetheart, we’re not blind. Liam’s been on edge


    since day one. And you? You’re the reason.”