“It’s okay, Murph. You can just crash at my place.”

I sighed heavily in resignation, knowing there was no other option as I climbed up into the truck as best I could manage. And as Harley and I drove through the quiet streets of Graceville in the middle of the night, I cursed two things that night. I cursed Nash Harris for leaving me, his girlfriend and apparent love of his life, at that stupid party. And I cursed rum, all rums, vowing never to touch the stuff ever again for the rest my life.

As I think back to that night, I realize even to this day I still have no idea where Nash disappeared to. He just left me there, and it was Harley who rescued me. I remember being so angry about the fact that Nash wasn’t there. I’d kept Harley awake all night drunkenly rambling on and on about my inconsiderate boyfriend, when I should have just been thankful for Harley saving my butt, for letting me sleep in his bed while he took the hardwood floor. It’s funny how it can take years to see the truth for what it really is. I was always saving Nash, but it was Harley who kept saving me.

“What?”

I look up from my cup to see Harley’s curious green eyes watching me, a small hint of a smile pulling at the corner of his lips as one of his brows quirks.

“I can’t believe you even remember that night …” I bite back my smile.

His eyes widen as if he’s just realized something, as if he’s just said something he shouldn’t have, and I don’t miss the hint of a pink tinge flushing his cheeks. But instead of saying anything, he takes a big swig of his drink and moves around the island. Stopping by the sound system, he pulls his phone from the back pocket of his jeans, plugging it into the dock. My heart is a flutter, and my mind is racing with a whole heap of confusing thoughts, but then the sound of a Florida Georgia Line song I love begins playing throughout the silence, interrupting my overwhelming thoughts. With a shake of my head in an attempt to snap myself out of my confusion, I turn to see Harley opening the big glass doors before disappearing outside onto the back deck.

“You gotta get out here and see this, Murph!”

With a steadying breath, I stand to my slightly shaky feet, walking outside with my drink, joining Harley on the deck, and immediately I’m rendered speechless by the sight laid out before me. The jet-black inky water glistens beneath the blanket of stars sitting high in the dark night sky, and it’s breathtaking, like nothing I’ve ever seen before.

“Wow,” I whisper under my breath, wholeheartedly captivated by the view.

Harley stands beside me at the railing as we stare out over the small waves crashing onto the shore, the beach illuminated only by the glow of the moon. I don’t have any words. It’s all too perfect, and my words would simply pale in comparison to what I’m truly feeling. It’s pure bliss, like something you might see in a painting in an art gallery. I’m simply existing in this space right now. Between the sounds and the smells of the ocean, the view, and Harley’s warmth right beside me, I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be, and I smile to myself as I take a sip from my pretend Long Island Iced Tea, basking in the moment.