While he finishes the eggs, I text Aria for clues on what we’re hunting for.
Me:
What exactly are we hunting for on this ATV treasure hunt? Give us a hint so we don’t die in the jungle pls
Her reply comes almost instantly.
Aria:
NO HINTS!!!! That’s the fun part. But let’s just say it involves something that squeaks. Good luck!
I read it out loud to Milo and groan. “Something that squeaks? Knowing her, we’re about to spend six hours chasing rubber ducks through the jungle.”
Milo plates the eggs perfectly, adds toast and fruit, then slides a plate in front of me. “It’s a good thing you’ve packed a picnic, then. We’ll need fuel to survive your sister’s rubber-duck safari.”
I take the plate, our fingers brushing. A little spark jumps between us. “Thank you. For fixing my culinary disaster.”
“Anytime,” he leans against the counter, watching me with those storm-gray eyes that always see too much. “You really did try. That counts for something.”
I roll my eyes, but I’m smiling so hard my cheeks hurt. “Don’t get used to it. I’m still the chaos queen. You’re the domestic one.”
He almost smiles, but there’s something softer in it now. “Maybe we’re both learning new tricks.”
“Do you want to eat out on the deck?” I blurt, then immediately wince. “I mean—eat the food on the deck. Not… me.” My cheeks burn as I grab the plate and make a beeline for the door. “Wow. I’m just gonna shut up now and go eat out there. Alone…. preferably.”
Milo’s low chuckle follows me, warm and way too amused. “I’ll make the coffee and be right out.”
I nod quickly and slip onto the deck. The morning sun feels good on my skin as I sink into a chair, trying to steady my bouncing knee. Minutes later, Milo joins me, sliding a mug of coffee and a glass of orange juice my way. I murmur a thank-you, keeping my eyes glued to my plate as if it’s the most fascinating thing I’ve ever seen.
The silence between us is comfortable, but there’s that familiar charge beneath it—the same one that kept me up half the night, clutching his shirt. My knee starts bouncing again under the table.You’ve been in New York longer than anywhere else, Aria’s voice whispers in my head.That’s not nothing.
Milo’s foot gently nudges mine beneath the table. “Knee’s going again.”
I still it for half a second, biting back a smile. “Sienna Harlow special. It never fully shuts off. Especially not when I’m thinking about chasing squeaky things through the jungle with you.”
He grins. “Careful there, Sienna. Keep talking like that and I might start thinking you actually like spending time with me.”
I glance up at him through my lashes, fighting a smile. “Dangerous assumption, Milo.”
His eyes sparkle with quiet mischief and my cheeks flame. We finish eating as the sun climbs higher, warming my already sun-kissed skin. When we’re finished, I stand first, reaching for the plates.
“I’ll wash these and then get ready,” I say. “We should head out soon before the sun gets relentless.”
Milo rises too, gently taking the plates from my hands. “I’ve got the dishes. You go get ready.”
I look up at him and feel that familiar pull again—the same one that made me bolt into my room last night. Aria’s words from last night about this time being different and maybe him being the one who can keep up with my chaos come to mind.
God, I want to believe her. Standing here in the soft morning light, with Milo looking at me like he wouldn’t mind if I stayed right here all day… it’s getting harder to convince myself this is just casual attraction.
I take a small step back. “Thank you.” I manage, forcing a playful grin even though my mouth has gone dry.
It takes me another fourteen seconds of awkward hovering before I finally slip inside and disappear into my room.
Chapter Nineteen
Milo
The ATV rentalshack looks like it was built by someone with more enthusiasm than tools—a little wooden hut with a corrugated roof and a hand-painted sign that cheerfully reads “Jungle Adventures.”
