Chapter 27

They swam a little more.

Nothing serious. Just splashing, racing, floating on their backs like they hadn’t just kissed like it meant something.

They laughed – too loud for the quiet hour.

Like the night wasn’t about to end.

Like if they didn’t say it out loud…

it wouldn’t change anything.

Right.

Back in the suite, they were damp, warm, and just a little too aware of each other.

Jamie padded across the living room in a towel, hair still dripping, cheeks flushed from the pool…

and the kiss they were absolutely not discussing.

Blake leaned against the counter, watching him with a too casual expression.

“Well,” he said, “I guess you do look good out of your clothes.”

Jamie shot him a look.

Grinned anyway.

“Sleep, Sterling.”

“Only if you promise not to haunt my dreams.”

That’s not fair.

Jamie rolled his eyes, turning away before his face gave him away. “Goodnight.”

“Night, Capulet.”

They disappeared into separate rooms.

Jamie curled into the hotel bed, staring at the ceiling.

His lips still tingled.

That happened.

He turned onto his side.

We kissed.

A beat.

And now we’re… what?

He pulled the blanket up, burying his face in the pillow.

I’m not thinking about this tonight.

He absolutely was.

Across the suite, Blake lay flat on his back, hands behind his head.

Staring at the ceiling.

Not confused.

Not panicking.

Just… thinking.

About time.

Morning came soft.

Light filtering in. Sea air drifting through the open doors.

Jamie blinked awake slowly…

then froze at the gentle knock.

“Capulet,” Blake’s voice came through the door. “Breakfast. Don’t make me come in there.”

Jamie groaned into the pillow…

then smiled.

I’d let you.

“Give me five,” he called.

He stepped onto the balcony a few minutes later…

and stopped.

Full breakfast. Espresso. Fresh juice. Croissants. Eggs. Fruit. Pastries that looked like they belonged in a magazine.

The ocean stretching endlessly beyond.

And Blake.

Already seated.

Calm. Composed. Drinking coffee like he hadn’t just rewritten Jamie’s entire brain chemistry the night before.

How is he so normal about this?

Jamie sat down slowly. “You bribed the kitchen staff, didn’t you?”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Blake said, sliding a croissant toward him. “I seduced them.”

Jamie laughed.

Took the croissant.

Of course you did.

Blake handed him the Activities & Amenities booklet – already marked, folded, and clearly studied.

“You’re insufferable,” Jamie said. “You’ve planned our entire lives already, haven’t you?”

“Only the next three days,” Blake replied.

He cleared his throat dramatically. “Guided sunrise yoga. Mixology classes. Couples massage…”

Jamie choked. “Absolutely not.”

Blake didn’t even pause. “Cheese tasting. Boat tours. Private beach. Stargazing. E-bikes. Gelato workshop. Painting under the vines. Bonfires. Moonlight kayaking…”

Jamie raised a brow. “Is this a hotel or a honeymoon simulation?”

Blake smirked. “Depends who you’re here with.”

Oh. That was deliberate.

Jamie took a sip of juice. “So what are you dying to do?”

Blake leaned forward slightly.

“I’ll do anything that gets you back in those tight jeans.”

Jamie nearly died on a strawberry.

“Too early?” Blake asked, not even trying to hide the amusement.

“Too much,” Jamie muttered. “I haven’t even had carbs yet.”

“Fine,” Blake said, stealing a bite of his croissant. “Your turn.”

Jamie looked down at the list, trying to focus.

Stop noticing him. Stop noticing him.

“Kayaking,” he said. “I like water.”

Blake nodded. “I’ve noticed.”

Jamie ignored that. “Bonfire sounds good. Stargazing. Maybe painting. Or chaos. Could go either way.”

Blake smiled into his coffee. “You’re adorable when you don’t have a plan.”

Jamie tossed a berry at him.

Blake caught it in his mouth.

Jamie blinked.

“Showoff.”

Blake winked. “You like it.”

I really do.

They sat there a while longer.

Sun climbing higher. Plates slowly emptying. The sea steady and endless in front of them.

And between them…

something unspoken.

Not awkward.

Not heavy.

Just… waiting.

Jamie glanced at Blake.

Then away.

Then back again.

We can’t just not talk about it forever.

But for now?

He let the moment stretch.

Because it was easy.

Because it was good.

Because saying it out loud might change everything.

And maybe…

he wasn’t quite ready for that.

Yet.