Sandra’s voice was sharp and dripping with condescension. “Is that Eloise Carter? Well, well, well… we meet again.”
I froze, my fingers stiff over the keyboard. Slowly, I turned my head, locking eyes with her smug, flawless face. The same face I’d hated seeing back in high school, now standing here like she owned the place. She shifted slightly, her hand sliding casually onto Dino’s arm as if claiming territory. “You hired her?” she asked, her laugh light but filled with venom. “Come on, babe, it’s Eloise, the Locker Girl.” The words hit harder than I expected, like a slap wrapped in silk. Dino’s jaw clenched, his patience clearly thinning. “Enough, Sandra.” His voice was low but sharp, the kind that left no room for argument. But Sandra wasn’t one to back down easily. She gave me another once over, her lips curled into a sly smirk. “Relax, Dino. I’m just surprised. Guess some thI walked out, my footsteps echoing in the nearly empty hallway, each one carrying the weight of memories I’d buried long ago. The cool evening air hit me as I stepped outside, but it did nothing to cool the fire burning inside me. My heart was racing, not just from the argument with Dino but from the realization that seeing him with Sandra still had the power to unravel me. I hated that. I hated him for it. I didn’t bother waiting for the bus. My legs carried me faster than my thoughts as I walked down the street, trying to outrun the past. But memories have a way of catching up, no matter how far you go. Locker Girl. Her voice still echoed in my head, dripping with the same condescension she used back then. But I wasn’t that girl anymore. I was different now or at least, I thought I was. So why did it feel like nothing had changed? When I finally got home, Jess was sprawled on the couch, scrolling through her phone. She glanced up, her face lighting with a smile that fade
On the day of the trip.... The morning air was thick with that weird mix of anticipation and dread the kind you get when you know you’re walking straight into the lion’s den, but the lion has better hair and an expensive watch. My suitcase stood by the door, packed with everything I’d need for the trip… and absolutely nothing to help with the emotional baggage I was hauling along. Jess sprawled across my couch like she owned it, lazily flipping through TV channels, her oversized hoodie swallowing her whole. A bag of chips balanced precariously on her stomach. “I still can’t believe you’re leaving me,” she whined, stuffing another handful of chips into her mouth. “You’re abandoning me to deal with adulthood alone. You know I don’t even water plants properly, how am I supposed to take care of an entire house?” I smirked, adjusting the strap on my carry-on. “It’s not that serious. Just lock the doors, don’t burn the kitchen down, and maybe don’t invite any random strangers over.”
The moment we stepped off the plane, the humid Hawaiian breeze wrapped around me like an unexpected embrace warm, salty, and unapologetically real. It wasn’t like the manufactured warmth of a heater or the soft comfort of a blanket; this was wild and raw, the kind of heat that clung to your skin and whispered, “You’re far from home.” The scent of the ocean mixed with tropical flowers hit me immediately plumeria, hibiscus, a hint of salt, and something sweet I couldn’t quite place. For a brief second, I let myself believe this could actually feel like a vacation. But reality was quick to remind me otherwise. As we descended the private steps from the plane, a sleek, black luxury SUV waited for us, its polished surface gleaming under the sun like it belonged in a car commercial. The driver, clad in a crisp white shirt and dark sunglasses, stood with military-like posture, holding the door open as if we were royalty. Dino and Mr. Alessandro led the way, exchanging casual remarks ab
Dino’s POV "Hello, hello, hello!" I didn’t even have to turn around to know who it was. That obnoxious, over-the-top entrance could only belong to one person. Matteo. He strolled in like he owned the place, duffel bag slung over his shoulder, sunglasses lazily perched on his head, that cocky grin plastered on his face like it never left. I stood near the window, my hands casually tucked into my pockets, watching him with a blank expression. "Nice to see you too, Dino," he said, flashing that same smug grin, like we were old friends catching up. I scoffed, unable to mask the irritation bubbling just beneath the surface. Of course, Matteo the golden boy. He always knew how to fill a room, not with presence, but with noise. And now, after all this time, he was back like nothing had changed. We’ve never been on good terms. Not since he left for London, abandoning everything without so much as a second thought. He had a talent for walking away, for leaving messes behind and p
