“I was drunk,” I say with a casual shrug, trying to act as if it isn’t a big deal. “I’m sorry, but I don’t even really remember anything from last night.” My subconscious is laughing at me as I take another sip from my coffee, staring at the back of the semitrailer following the road in front of us.

“You don’t remember?” Harley repeats as if he’s trying to make sense of my outright lie, and there’s something about his tone; he totally knows I’m lying.

I shrug again with a shake of my head when I feel his eyes on me.

“O-kay …” He trails off, and another awkward silence ensues.

Thankfully no more is said, but that doesn’t make me feel any better. In fact, my mind is a mess by the time we eventually arrive at Myrtle Beach. You see, the problem is my feelings have done a complete one-eighty, without me even realizing until it’s too late. What I wanted my whole life, I suddenly no longer want, and I’m starting to wonder whether I truly wanted it in the first place. What I never wanted is now all I can think about and, again, I can’t help but wonder if I’ve secretly wanted it all along. But after last night I’ve realized what I want doesn’t want me back. And that hurts like hell, more than I’d ever expected it to hurt. And I’m trying to remain unaffected—indifferent—but it’s driving me completely insane.

***

“Y’all finally made it!”

Nash jogs down the front stairs of the beach house as Harley and I climb out of the truck, stretching after the long drive. The place is a mansion. Three stories. All windows. And, of course, right on the beach. The sheer size and grandeur leave me speechless as I crane my neck to take it all in.

“Yeah, we made it,” Harley murmurs, stopping beside me and huffing out a sigh as he rests his hands on his hips, eyeing the house dubiously. When Nash glances at me, I nod, quickly looking away.

“You two are on the top floor. It’s a little more private …” Nash clears his throat, suddenly looking awkward as hell.

My shoulders fall in resignation when I realize I have to share a room with Harley, and I don’t know why I’m surprised, really. Of course we’re expected to share a room; we are head over heels in love with one another, after all. I can’t help but shake my head at my own thoughts.

“Thanks, man.” Harley flashes me a sideways glance and I’m forced to avert my eyes, looking down at the wayward stones by my feet.

“Don’t look too excited.” Nash chuckles, looking from Harley to me.

I snap my gaze up, meeting his eyes, and I force a smile onto my face. But then I see a slight furrow pull between his brows as he looks between the both of us again. “Is everything okay between you two?”