Disclaimer: I don't own the characters. The plot is my own.


Chapter 18

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We arrived in one piece, stepping off the private jet and into another sleek black SUV. It was only mid-afternoon byt the time of arrival, and I did get a little bit of sleep on the jet, but I still felt sluggish—enough to want another nap. Even though the endless sun felt so nice against my skin. Wasn't used to this much sunlight.

The collective decision was to relax a bit. Get to wherever Edward would have us staying, and unpack before heading out to dinner later on. Surprisingly, Jacob didn't throw in any of his usual one-liners, though I knew he had a whole rolodex of them stashed away in his mind. Just waiting.

I wasn't as embarrassed as I had been earlier now that I had to be fully immersed in Jacob's presence. It had felt like we'd been caught in the act back in the jet, but at least that hadn't been Seth knocking on that bathroom door—that would've been so much worse. I'd never live that down. I'd be mortified.

With Jacob, he was just a straight thorn in my side. I could care less what he thinks of me, honestly.

We pulled up into a round about driveway, with a lush and manicured front lawn, stopping in front of a pale coral home at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, far from the bustling tourists and the city's noise.

The beach house stood tall and pristine against the backdrop of an endless blue sky, the fauna and palm trees danced with the breeze. Large glass doors and windows dominated the façade, allowing natural light to flood the space while offering an uninterrupted view of the ocean just beyond the sandy shore.

This was lovely—clean lines, modern touches, and an effortless blend of indoor and outdoor living. The house seemed to beckon, promising cool interiors, the scent of salt in the air, and the soothing sound of waves just moments away.

We stepped out of the SUV. Jacob went straight for the trunk, where Kujo was beginning to stir awake, whining and lapping at his fur.

Seth and I stood by each other, waiting for access to our luggage.

Once we had our things, we made our way toward the front door. Edward unlocked it, stepping aside to let us in first.

The inside was something out of a dream—a rustic charm and coastal luxury. Sunlight streamed through the large, open doors, casting a golden glow across the wooden floors. A high, vaulted ceiling with exposed beams gave the space an airy, inviting feel, while white paneled walls reflected the natural light, making the room feel even more expansive.

In the living room was a sliding glass door, beyond that, a cozy deck stretched out toward the direction of the water, framed by sheer curtains that swayed gently in the ocean breeze. A striped rug lay beneath a round wooden table, surrounded by Adirondack chairs, offering the perfect spot to sit back and take in the endless blue horizon.

Inside, rich leather armchairs and fresh sunflowers in a vase added warmth to the space, giving it a lived-in, welcoming feel. Which I had rook notice of. Every detail, from the framed artwork on the walls to the soft cushions on the outdoor loungers, spoke of relaxation—a place where time slowed down, and the sound of the waves nearby set the rhythm of the day.

Edward explained to us aloud that Seth and Jacob would each have a room upstairs. Seth was already hooting and hollering about the entertainment room upstairs, already steps ahead of everyone, while Jacob focused on undoing the kennel, waiting patiently for Kujo to come out.

Edward led me past the kitchen with my bags in tow, and I couldn't help but admire its sleek design. White marble countertops gleamed under the recessed lighting, and the soft gray cabinetry gave the space a modern but cozy feel. A large island sat at the center, its smooth surface perfect for gathering around, with high-backed stools tucked neatly underneath. Stainless steel appliances reflected the afternoon light, and the subtle scent of salt and citrus lingered in the air. It was effortlessly elegant—just like everything else in this house.

And the second we stepped into the master bedroom, I nearly stopped in my tracks.

The space was stunning—bright and airy, with sunlight spilling through the open double doors that led to a private terrace. A soft ocean breeze drifted in, shifting the sheer white curtains and carrying the salty scent of the water.

My gaze swept over the room, taking in the crisp white bedding, the plush pillows in soft shades of blue, and the delicate lattice panels that framed the space. Everything felt light, like a dream you don't want to wake up from. A small writing desk sat near the window, perfectly positioned to catch the ocean view.

I ran my fingers over the dresser absentmindedly, grounding myself in the moment. This was where I'd be staying—with Edward. The realization settled over me, sending a quiet thrill through my chest. I forced myself to move, setting my things down with a calmness I didn't quite feel yet.