Dino’s POV The evening sun dipped low, casting streaks of orange and pink across the sky as we gathered on the villa’s sprawling terrace for dinner. The long wooden table was set beautifully, candles flickering, the soft glow making everything look like it belonged in a magazine. Plates of fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and warm bread filled the space, the salty breeze carrying the mouthwatering scents. But the tension at the table was thicker than the Hawaiian humidity. Matteo was in full charm mode, entertaining Anne with tales from London, his easy laughter grating on my nerves more than usual. Luca, of course, found it all hilarious, tossing in snarky comments just to stir the pot. Dad looked genuinely relaxed, sipping her wine and occasionally giving me that “try not to scowl like your life depends on it” glance. Then there was Eloise. She sat across from me, her face partially hidden by her glass of water, pretending to be invested in the menu, though dinner was alrea
The morning sun shimmered across the ocean’s surface as the Alessandro family and their guests prepared for the day’s boat trip. The air was filled with the scent of salt and sunscreen, mingling with the distant sound of waves lapping against the shore. Dino stood at the edge of the villa’s terrace, gazing out at the endless blue. His mind, however, wasn’t on the view. It was on her. Eloise. From the moment she stepped out in that sundress, Dino felt his carefully built walls begin to crack. Her effortless beauty wasn’t what unsettled him, it was the ease with which she lit up around everyone but him. And now Matteo, with his usual charm and carefree grin, was already weaving his way into her world. Why does it even matter? Dino thought, running a hand through his dark hair, frustration bubbling beneath his calm exterior. She’s just Anne’s daughter. That’s all. But as much as he tried to convince himself, the tightness in his chest told a different story. Below, Matteo’s
The yacht sailed smoothly across the glistening blue water, the hum of the engines blending with the rhythmic crash of waves against the hull. The sun cast a golden glow over the deck, but despite the picturesque setting, the air between Eloise and Dino remained thick with tension. Matteo, ever the entertainer, had already claimed a spot near the bar, lazily sipping a cocktail while chatting up one of the crew members. Luca had abandoned his phone for a book, flipping through the pages with an air of practiced indifference. Anne and Alessandro sat at the shaded dining area, exchanging occasional glances at the younger group, no doubt sensing the barely concealed hostility simmering between Eloise and Dino. Eloise, still at the railing, tried to focus on the vast, endless ocean instead of the irritation bubbling beneath her skin. It wasn’t just Dino’s presence, it was the way he always knew exactly how to get under her skin, as if he thrived on riling her up. She heard footsteps
His voice was softer this time, lacking its usual edge. She hesitated, her hand hovering near the door handle. “I’m sorry for earlier.” That made her pause. Slowly, she turned back to face him. Dino wasn’t smirking or throwing out some sarcastic remark. He just stood there, his expression unreadable in the dim light, but there was something in his eyes, something she couldn’t quite name. She opened her mouth, then closed it, unsure of what to say. He’d never apologized before, not like this. “Okay,” she said finally, her voice quieter than she intended. Dino gave a small nod, rubbing the back of his neck like he wasn’t sure what else to do. The tension between them felt… different. Less sharp. But it was still there.
Sleep didn’t come. Eloise lay on her back, staring at the ceiling, her mind tangled with thoughts she didn’t want to acknowledge. The motel room was small and dimly lit, the sound of the rain tapping lightly against the window. The storm had finally calmed, but inside her, a different kind of storm was brewing. Across the room, Dino was just as restless. He had one arm thrown over his forehead, his breathing steady but far from relaxed. The space between them felt too small, too charged, and the air was thick with words left unspoken. Minutes stretched into what felt like hours before he finally broke the silence. "You know, about last night," he said, his voice calm but intent. Eloise stiffened. She knew this conversation was inevitable, but that didn’t mean she was ready for it. "I don’t want to talk about last night," she cut in quickly. "You were drunk, c
Alessandro cleared his throat, giving them all a pointed look. “Enough bickering at the table.” Eloise sighed, shoving a bite of fruit into her mouth while Dino leaned closer, just enough to make her skin prickle. “You’re unusually quiet this morning, Carter.” She stiffened, refusing to take the bait. “I have nothing to say to you.” “Strange,” he mused, tapping his fork against his plate. “I seem to remember you having a lot to say last night.” Her fingers clenched around her fork, heat rising to her face. She knew exactly what he was doing. That stupid smirk, the teasing lilt in his voice, it was all meant to get under her skin. Before she could retort, Alessandro cleared his throat. “Now that we’re all gathered, I have an update. Anne and I need to handle some legal paperwork regarding the wedding, which means we’ll be spending most of the next few days taking care of that.”
