The next night, Liv tried to distract herself with a movie. It felt strange, almost unnatural, to have a whole evening to herself. No urgent calls. No paperwork to sign. No crisis lurking just outside her door. The quiet should have been a gift. She had a list, years long, of movies she'd always meant to watch but never had the time for. It should've been easy, but her attention kept an hour in, she realized she hadn't retained a single scene. Her mind was somewhere else, or rather, on someone.

With a sigh, she reached for her phone and opened a new message. No real reason. No clever line or question. She didn't even know what she wanted to the urge to text him was unbearable, and she couldn't explain why.

She looked down at the screen, all she could manage was "Hey…" It looked pathetic. She rolled her eyes at herself and locked the screen, already regretting it. She was about to toss the phone aside when it buzzed in her hand.

Ed: Since you're clearly still awake…

Image attachment: A mirror selfie from his hotel room—shirtless, towel low on his hips, water droplets still clinging to his skin.

The caption underneath reads: I forgot my toothpaste. Guess I'll survive.

Liv's eyes go wide. She actually laughsout loud, biting her lip and muttering, "You've got to be kidding me."

Another message followed:

Ed: Oops. Did I send that to the wrong person?

Liv: Did you?!

Ed: Just got to my hotel for the night. You can stop pacing now.

Liv:I wasn't pacing.

Ed: No? Felt like you might've been chewing your lip and checking your phone every 30 seconds.

Liv: You're very confident for someone who still forgets to pack toothpaste.

Ed: That's why I have you. To remind me of all the important things, to remind me that someone secretly likes me.

Liv: I don't like you. You're just… amusing.

Ed: Oh, so now I'm your entertainment?

Liv: Exactly.

Ed: Good to know. I'll be sure to text extra tonight, keep the show going. Wouldn't want you to miss me too much.

Liv: Don't flatter yourself.

Ed: Too late. You're cute when you pretend not to care.

Liv: And you're annoying when you're right.

Ed: So… you do miss me?

Liv: ...maybe.

Ed: That's all I needed.

Liv: Go to sleep, Ed.

She rolled her eyes when there was no reply.

Liv: Goodnight, Ed.

Ed: Sweet dreams, Liv vy.

On Saturday morning, Liv paced her living room, arms folded tight across her chest. She was second-guessing everything—the overnight trip, her silence, the lie by omission. She hadn't told Elliot. Hell, she hadn't told anyone that Ed had invited her away for the night. And now, the weight of that choice sat heavy. She didn't know what would be worse: Elliot insisting on tailing her, or the look he'd give her afterward—the questions buried in it, the judgment he wouldn't have to say out loud.

A sharp knock at the door startled her, maybe the third cup of coffee wasn't such a good she swung it open, she couldn't help but stood there in khaki shorts and a polo, looking more casual than she'd ever seen him. It was jarring.

"Hey, you…" she purred, trying not to let her gaze linger too long.

She hated to admit that his seductive smile could make her knees weak, but she didn't have time to think about it as he cupped her face in his hands, pressing his lips against hers.

His kiss was slow, deliberate, as if savouring the moment. She could feel the warmth of his hands against her skin, his touch both possessive and gentle. For a second, she let herself sink into it, let herself forget that this was all part of the job. But only for a second.

She pulled back, breathless, her voice softer than she intended. "Miss me?"

He smirked, his thumb tracing slow circles along her jawline. "More than I should admit."

The way he looked at her sent a shiver down her spine, but she held her ground, tilting her chin up slightly.

"Then maybe I should make you work a little harder for it next time."

He chuckled, low and knowing. "Oh, Livvy… I do love a challenge."

Before she could respond, his fingers slid down to her wrist, his grip firm yet teasing.

