The beach looked different at night. The daytime chaos of children splashing and families picnicking was gone, replaced by the soft hush of waves breaking against the shore. The moon hung low and wide, painting the water silver, and the only footprints in the sand belonged to them.

Samantha shoved her hands deep into her hoodie pocket, trying not to notice how close Addison walked beside her. Their shoulders brushed every so often, casual, accidental—but each touch jolted through her like ...