Aurora’s P.O.V

As the last few voices fade into the distance, I turn to Caleb, feeling the warmth of his hand still lingering on mine. There’s a gentle, knowing look in his eyes as he squeezes my fingers lightly, and for a moment, I allow myself to exhale, the weight of everything momentarily lifting. “Come to the beach with me,” he says, his voice low, inviting, a soft escape from the noise of the day.

The idea is immediately tempting—just the two of us, the sound of ...