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I put my phone on the nightstand. “What was that about?”
“Just stuff for next year.” He replies impassively and leaves it at that.
Relax, Kayleigh. You’re being paranoid.
MIAMI ON SPRING BREAK is everything I thought it would be. There are parties everywhere you look, alcohol is flowing more than the water, and everyone seems to be having the time of their lives.
“Alright, you’re all adults. Just don’t get caught underage drinking.” Heather tells the four of us.
“That means you two.” Brandon quips to Jo and I, being as him and Holden are both 21.
Holden chuckles. “Aw, I almost forgot you’re still a baby.”
He pinches my cheek like I’m a child. I roll my eyes playfully and smack his hand away. He smiles brightly and pulls me close to him.
Holden and I go to our room, while Brandon and Joey go to their own. The three rooms are all in a suite, while Heather and Dan got a room separate from us. Apparently, staying with a bunch of college kids wasn’t how they wanted to spend their vacation.
I put my bathing suit on before returning to my suitcase to find my locket. As soon as I feel it, I breathe a sigh of relief. I open it slightly, checking to make sure the little baggy is still inside it. When I see that it is, I shut it and clip the necklace around my neck.
“God damn, babe.” Holden looks at me hungrily. “You are eating, right?”
“Of course, I am. Why?”
I go over and look in the mirror. He comes and stands behind me, running his fingertips down my body. My hipbones are a little more prominent, and maybe my stomach looks flatter. Still though, I only see flaws and imperfections.
“You’re beautiful.” He whispers. “Always have been, always will be.”
I WISH I COULD be as confident as Jo is in a bikini. She acts the same way in a bathing suit that she does fully clothed. She dances to the music as if no one is watching. It must be nice to have not a single worry in the world.
I’ve been mentally freaking out for the last hour at this pool. Every time Holden isn’t looking at me, I wonder if he’s checking out another girl. It’s not like he can’t get anyone his heart desires. He’s gorgeous.
“What’s wrong?” He murmurs into my ear. I shrug, wrapping my arms around my stomach. “Hey, none of that.”
“What?”
“You are the most beautiful woman here. If you’d stop comparing yourself to others, you’d see how many guys are jealous of me right now.” He takes my arms away from my stomach and drapes them over his shoulders, placing his hands on my hips. “I’m so lucky you’re mine.”
I smile, and pulling him down for a kiss. He tightens his grip and lifts me up. I wrap my legs around him as his hands move to my ass. Our lips move together in a way that screams all our feelings for each other – and it’s as if time stops.
Fuck. I’m in love with Holden Rivers.
I WAKE UP TO MY boyfriend lightly shaking me. I groan sleepily, opening my eyes to see it’s still dark. A low whine leaves my mouth and I shove the pillow over my head, only for Holden to take it away.
“Come on, wake up.” He whispers.
I narrow my eyes at him. “Is this a thing you do? Wake people up in at ass o’clock in the morning when you’re close to a beach?”
He chuckles, nodding happily.
The two of us get up. I slip on a pair of shorts and a tank top before Holden takes my hand and leads me out of the room. He doesn’t stop until we’re on the beach. Just as we sit down, the sun starts to peak up from the water.
He sits behind me and pulls me into him. As cranky as I was when he woke me up, I’m glad he did. I breathe in his scent as we watch the sunrise. Between the colors and the warm breeze, it’s heavenly.
“Kayleigh?” He gets my attention. I hum, telling him I’m listening. “I love you.”
My breath hitches and butterflies come alive inside me. I turn my head to look at him. He looks so fragile, yet so strong. His eyes bore into me, showing how sincere his words are. He loves me.
“I love you, too.” I respond, smiling wider than I have in such a long time. “So much.”
