When I open my eyes, he’s striding out of the store with a bottle of water in one hand.
That confident swagger hasn’t been affected by the long hours in the car. As he climbs in, he holds the water out to me. “Here.”
Without looking his way, I grasp the bottom of the bottle. “Thanks.”
When he doesn’t let go, I finally look at him.
He’s frowning. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” I shrug and pull the bottle out of his hold.
As I do, his phone buzzes again, and we both look down at the screen. He does it to check who’s texting him. I do it because I’m a masochist.
Jaw clenched, he picks up the device and slips it into his pocket.
To no one’s surprise, we’re silent for the rest of the drive.
CHAPTER 36
did you ever think about telling me the truth?
DOMINIC
Age 27
September
Luna’s family’slake house is incredible. The exterior is a mix of natural cedar and stone accents. It screams old money and luxury, which is nothing like the small lake house my father and the Ashtons used to rent back when Monica and Luke were still married. Maybe it’s a good thing the houses are so different from each other—less risk of getting nostalgic.
Funny, because I’ve been plagued by nostalgia since the moment I saw Mia again. During dinner at our parents’ house, I watched her shamelessly, and despite her attempts to ignore me, she couldn’t help but sneak peeks. It gave me hope, and when I overheard her talking with Luna, when she mentioned being single and hinted she still has feelings for me, it was a done deal.
No fucking way will I continue pretending I can live without her. If there’s a way back into her heart, I’ll find it.
Because she’s worth it. She’s always been worth it.
As I follow Mia deeper into the house, I push away the memories. She walks ahead of me, her suitcase rolling behind her. Her dark blue jeans hug her round ass in a way that makes it impossible to take my eyes off her. The way her hips sway doesn’t help either. She wouldn’t let me bring in her suitcase for her. Once I’d taken it out of the truck, she snagged it and put as much distance between us as she could. I let her, because the last thing I want is to make things more uncomfortable than they already are after that stupid text.
I have nothing to hide, but if I had it my way, she would’ve gotten the details from me, during a normal conversation between two adults. But now that it’s blown up in my face, I’ll just have to wait for an opportunity to explain—if, of course, she’ll let me.
Before she reaches the door, I dart around her. With a slight nod, I push it open and gesture for her to step inside.
The living space is open to the kitchen and dining room. There are vaulted ceilings, exposed wooden beams, and a massive stone fireplace. It’s easy to envision family gatherings here. The blend of rustic charm and modern concepts leaves me in awe.
“There you are!” Luna rushes toward us, dressed in jean shorts and a dark green tee. Her gaze keeps dancing between Mia and me, as if she’s trying to get a read on the vibe between us.
Maybe I should plaster a sign that says “I fucked up” on my forehead to make it easier for everyone.
“How was the ride?” she asks. “Did Dominic behave?”
Mia hugs her and steps back. “It was good, and yeah. He did his best.”
Luna shoots me a quizzical look. Shrugging, I set my duffel bag on the floor. Matt appears holding a bottle of champagneand waves us into the kitchen, where Miles and Chiara are sitting at the island.
Matt claps his hands, the sound echoing off the ceiling. “Alright, here’s the deal…there’s a slight issue.”
Mia snaps her head in his direction. I frown.
“We didn’t realize one of the bedrooms is being renovated. That leaves us with four rooms instead of five.” Luna smiles apologetically. “My brother’s joining us tomorrow, and he’ll need his own room.”