But she didn’t close the gap. She froze, realization hitting her like a wave. What was she thinking? This was Dino. The same Dino who had driven her insane for years. The same Dino who had made a game out of her feelings. The same Dino who— Her gaze dropped to his face again, her resolve weakening. Before she could stop herself, she tilted her head slightly and pressed the lightest of pecks against his cheek. It wasn’t a kiss. Not really. Just a moment. A fleeting second of weakness that she would pretend never happened. She pulled back immediately, barely giving herself a chance to process what she had done before she stood up. Her heart was racing as she took a step toward the
She caught his arm without thinking. “Dino—” “I’m fine,” he muttered, though he was definitely swaying. Eloise rolled her eyes. “Great. Now I really do have to drag you back.” He leaned a little too close. “You don’t have to.” She ignored him, looping his arm around her shoulder and leading him away from the party. “Damn,” he murmured as they reached the Jeep. “Didn’t know you were this strong.” “Shut up and get in.” As she helped him into the passenger seat, he grinned up at her, eyes glassy but full of something unreadable. “See?” he murmured as she buckled him in. “Not so bad to hang around with, huh?” Eloise sighed.
The villa was quiet when Eloise and Dino snuck out like kids, the only sounds being the distant crash of ocean waves and the occasional rustling of palm trees. The air was warm, carrying the scent of salt and tropical flowers. It felt like the entire house was in deep sleep except for the two of them. Eloise still wasn’t sure how she let him talk her into this. Maybe it was exhaustion, maybe it was frustration, or maybe it was just easier than arguing with him. Either way, here she was sitting in the passenger seat of a Jeep, arms crossed as Dino drove them toward the party. “You’re pouting,” Dino remarked, his eyes on the road but amusement clear in his tone. “I’m not pouting,” Eloise shot back. He smirked. “Sure.” The road was quiet, the headlights slicing through the darkness. Eloise glanced out the window, watching the palm trees blur past. She didn’t know what to expect from this party, but she was sure of one thing, it wasn’t her scene. The drive wasn’t long, and soon, the
She needed to get away from him, away from whatever this was turning into. Her mind was still reeling from the kiss, from the way her body had betrayed her by not pulling away sooner. Dino exhaled sharply, watching her storm off. He wasn’t sure what he expected, but that reaction? It stung more than it should have. Just as he was about to follow her back to the Jeep, a group of young adults around their age stopped them. A guy in a floral shirt and sunglasses grinned at them. “Hey, you two, I'm Alex ,” he said. “We’re throwing a party tonight at one of the beach houses 10 p.m. You should come.” Eloise barely acknowledged them, still too focused on putting distance between herself and Dino. But Dino smirked, glancing at the guy. “Yeah? What kind of party?”
Smoothing down her sundress, she turned and walked back inside, keeping her expression neutral. “What?” Dino leaned against the kitchen counter, arms crossed, watching her with that familiar mix of amusement and challenge. “What did Jess say about me?” Eloise scoffed, moving past him toward the fridge. “Why would she say something about you?” Dino smirked. “Because I know she was talking about me.” Eloise grabbed a cold bottle of water, twisting the cap aggressively. “You think you’re the center of every conversation?” Dino shrugged, stepping closer. “Not every conversation. Just the ones where your heart starts racing.” Eloise froze mid-sip, the bottle halfway to her lips. “You’re delusional.” Dino tilted his head, eyes scanning her face like he could read every thought. “Am I?”
His voice was softer this time, lacking its usual edge. She hesitated, her hand hovering near the door handle. “I’m sorry for earlier.” That made her pause. Slowly, she turned back to face him. Dino wasn’t smirking or throwing out some sarcastic remark. He just stood there, his expression unreadable in the dim light, but there was something in his eyes, something she couldn’t quite name. She opened her mouth, then closed it, unsure of what to say. He’d never apologized before, not like this. “Okay,” she said finally, her voice quieter than she intended. Dino gave a small nod, rubbing the back of his neck like he wasn’t sure what else to do. The tension between them felt… different. Less sharp. But it was still there.
The yacht sailed smoothly across the glistening blue water, the hum of the engines blending with the rhythmic crash of waves against the hull. The sun cast a golden glow over the deck, but despite the picturesque setting, the air between Eloise and Dino remained thick with tension. Matteo, ever the entertainer, had already claimed a spot near the bar, lazily sipping a cocktail while chatting up one of the crew members. Luca had abandoned his phone for a book, flipping through the pages with an air of practiced indifference. Anne and Alessandro sat at the shaded dining area, exchanging occasional glances at the younger group, no doubt sensing the barely concealed hostility simmering between Eloise and Dino. Eloise, still at the railing, tried to focus on the vast, endless ocean instead of the irritation bubbling beneath her skin. It wasn’t just Dino’s presence, it was the way he always knew exactly how to get under her skin, as if he thrived on riling her up. She heard footsteps