Page 123 of The Plus One Contract

I let out a short laugh, the kind that’s more ironic than amused. “They’re not my friends,” I say, glancing at him sideways. “Not really. They used to be, I guess, back when we were all tied to Daniel. But once I left…” I trail off, rubbing my arms. “I don’t blame them. People pick sides, right?”

Something in his expression darkens. “Then they were never real friends.”

“Maybe not. But it’s still weird being around them, you know?”

We reach the edge of the sand. I slip off my heels, letting my bare toes sink into the cool grains.

Nathan stands with me, arms folded, scanning my face. “They don’t deserve your headspace if they couldn’t be bothered to keep you in theirs.”

I force a half-smile, my chest tight with memories. “You should have been a therapist with quotes like that.”

His jaw tightens, but he doesn’t argue. Instead, he sighs, leaning an elbow on a wooden railing that separates the path from the beach. “I don’t like that you think you’re some afterthought.”

Warmth rushes to my face.Damn him.

“Harper always jokes that she’d climb inside my womb if she could,” I say, laughter bubbling. “She’s all in. That’s real friendship.”

“I can’t decide if that’s horrifying or sweet.”

“Little of both.” I grin despite myself, then turn my attention to the waves. The roar of the ocean is comforting. “I never fit in here,” I admit. “Not with Daniel’s crowd, not with anyone. New York was the first place I felt like I wasn’t a side character in someone else’s story.”

He doesn’t speak for a moment, letting me process. The hush between us is weighted but comforting.

I don’t know why I say it, why I feel the need to tell him, but I do. “I was never anyone’s priority.”

He tilts his head to look at me. “That’s bullshit.”

“Is it? Daniel was with me because it was comfortable. My old friends liked me because I was part of the group. When I left, they barely even noticed. I was easy to replace. I loved the idea of what Daniel and I could be more than I ever loved him. That’s messed up, right?”

He waits, letting me breathe. “What about now?” he finally asks, his voice gentler. “You ever find what you were looking for?”

The corners of my mouth twitch. “I found independence, a career I love, Harper, and the realization that being alone isn’t so bad. Actually, it can be nice.”

“Alone doesn’t mean lonely.”

“Exactly.”

We share a look that feels oddly profound, like we’re both walking the same tightrope. The ocean hushes around us, waves lapping in a soothing rhythm.

I rub my arms, gaze drifting to the water. The conversation has me feeling a little reckless. “Have you ever taken a swim in the ocean at night?”

He arches a brow. “Can’t say I ever got around to it. Why?”

I set my shoes on the sand, wiggling my toes. My heart is pounding. “Because I want to. Now.”

He shoots me a look. “You do know there’s a wedding reception you’re part of?”

I shrug. “I can dry off. Besides, we might not get another chance. The wedding ends tomorrow. Then you’re off to wherever you go next. Might as well live a little.”

“Sienna,” he warns, stepping closer to me in the sand. “You’re not even wearing a bathing suit.” He eyes my wine-colored gown, the subtle glow of the moon highlighting the silky fabric.

Christ, those eyes of his are lethal.

I feel my mouth curl upward as I slide one strap off my shoulder, then the other, my heart hammering.

“So?” The breeze kisses my newly bared skin, raising goosebumps. God, I hope I’m not about to regret this. “Don’t tell me you’re some prude who can’t handle a little night swim.”

He mumbles a curse under his breath, glancing around. “You…holy—” He exhales roughly, raking a hand through his hair. “I can’t let you do this alone. If your family finds out I let you drown, they’ll never forgive me.”

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