The second the hands release me, I whip around, already knowing what I expect to see. But that does nothing to lessen the shock of

I stumble back until I hit a tree, and then I sink to the ground as my entire body trembles from the force of holding back my tears.

Following me to the ground, his brown eyes fixed on my face, wearing an achingly familiar smile, is Mack. “Hi, love.”

A sob escapes, and then I throw myself at him, my hands sliding over his wet skin, trying to burrow even closer ...