Page 60 of The Girl I Once Loved

"Skylar, why aren’t you ready?" she practically squeals, her eyes wide and filled with anticipation.

I look up from my laptop, the reluctance evident in my expression even though I’m trying to hide it. "Sorry, I just got caught up with work."

I haven’t told her, or anyone for that matter, that I’m writing a book for myself yet. Mostly because I’m not sure it will ever see the light of day since it’s so fucking personal.

She pouts and strides into my closet, rifling through my clothes.

“This is perfect!“ she says as she comes out holding a long, strapless sundress.

“Awesome,” I say in the fakest voice imaginable.

And Daisy knows it’s fake.

"It's just a pre-wedding party, Skylar," she says in a coaxing voice. "Booze. Food. And Noah half naked. It’s a dream.”

I shoot her an annoyed look because ever since that moment at the door before her bridal shower, she can’t let go the idea of Noah and I reuniting.

Or at least using each other for hot sex.

Which I definitely have not been thinking about. Dreaming about. Or obsessing about.

Apparently she’s forgotten the whole speech she gave me about making her wedding perfect.

Because the combination of Noah and I is the opposite of that goal.

Daisy holds up her hands innocently. “I’m just saying.”

I close my laptop with a resigned sigh and stand up, pushing my chair back. "I’m getting ready. But only if you promise not to say anything about Noah and sex for the rest of the day."

Daisy's face lights up with a mischievous smile. “I don’t recall mentioning anything about you, Noah, or sex, baby sister.”

I groan, and she laughs like a freaking hyena as I slip on the sundress.

As we leave my room, I can't help but feel a sense of dread settle over me. Nothing good for me has ever happened on a boat.

Except that one time…

Nope. Today is not the day for going down memory lane.

I’m doing enough of that while writing.

We drive to the parking lot adjacent to the marina, anxiety bubbling inside me like a fizzy cocktail. The sun hangs lazily in the sky, clouds dipping across it and casting shadows across the waterfront.

Even if I hate the ocean, I can't help but admire the picturesque scene. The marina buzzes with activity, boats of all shapes and sizes bobbing in the water, their masts swaying in the gentle breeze. We step out of the car, the salty tang of the sea air immediately filling my senses.

As we approach, I catch my first glimpse of the boat—a vessel that exudes an effortless charm, its white exterior gleaming in the sunlight. The deck, with its inviting lounging areas and a beautifully set dining table, looks like a scene from a dream. My eyes take in the exquisite details—the polished chrome railings, the rich mahogany accents, and the plush white leather seating. It's different from the yacht Derrick used for parties in high school. This one’s at least twice as big. Not as big as the yacht the Monroe’s use for their famous Christmas parties, but still very impressive. It does leave me to wonder though just how many yachts Derrik’s family even owns. I wouldn’t be surprised if they owned most of the boats docked in this marina.

My awestruck admiration of the boat is interrupted when I see him.

Noah.

Standing on the deck, shirtless, his hair casually tied back in a bun. Tendrils of hair escape and frame his rugged features, and a pang of…yearning coats my insides.

Noah has always been handsome, but the years have only enhanced his allure. His tanned skin glows in the sunlight, and the play of muscles beneath his skin is a captivating sight. The ocean breeze softens his masculine features, making him look like a character from a summer romance novel.

I can feel my heart race, my mouth suddenly dry, as I find myself practically entranced by his presence. Daisy, of course, notices my reaction and smirks knowingly.

"Skylar, I’d almost think you’re checking out our brother," she teases, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

---