"Come on.I wanna beat the traffic…"

Somewhere on the I-495

New York

Saturday June 1st

Liv stared out the window, her fingers gripping the seatbelt a little tighter than necessary. The city skyline was shrinking in the distance, and with each passing mile, the familiar world she knew seemed further away. The landscape outside changed from bustling streets to quiet fields, the tall grass swaying gently in the morning rapidly to clear the sudden rush of thoughts flooding her mind. It was so much easier to be smooth over text, she realized. With just a few words, she could craft the perfect response, throw out a quip or a witty retort, and keep it cool. But right now, face-to-face, in this car, she didn't have the same control. She couldn't hide behind a screen, couldn't craft the perfect response in an instant.

Her stomach churned. She tried to push it down, ignore the creeping sense of unease that was building in her chest, but it was harder than she expected. The roads were quieter here, more isolated.

"Where are we going, Ed?" she asked, her voice calm, though her heart was anything but. She could feel the tension in her jaw, the tightness in her chest.

Ed shot her a quick, knowing glance before focusing back on the road. "Relax, Liv. You're gonna love it."

"Yeah," she muttered, trying to push the growing panic away, "I'm sure I will."

She wasn't surethough. She hadn't expected this, driving further and further out of town, where things started to feel unfamiliar, even remote. The uncertainty gnawed at her, she had always been the one with a plan. But now, she was just… following Ed, without knowing exactly what was ahead.

Ed's voice broke through her spiraling thoughts. "I know it feels a little strange, but I promise, this weekend is gonna be exactly what you need."

"How far are we going?" she asked after a beat, though she already knew he wouldn't give her a straight answer.

"Far enough to make it interesting," Ed replied with a glint in his eyes. "Far enough that you can't just walk back if you change your mind."

"Not planning on it," she replied, though she couldn't quite keep the edge of curiosity from creeping into her voice. She was always the one in control—always thinking two steps ahead—but right now, it felt like Ed had every move planned.

Her heart rate picked up opened her mouth to say something, but the words didn't come. She didn't know what to ask. Didn't know how to shake this growing feeling that she had no idea what she was walking into.

"Just breathe, Liv," Ed said, his voice warm, almost teasing. "You look like you're about to jump out of your skin."

"I'm fine," she said quickly, forcing a smile she didn't feel. "Just—this is a little out of the ordinary for me, that's all."

"I get it." His smile was knowing, but there was a softness to it, a quiet understanding that made her hesitate for a moment. "You're not used to letting go, huh?"

Liv swallowed. The wordsletting gofelt strange on her tongue. She wasn't used to it, no. She was always in control, always planning. She glanced at him, then quickly looked away. She didn't know how to respond to that, so she didn't.

The tension between them was palpable, but he seemed completely at ease, the road ahead nothing more than another destination in his mind. She wished she could feel that same level of calm.

The miles stretched on, winding through empty roads, the sun climbing higher in the sky. It felt like time had slowed down, like the world was holding its breath. And maybe Liv was, too.

A small part of her wanted to ask him again—What are you planning?—but she already knew the answer. He wasn't going to tell her. Not yet.

Ed glanced over at her, his eyes flashing with something knowing.

"You don't have to keep pretending you're fine, you know. I'm not gonna bite."

She wasn't sure if she wanted to laugh or just stay silent. She could feel the warmth of his gaze, the sincerity in his words. It made her feel exposed in a way she wasn't used to, and that terrified her.

"I'm good," she said again, forcing the words out, this time a little steadier.

Ed's lips quirked into a grin. "Alright, Liv. You keep telling yourself that."

Her gaze flicked to the side, watching the scenery blur past. The more she tried to quiet the panic, the louder it became in her chest. She knew she was walking into the unknown. And part of her was terrified of what that might mean. But she had come this far. She wasn't about to turn back now.

"Not much further now," Ed said, as though sensing her thoughts, breaking the silence with his familiar, easy going tone.

Liv nodded, trying to steady her breathing. "Good."

