But if I’m being honest, I know it’s mostly because of Jace. And that’s a dangerous feeling to have. Because Jace and I are temporary. Fleeting. The complicated pattern of dominos that tumbled to create this perfect moment won’t do so again. After Jace leaves tomorrow, our paths won’t cross again.

They were never really meant to.

Jace parks my car at the edge of the dock, and we climb out. I watch with amusement as my father fumbles his way out of the back seat and then turns to help my mother out. They head toward the boat, a horde of agents behind them. Jace and I follow.

“I probably should be used to the fact that everything here is extravagant and over the top by now,” Jace tells me, staring at the massive, eighty-foot sailboat we’re walking onto. “But I’m not.”

“It’s a lot, I know.”

We step on board next to one of the raised sails. The canvas flutters and flaps in the wind, proudly displaying the Marcedenian flag.

“This is way bigger than I was picturing. I thought we might be on a boat the same size as in South Carolina.”

I laugh as we walk across the teak floor out to the hull of the boat.

“Don’t forget to put on sunscreen, Vivienne,” my mother instructs as she and my father head inside the cabin.

I roll my eyes at the reminder, but grab one of the bottles that’s already been set out and begin lathering my arms.

“Can you do my back?” I ask Jace, handing him the tube.

He nods. I don’t think anything of the request until I feel his warm hands make contact with my skin. He’s touched me much more intimately than this, but something about the feel of his calloused hands smoothing the oil along my bare skin is surprisingly erotic. Goosebumps appear on my skin, despite the heat. I hear Jace chuckle softly.

“I’m regretting inviting my parents on this outing now,” I admit, as I tamp down the relentless lust I’ve only ever felt around him.

Jace laughs. “It was worth it just to see your mom climb into the backseat of a convertible.”

I can’t help but smile in response. It’s not an image I’ll forget anytime soon.

“Plus, we’ll have all night.” His eyes turn molten, and I shiver despite the warm breeze.

The boat lurches away from the dock and forges through the choppy waves closest to shore. I grab Jace’s hand and pull him toward the bow.

“Come on, the best view’s up here.” I don’t stop tugging until we’ve reached the farthest edge of the deck. From this vantage point, the boat behind us is invisible, providing the illusion we’re flying across the sparkling blue water untethered.

“I feel like I’m overusing it this trip, but wow.” Jace says.

The heat of his body radiates as he comes and stands directly behind me. I lean back, and the solid steadiness of his body is there waiting. I let him support my weight, and he rests his chin on the top of my head. We both stare out at the endless spread of saltwater.