She stands there in the same yellow sundress she wore on our very first night here. The soft fabric flows around her thighs, catching the warm lamplight, and her dark curls tumble over one shoulder. She looks breathtaking.
Not just beautiful—though she always is—but like the very first spark that lit everything between us.
“Wow,” I breathe, my voice low and rough with everything I’m feeling. I step forward, my hands finding her waist as if they belong there. Because they do. My thumbs brush the soft fabric, feeling the warmth of her skin beneath. “You look… fuck, Sienna. You’re beautiful.”
I pull her closer and press my lips to her forehead, lingering, breathing her in. Then I kiss her properly—slow, deep, and full of everything I haven’t said. She melts into me as her handsglide up my chest, fingers curling into my button-down as if anchoring herself to this moment.
When we finally break apart, her eyes are brighter, a little dazed, lips parted like she’s forgotten how to breathe for a second. My heart gives a heavy, happy thud in my chest.
“You clean up pretty nice yourself,” she murmurs, her voice a touch husky as she smooths my shirt collar. Her fingers linger, tracing the edge. “Though I’m still partial to you in nothing but board shorts. Or less.”
I laugh softly, the sound rumbling through me, and press another kiss to her temple. “Noted. Come on—everyone’s waiting for us at the bonfire. But if you keep looking at me like that, we might not make it out of this villa.”
She grins, bright and mischievous, then slips her hand into mine. We walk down the winding path to the beach, fingers laced tightly. The sky is a deep onyx scattered with stars, and the bonfire crackles ahead, casting a warm golden glow against the darkness.
Only Ethan and Aria are there when we arrive. They’re tangled together on a big throw, her head resting on his shoulder, drinks in hand, their faces lit by the dancing flames.
Aria spots us and waves enthusiastically, nearly spilling her drink. “There they are! Come join us!”
I sit first, then gently pull Sienna between my legs so her back rests against my chest. My arms wrap loosely around her waist, my hands splaying over her stomach. She leans into me immediately, one of her hands covering mine, fingers intertwining as if it’s the most natural thing in the world.
“Where are Mom and Dad?” Sienna asks, glancing around.
“Not here,” Aria answers with a playful grin. “They said they’d pass tonight. They wanted the ‘young couples’ to enjoy the night without the ‘oldies’ cramping our style.”
Sienna snorts, leaning further into me. “Yeah, right. They’re probably lurking nearby. You know how they are.”
“Oh, absolutely,” Aria laughs. “Dad probably brought his telescope and is spying on us right now.”
Ethan shakes his head, smiling. “The telescope wouldn’t have fit in his suitcase, but binoculars? That’s a different story.”
Sienna bursts out laughing, doubling over. “Oh my God, do you remember that time in high school when I went on a double date with Jenna? I spotted Mom and Dad three tables over, disguised as old people with binoculars, like they were on an undercover stakeout!”
Aria throws her head back and laughs so hard she nearly knocks over her wine. “Stop! I remember you video calling me from the table right before you marched over to confront them. Their faces went bright red. I’ve never seen anything funnier in my life.”
Both sisters dissolve into helpless giggles, their laughter light and infectious, blending with the gentle crash of waves in the background. The bonfire crackles warmly, casting flickering gold and orange light across Sienna’s face, making her look even more radiant.
I can feel the steady rise and fall of her breathing against my chest, each soft laugh vibrating through her body and into mine. Every once in a while, she tilts her head back against my shoulder to look up at me, her eyes bright with joy. Without thinking, I press a gentle kiss to her temple, loving how she melts into me.
The night unfolds beautifully from there.
Ethan challenges me to a ridiculous marshmallow-roasting contest that quickly turns into chaos. We both burn our fingers, laughing like idiots as gooey sugar drips everywhere. Sienna teases me mercilessly about “finally not being able to cook something perfectly.”
I retaliate by roasting one to golden perfection and feeding it to her slowly. Her eyes flutter shut in exaggerated bliss as her lips close around it. A tiny bit of sticky sweetness clings to her lower lip. I watch, mesmerized, as she licks it away with a grin that sends heat rushing through me.
“Mmm. Okay, you win this round,” she admits, her eyes sparkling. “But only because you’re unfairly good with your hands.”
I lean forward, my lips brushing just below her ear. “My hands aren’t the only thing I’m good at,” I murmur, my voice low only for her. “I’m a man of many talents.”
She playfully swats my arm, cheeks flushing that adorable pink I love so much.
Before long, Aria jumps up with a mischievous grin and drags Sienna off for “girl talk” by the water. I watch them go, smiling softly. Ethan shifts closer on the throw and nudges my shoulder.
“So…” he says, his voice low and knowing. “Have you told her how you feel yet?”
I let out a slow breath, staring into the glowing embers. “Not yet. Not properly, at least. Every time I think I’m ready, something holds me back.”
“You’re in love with her, Reyes,” Ethan says seriously. “What are you waiting for?”