Her hands gripped the seatbelt again. This time, not out of tension, but to remind herself that she was still grounded, still here, still with him. The unknown didn't have to be as scary as it then, just as the last traces of her anxiety started to ease, the trees began to thin, revealing glimpses of open water in the distance. Her breath caught. She wasn't sure if she was ready to be surprised again, but the sight before her had her heartbeat picking up speed.

"Where are we, Ed?" she asked, this time a little softer, a little more curious than uncertain.

"Almost there," he said, and for the first time that morning, she saw a hint of something, excitement? Mischief?in his eyes. "You'll see soon enough."

The moment Liv stepped out of the car, the fresh, salty breeze hit her skin like a wake-up call. She took a deep breath, letting the crisp air fill her lungs. The hum of the city felt like a distant memory now, replaced by the peaceful rhythm of the water lapping against the docks.

Her hair fluttered in the wind as she turned to face Ed,she was about to ask him what kind of adventure he had planned, but as her eyes followed his gaze, the words caught in her , just a few feet ahead, was a sleek, white yacht, a picture of luxury and serenity, its polished exterior gleaming in the sunlight. The boat rocked gently in the water, its large deck inviting and pristine.

Ed's grin was wide, his eyes sparkling with a mixture of mischief and pride as he watched her take in the sight. He seemed completely at ease, completely in his element here, and that made Liv feel all the more out of place.

Liv placed her hands on her hips, shooting him a raised brow, trying to mask the impressed spark in her eyes. "A yacht, really?"

He chuckled, the corners of his mouth curling into a grin. "Technically, it's a motor yacht…"

She rolled her eyes, unable to hide the hint of a smile. "Ed, I thought you were going to tone it down."

"That doesn't sound like something I would say." He held out a hand, leading her onto the gangway. "Anyway, you gotta have something to complain about to your girlfriends."

She scoffed. "I won't have any girlfriends if you keep this up."

He pulled her in closer, lowering his voice. "That's fine, thatjust means I can see you any time I want.."

She froze. If he wasa normal date, the comment would've been a dealbreaker, but she couldn't object, be offended. Instead, she playfully smacked his chestacting like it didn't bother her.

He caught her hand before she could pull away. "Sorry. That sounded possessive."

She arched herbrow, glancingat him out the corner of her eye. "A little."

"I just, I haven't dated anyone like you before."

Something about the way he said it made her pause. "Is that a compliment?"

Ed exhaled, shaking his head at himself. "Yeah. A good thing, Livvy."

She paused halfway down the gangway, her eyes catching the boat's name. She turned to Ed with a raised eyebrow. "Karma?"

Ed flashed a small, confident smile. "Yeah,don't you believe in Karma?"

Liv hesitated, considering his question. She believed in it, of course, but in his line of work, she'd always assumedKarma was the last thing he'd want to tempt.

They settled onto the deck, the yacht drifting lazily over the water. Ed set down a platter of fresh fruit and handed her a glass of champagne.

She took a slow sip, watching him. "What did you mean earlier? About not dating anyone like me before?"

Ed chuckled, like he knew he'd struck a nerve."I can just tell you're different."

She tried to hide her smirk behind her glass, she knew she was different to anyone he had ever dated.

"You don't care to expand?" she said carefully. "How I'm different?"

He smirked. "Livvy, it's a good thing. Like you said, you don't impress easy…"

"Oh, you were listening then…"

He gave her a friendly nudge, shaking his head. "I'd be a fool not to listen to you!"

And there it was again, the charm.

Liv tilted her head. "So, how many women have you had on this yacht?"

Ed hesitated, that was all the answer she needed.

Her jaw tightened. "Are you afraid they wouldn't like you without all this?"

His expression darkened, but before he could answer, she spotted something over his shoulder. The bright carnival lights flickered along the shore, and suddenly, an idea struck.

"Take us back to shore," she said, standing abruptly.

Ed raised a brow. "What? Now?"

She grinned. "Let's mix it up."

