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What if Ethan told her what happened between us last night? What if it upset her, as it should have?
God, I’m going to lose my fucking mind.
“Morning,” is all I manage, heading straight for Sierra without stopping.
I’m dressed casually, ready for the hike—loose black sweatpants low enough to reveal the edge of the waistband of my pink panties, a cropped T-shirt leaving my stomach bare, and my hair pulled through the back of a black cap. A pair of worn-in sneakers completes the look. I didn’t bother with a backpack; I know the guys will have water and snacks covered.
“Morning, sleeping beauty,” Theo says, his tone thick with irony. “Tired?”
Oh my God.
“I… no. I just finished organizing the Hartho event,” I answer, keeping my tone serious, desperate to steer the conversation anywhere else.
“All done?” Ryan asks, curiosity echoing in his voice.
“Yes. Now we’re just waiting for the day of the party.”
“I want to see who wins the contest,” Zayn adds playfully, a grin tugging at his lips.
“Do you already have your costume, Thalia?” Chase asks out of nowhere.
“Me?” The shock is obvious on my face.
“Of course you,” Sierra laughs, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “You didn’t think you weren’t participating, did you?”
“I mean… yeah. I thought it was obvious that it’s only for employees.”
“No, it’s for every woman attending the party,” Liam explains with a teasing smile.
“Okay, fine. I’ll think about it,” I reply, cutting the subject short. It’s way too early for that kind of conversation.
Eventually, we set off.
The hike fills quickly with laughter and nonsense, jokes about the smallest things, the guys mocking each other whenever one of them jumps at a random sound or startles at the rustle of an animal in the brush.
By the time we reach the second waterfall, we drop onto the rocks at its edge, grateful for the break. Food appears thanks to Sierra and the guys, and we share it lazily between us.
“Fuck, I don’t have the energy to walk back,” Kai groans dramatically, earning a round of laughter.
“You do realize we’ve only been walking for two hours, right?” Colt points out, amused.
“Two hours? Jesus. Thanks for ruining my day,” he says, feigning horror, which only makes everyone laugh harder.
“What about a swim?” I suggest, breaking the rhythm of the conversation.
The group falls quiet, all eyes turning toward me.
“A swim?” Aiden raises a brow.
“Yes. Down there, where the water from the falls gathers.” I gesture toward the deep pool below, already stepping closer to the edge.
“Hey, careful,” Ethan warns.
His voice freezes me in place for a moment, the sound slicing through the air like a blade. It’s deep, even, carrying that quiet authority that always sends a shiver racing down my spine.
My pulse spikes instantly, pounding against my ribs so hard it feels like everyone might hear it. The air around me suddenly feels heavier, charged with something I can’t name, and my throat goes dry.
But I don’t turn my head. Not even a fraction.
