Oh, this is gonna be fun.
We’re about halfway through the movie when the wind picks up, the waves get louder, and the air feels like it’s holding its breath. The fire pit’s still burning low in the sand, and Ghostface flickers across the makeshift screen like a warning.
Melody’s sitting across from the fire, curled up on that oversized poof, legs tucked under her, hoodie sleeves wrapped around her hands like she’s trying to disappear inside them.
She’s not watching the movie—not really. She’s watching him. Ghostface.
And I can see it in the way she shifts slightly every time he’s on screen. The way her body tightens, like her muscles remember how it felt to be pinned to a bar with that exact mask inches from her face.
She pulls in a deep breath, holds it, and lets it out. Then she glances around before she pulls her phone from the pocket of her hoodie. She holds it low, just under her knees, types something, and tosses it onto her lap.
I feel the buzz in my pocket a second later. I already know it’s her, so I wait on purpose before subtly checking my phone. She’s sent a photo of Ghostface on screen with a text underneath it.
BUNNY:I guess this is the only way I get to see you.
I bite the inside of my cheek to suppress my smile as my fingers work.
ME:You wanted it this way.
I hit send and take a sip of my beer, eyes still on the screen like nothing’s happening.
Another buzz.
BUNNY:I changed my mind.
This time, I can’t fight it. I bury my smile in my beer bottle like I’m not five seconds away from throwing her over my shoulder and dragging her behind the dunes to see if she’s really changed her mind.
But she’s thinking abouthim—the mystery, the mask, the safe, curated version of me that lives in her phone.
And nah. I’m done lettinghimtake the spotlight. I want me in her head now.
The real version. The one who kissed her in the ocean. The one she throws pillows at. The one who’s not letting her hide behind a screen anymore
So, I look at her through the flickering shadows, past the fire, across the circle of guys and laughter and popcorn. I watch her and wait.
Look at me, baby.
And right on cue, she feels it and looks up. Her eyes meet mine—wide, curious, and caught. I don’t look away. Instead, I tilt my head and smile, just enough to plant the bug in her head.
She sucks in a breath as if I reached across the fire and touched her. Her eyes dart between me and Ghostface on screen beforesettling on mine. And this right here feels like a choice she just made subconsciously.
My smile turns into a grin as she slowly breaks the staring contest and looks back at the screen like nothing happened.
But we both know something did.
She just blinked first. And I’m taking my place back.
Chapter twelve
~MELODY~
It’s past midnight, the storm’s getting louder, and the rest of the house sounds like a frat party on mute. There’s muffled bass, bursts of laughter, and the occasional sound of men sparring under the covered patio.
But I can’t sleep.
Actually, I can’t stop thinking. I can’t gaslight myself into not being affected by my brother’s teammate. More than affected.
But Ghost…