Liv slid a crisp fifty-dollar bill across the counter, the scent of fried food and spun sugar thick in the air. The vendor, a man with a weathered face and an easy grin, handed her a thick stack of colorful tokens.

"Have a good night!"he said.

She gave him a quick nod. "Thanks."

Before Ed could protest, she grabbed his hand, threading her fingers through his, and tugged him into the pulsing crowd of the carnival. The warmth of his skin against hers sent a small thrill up her spine, though she ignored it, focusing instead on the flashing lights and the chorus of laughter and distant screams from the rides.

"Where do you wanna start?" she asked, tossing a glance his way.

Ed barely had a chance to open his mouth before a sharp metallic ping cut through the air.

His lips quirked. "That one."

They wove through the sea of people until they reached the shooting gallery, where bright plastic ducks and metal targets bobbed along the track.

"Step right up, folks! Test your aim!" the barker called.

Liv exchanged a few tokens for the heavy rifle, its surface cool against her palms.

"Ladies first," Ed said, stepping aside with a smirk.

Liv lifted the gun, the familiar weight settling against her shoulder. She inhaled, lined up the sight, and squeezed the trigger. A sharp crack split the air, and the moving target dropped instantly.

Ed blinked. "You can shoot?"

She shrugged, handing the rifle over. "Beginner's luck."

His eyes narrowed slightly, but he took aim. The rifle jerked as he fired—and missed. His jaw tightened. Another shot. Another miss.

Liv bit back a smirk, lifting her own gun again. Another target down. Then another.

"Beginner's luck, huh?" Ed teased, though there was an edge of suspicion behind the playful lilt.

She stepped behind him, close enough that he could feel the warmth of her body against his back. Her fingers brushed against his wrist as she adjusted his stance.

"You need to anticipate the movement," she murmured near his ear. "Line it up before it gets there."

His pulse stuttered. He refocused, inhaling as he squeezed the trigger. The duck wobbled, then fell.

Ed turned to her, a slow grin spreading across his face. "Just needed your touch."

His fingers found hers, lacing them together.

"What's next?"

Liv's face lit up. "Dippy dogs."

Ed frowned. "Dippy what?"

Minutes later, he found himself holding a massive battered hot dog, dripping in a mess of tomato sauce.

Liv grinned. "Trust me. It's delicious."

Ed eyed it sceptically. "It looks… intimidating."

She nearly choked on her bite, shooting him a pointed look.

He smirked. "See?"

A shrill chorus of screams rang out over the pier. Liv turned just in time to see a roller coaster car whip around a bend, metal tracks groaning beneath it.

She gasped. "Roller coaster!"

Before Ed could refuse, she tugged him toward the towering beast of steel and neon lights.

He barely had time to curse before they were strapped in, the coaster ratcheted upward, each click beneath them a reminder that there was no turning back. Liv stared straight ahead, her jaw tight, shoulders drawn up like she was bracing for impact. Beside her, Ed sat unnaturally still, his eyes scanning the track like it might offer an escape route.

"Remind me," he said, voice dry, "why are we doing this?"

"The thrill," Liv shot back, but her grip on the safety bar betrayed her calm tone. Her knuckles were white.

"Good, nothing unreasonable then…" he muttered.

Liv didn't answer. She just sucked in a breath as the track tilted, revealing the world below. The drop loomed ahead like a freefall into nothing.

Suddenly, her hand shot out and gripped Ed's. Not tentative, not polite. Tight, like froze, but only for a second. Then, quietly, he shifted and placed his other hand over hers.

She didn't look at him, didn't say a word, but she didn't let go.

When the coaster dropped, it felt like the world vanished beneath them. Wind screamed in their ears, but it was the silence between heartbeats that hit hardest. They screamed, maybe in fear, maybe in release, but neither let go. Through every violent twist, every gut-wrenching turn, their hands stayed locked. Not out of thrill. Out of something harder to admit. Something that dared them to hold on.

When the ride finally coasted to a stop, Liv released him like nothing had happened, straightening her top and clearing her throat.

