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John—that’s his name—has one hand resting on my lower back, the other gripping my ass like he’s already decided I’m his for the night.

I laugh at something he says—he’s funny—but beneath it, irritation simmers. There’s no spark. No pull. No desire coiling low in my stomach the way it does whenever Ethan so much as looks at me.

John trails off mid-sentence, his gaze settling on me with unmistakable intent. I hold my breath—not from nerves, but because I already know what’s coming, and I brace myself for it.

“You’re absolutely stunning, Thalia,” he whispers, leaning in.

When his lips meet mine… Nothing.

God. Nothing.

Still, I slide my hand around his neck and deepen the kiss, chasing—forcing—a reaction, hoping that maybe if I give it a second, my body will catch up.

It doesn’t.

His fingers tighten slightly against me, pulling me closer, his other hand gliding up along my side.

We keep kissing for another minute, maybe more, my body going through the motions while my mind drifts somewhere else entirely.

Until a voice shatters the moment.

“Thalia. Everything okay?”

I freeze.

Caught off guard, I pull back and turn to find Theo standing there, arms crossed, his expression far too serious. The kind that feels like an older brother catching you doing something you shouldn’t.

“Yeah, Theo, all good,” I answer quickly, avoiding his gaze. Jesus, I hate this.

Behind me, John straightens, clearing his throat—twice—before I even manage to speak.

“Sorry, this is John,” I say, turning toward him, then back to Theo. “John, this is Theo, my friend.”

At the word friend, John visibly relaxes, relief softening his features now that he’s sure he hasn’t just been introduced to my boyfriend mid-hookup.

“Nice to meet you,” John says, extending his hand.

Theo shakes it, firm and brief, but his eyes stay on me.

“We’re leaving pretty early in the morning,” he says pointedly.

Relief floods through me so fast it almost makes me dizzy.

Good. An out.

The plan in my head had been to go home with John, to finally get Ethan Hardy out of my system. Why not? He’s attractive, charming, and judging by the way he kisses, probably incredible in bed.

“I’d like to say you could stay and come back to the resort later,” Theo continues, his gaze moving briefly to John, “but I’d really prefer you came with us now.”

“You’re leaving tomorrow?” John asks, disappointment clear in his voice.

“Early in the morning,” I reply softly.

Leaning in, I press a light kiss to the corner of his mouth. “It was nice meeting you, John.”

Then I turn, take Theo’s hand, and let him lead me toward the exit.

“I don’t want to hear a word,” I mutter under my breath.