I pretended to take interest in the tropical flower chains dangling over the dance floor, in the private tiki huts overflowing with pillows and candles, while scanning the crowd until I spotted him. Standing alone next to a bar, he was perfectly at ease in board shorts and a puka-shell necklace, coconut in hand. Giving in to the fuzzy warmth seeping through my veins, I detangled myself from the girls’ arms.

“Where are you going?” Kylie called as I retreated.

“To get a drink,” I replied over my shoulder.

“You’re getting a drink,” Lil said, calling my bluff.

“I’m feeling adventurous tonight.” I shrugged.

She glanced over my shoulder in Adam’s direction. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” she said. “Or that I would do.”

I didn’t miss the glint in her eye, but I kept going. Normally I would have been afraid, but tonight was different. A breeze tickled my arm, tugging at my skin, urging me forward. I couldn’t wait to talk to him.

“Hi.” Switching off my live feed, I stopped in front of Adam. Fire licked his skin, casting him in red. “Having fun?”

Taking me in, he smiled. “Ella. It’s been way too long since I’ve had you alone.”

Loving my name on his lips, I inched closer. “Agreed. It’s time we fix that, don’t you think?”

“Absolutely. You’re stunning. It’s not fair to the birthday girl.”

My cheeks flushed.

Just then, Siren Seven took the stage, the drummer pounding out an intoxicating beat. A spotlight illuminated the suspension bridge, and, in a burst of flames, Deena appeared, the perfect Polynesian pinup, aloft on her grass throne, waving to her guests.

“I’m not sure about that.” I chewed my lip, watching her.

“I am.” He leaned in, his breath tickling my ear. “Do you want to go somewhere quieter?”

“I’d love to.” My skin prickled with hot excitement, my blood rushing in my veins. Maybe it was the pills or maybe it was Adam, but for the first time maybe ever, I felt alive.

Grabbing two coconuts, he handed me one and laced his fingers through mine, sending a shiver all the way to my toes. We walked down a little path to the edge of the property.

“How do you know where you’re going?” I asked, simultaneously aware of his broad shoulders and Deena being helped off her throne by Trent. Trent kissed her hand, and her megawatt smile proved she’d found her new prey. Relieved that Adam was all mine, I gazed up at his profile.

“I always scope out my surroundings—you never know when you’re going to need a quick exit. It’s habit.”

“Why is it habit?” I inched closer to him.