Page 41 of Our Scorching Summer

It wasn’t a regret I’d accounted for until now.

I wipe my damp palms on my thigh, trying to steady the tremors in my fingers from the brief flashback. I suppose having the opportunity to travel with someone as knowledgeable as Nico might be nice.

There’s no point in letting a ridiculous old voice haunt me still.Right?

Avery

3. #Lico would officially make you my sister

The most ridiculous reason of them all.

Nico and I are just friends.

We have a good time and get along, but none of it is enough to take away from the fact that we’re both players. Whatever game we’d get wrapped up in would result in damage. I can’t hurt my best friend’s family.

Besides, if the past week is any indicator of Nico’s capacity for a relationship, then it wouldn’t work. We’re complete opposites. I don’t need to take care of another man ever again.

Lily

Seriously?? A ship name?

What does the other half of #Luvery think?

Avery

Luca’s still warming up to the idea

Yesterday he sighed when I brought it up. Huge improvement from the sighing fest last week!!!

Lily

Don’t hold your breath, not happening

Now Diego on the other hand

I wonder how long he can hold his breath for… ;)

Avery

Who?

Lily

The surf instructor who’s gonna be inside me in a few hours

Avery

Ugh. I have to run to a meeting. Love you

Lily

<3

Chapter10

Nico

The beach buzzes with chatter.There must be over two hundred people here. Around the blazing fire, bodies dance to the rhythm of pounding bass from nearby speakers. Palm trees line the private cove, leaves rustling in the breeze.

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