“But that’s on me, not Tobias. I knew he had secrets, and I could’ve walked away. Tobias tried to get me to, but I saw something in him, and I felt something between us that I wanted to explore, and never once did I feel unsafe with him.”

“I don’t think you would’ve been with him if you did, and I don’t think Blaine does either.” A compassionate smile appeared on his handsome face. “Right or wrong doesn’t go very far when it comes to the people you love. If you ask me—which you didn’t, but I’m going to give you my two cents anyway because I love you both and hate to see you at odds—Blaine wasn’t there to protect you when you studied overseas, and he doesn’t want to miss something and see you get hurt again.”

“He told me that, and I appreciate you trying to help.” She glanced toward the bar, where Blaine sat drinking a beer, her heart aching. “We’ll figure this out at some point. It’s just…” I’m still too hurt. “I really have to go.” She gave him a quick hug and wove through the crowd, trying not to let her guilt weigh her down.

She pushed through the door and into the muggy night. As she descended the steps toward the parking lot, the scents of the sea brought memories of July Fourth, when she’d stumbled upon Tobias playing his guitar. You stalking me again, Blue Eyes? She swallowed against the emotions rising within her. How could she miss him this much? Maybe she should have joined Blaine at the bar and drank herself into oblivion. Maybe then she’d forget the way Tobias had looked at her like he couldn’t look away and touched her like he couldn’t get enough.

God, I’m such a loser. Just let him go already.

She slid her arms through the straps of her guitar case so it rested on her back and glanced at the woods as she crossed the parking lot. It was hard to believe that less than two weeks ago they’d given in to the raging passion between them right there in the trees. Arousal flared hot and bright inside her with memories of his rough hands groping her as they lost themselves in each other. She could still feel the bark of a tree abrading her palms.

Why did she do this to herself?