Ed glanced at her, then down at his hands. "You okay?"

She gave a faint smirk, but didn't meet his eyes. "You scream like a kid."

He huffed a laugh. "Did not."

Ed grabbed her shoulder for supportas he stumbled off the platform, his stomach twisting.

"Didn't peg you for an adrenaline junkie…" he muttered.

Liv giggled, brushing back a strand of wind-tossed hair. "There's a lot of things you don't know about me."

As they wandered past a brightly lit carnival booth, a vendor called out, "You two make a cute couple! Want a picture?"

Liv's instinct was to wave him off, but before she could, Ed grinned and pulled her in. "Why not?"

The vendor, an older man with laugh lines and a mischievous twinkle in his eye, lifted a vintage Polaroid camera.

"Gotta capture the memories, right?"

Liv barely had a chance to protest before the first flash went off, catching her mid-laugh, head tilted back as Ed smirked beside her.

"Wait, that one doesn't count," Ed said. "I wasn't ready."

The vendor chuckled and snapped another. This time, Liv turned toward Ed, raising a teasing brow just as he shot her a playful glare.

Click.

"Okay, okay, one more," the vendor said. "Something real."

Liv sighed, giving in, but just as the shutter clicked again, Ed surprised her, his hand slipping to her waist, his touch warm even through the fabric of her jacket. She turned to him in reflex, and for a split second, they weren't playing around. Their gazes locked, her laughter fading, his smirk softening.

Click.

The vendor waved the developing Polaroids in the air before handing them over.

"Here you go. No take-backs."

Liv stared down at them. The first one was easy to brush off, just a silly moment. The second showed Ed looking at her in a way she wasn't sure she was ready to analyze. And the third…

She swallowed, quickly tucking the pictures into her jacket pocket.

Ed nudged her shoulder. "What, not gonna frame them?"

"Shut up," she muttered, fighting a smile.

As they walked off, she could still feel the photos pressed against her chest, like a secret waiting to be discovered.

They meandered back to the pier, the energy of the carnival humming around them. Liv lazily picked at the stick of cotton candy in Ed's hand, stealing wisps of spun sugar and letting them dissolve on her tongue.

"Did you have fun?" she asked, her voice softer now.

Ed chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah. I did."

"See? No yachts, no exclusive restaurants. Just fifty bucks and a dippy dog."

His gaze lingered on her, amusement tugging at his lips. "And the most beautiful woman in the world."

At the water's edge, he turned to face her, suddenly serious. "Just so you know… this weekend, it's not some ploy to sleep with you."

Liv fed him another piece of cotton candy. "Oh? You're just hoping your reverse psychology works?"

Ed smirked. "I'm perfectly happy sleeping under the stars."

"Don't be ridiculous, I'm not kicking you out of your bed."

He held up a hand. "No funny business, I promise. Unless you start it."

Liv stared at herself in the mirror, exhaling the hell had she packed this?The silk tank. The tiny could pretend it was an accident, but she knew damn well what she was doing. She wanted him to look, wanted him to want her.

Taking a breath, she slipped out of the bathroom and tiptoed to was sprawled across the covers, shirtless. His biceps flexed as he stretched, the dim light casting shadows over his swallowed. his throatbringing her out of her muscle hypnosis.

"Feeling like a piece of meat over here," he teased.

Liv let out a laugh, climbing into bed. "Oh, and I suppose lying there half-naked was an accident?"

He shrugged. "I'm a hot sleeper."

She turned onto her side, facing the wall, trying not to think about the solid warmth beside her. Trying not to think about what it would feel like to reach out, to close the space, to be reckless.

Then she felt it, his fingers brushing hers under the sheets, a tentative touch. And then his lips, warm and slow, pressing a kiss to her knuckles.

"Sweet dreams,Livvy" he said, barely above a whisper.

She clenched her eyes shut, her voice catching somewhere in her throat. "Night."