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I stand, turning toward the living room and praying I’m just wrong and missing him.
But nope, his sea-green eyes are staring me down.
Oliver stands before me in just a white tank top—the kind you can just rip off with a flick of the wrist—a red gym shorts, and a backwards baseball cap.
My eyes drop ever so slightly, and my mind goes blank, noticing the loose fabric that clings to his waist.
A cough snaps my mind out of its haze, and I look up, expecting the sound to have come from Oliver, but my eyes look past him, landing on a wide-eyed Ella. Leon and Jaxon stifle a laugh.
Accepting my fate, I expect to find a just-as-amused Oliver, but I’m met with an intense stare as his eyes darken like storm clouds over water.
He opens his mouth to speak, but I’m quicker.
“Oh, Jaxon, are you good with hardware?” I ask.
Jaxon spares a glance at my childhood best friend.
Wait, no, he’s not my best friend anymore. Friends don’t treat each other like how I’m treating him.
“Actually, Oliver is the one that’s good at that stuff,” Jaxon answers as Oliver clenches his jaw.
Everyone is staring at me with a ‘what the fuck’ look, but I steel myself.
“Oh, that’s cool.” I nervously laugh. “Thank you, Ollie.”
I realize my mistake the minute Oliver’s gaze turns molten. I need to leave.
“I should head out. I've got errands to run. Thank you so much, boys. I appreciate it!” With that, I bolt out the door, not missing the way Oliver’s storming eyes follow my escape.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Sally
Why are so many shops closed?
The last few times I’ve walked these streets, it felt like people were constantly coming and going. Most of the stores near the beach get good business, especially this time of year with tourists.
Alliance appeals to the summer vibes many people crave during these warmer months. You have the beaches that line the whole town and attract the most people.
Can’t really say I blame them.
The city feels the same but also so different from my childhood.
Before, I wasn’t allowed to do much. I went to school and then went home. Damian said it cost too much money for me to do anything.
It was his sneaky way of telling me I cost too much.
Sweat caresses my forehead, and I can feel my clothes stick to my skin. A dip in the lake sounds pretty good.
I could go back to the house, but Oliver is currently there fixing our roof and anything else that’s broken in the house. I asked him how much I owe him, but he didn’t answer—not that I blame him with how I’ve been acting the past few days.
The street seems to be truly empty until my eyes land on a little flower boutique with a little red neon sign telling me it’s open.
I look over the assortment of flowers planted outside the shop before walking inside.
The second I’m inside, a wash of mist hits my head, sending a euphoric chill down my spine. The heat rolls off my back.
God bless AC.