Edward placed my luggage atop the beautifully made bed, unzipping it for me.

I began to go through it, yanking my clothing out.

Edward's voice pulled me from my thoughts.

"We should probably save that for our own little date night," he mused, eyeing the silky white dress he'd picked out for me as I pulled it out of my luggage.

"You're right. I'm thinking something comfortable tonight," I said, tucking the dress away.

He smirked. Walking slowly to where I was. "I'm sorry about earlier. Just couldn't help myself."

I raised a brow, still folding and tucking. "Did you know Jacob was awake?"

His grin faltered slightly, hesitating in his step. "No. He was asleep."

I stopped moving my hands, and instead shook my head, amused. "No more close calls."

His chuckle was low and playful. "No promises."

As I continued putting clothes away, I noticed Edward already had some of his hung in the closet.

"I can make us some lunch if y'all are hungry," he said softly, standing behind me as I tucked more clothing into the drawers.

I sighed happily. "I can help."

"You're always feeding me," he murmured, his hands sliding around my waist. "Let me feed you."

One hand went up and brushed my hair aside, and then his lips found my skin—a slow, searing kiss that left a trail of heat in its wake.

A soft moan slipped past my lips. "This is so nice," I murmured.

His fingers danced up my sides, moving tantalizingly slow before tracing around my peaks. Goosebumps broke across my skin, my body reacting to his touch. I trailed my fingers up his bicep, raking through his hair as I rolled my hips back against him, feeling the hard press of his erection through his jeans.

"Keep going, and we might not be able to eat," he huffed near my ear.

I smirked, eyes half-lidded. "Can't have the masses breaking the door down for food."

He chuckled, his lips finding mine again, deep and lingering before he finally pulled away.

With a quiet sigh, I followed him out, making our way into the kitchen, where Kujo was already waiting, his tail wagging wildly. His portable food bowl had already been used, but he still looked up expectantly.

The house was still, the only sounds coming from upstairs where Seth had disappeared.

Edward went to the fridge, pulling out sandwich ingredients.

I tilted my head. "When'd you go shopping?"

He kicked the fridge shut with his foot, smirking. "Had some help—my mom stopped by beforehand."

Kujo went running toward the sliding glass door just as Jacob stepped back inside. A red plastic cup dangled from his fingers, and I shot him a pointed look.

"Raided the cabinets. Hope you don't mind," Jacob said non chalantely, tilting the cup slightly in Edward's direction.

Edward barely spared him a glance as he continued pulling ingredients from the fridge. "Not at all."

I folded my arms, watching as Jacob strolled around in the living room and dropped onto one of the couches like he owned the place.

"Your brother's showering," he added, taking a slow sip from his cup.

I stepped across the room until I was standing near him. "You sure you should be drinking this early?" I asked, keeping my voice low.

His eyes flicked toward the ceiling as he swirled the liquid in his cup. "Think of it as a pregame."

I arched a brow. "You're supposed to be chaperoning. Kinda hard to do that on the juice, don't you think?"

He scoffed and stood, his height suddenly dwarfing mine. I held my ground, arms still crossed in defiance.

"Okay, Mom," he drawled, flashing a lazy smirk before heading toward the staircase.

I sneered at his back. "You're starting to sound like my brother."

Jacob just chuckled, shaking his head as he disappeared up the stairs, Kujo following along behind him.

I'd been curious as to what the upstairs looked like, but figured I'd check it out later on tonight.

As I turned my attention back to Edward, I caught the subtle way his gaze lingered on the staircase Jacob had just ascended. He didn't say anything, but something passed behind his eyes—an observation left unspoken. I wondered if he was thinking about what he'd said previously, about Jacob maybe liking me. The idea made my skin crawl, but I refused to entertain it any further. Jacob was just being…Jacob. He was weird like that. Even when we were kids.

The one kid that would be relentless with his pranks, and his not so smart quips.

Edward's expression smoothed over when he noticed me watching him. He offered a small smile, placing a finished sandwich onto a plate before starting on another. "You want mayo or mustard?" he asked, as if nothing had just crossed his mind.

"Mayo," I said, leaning against the counter. "But not too much."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "Picky."

"I just know what I like."

"I won't complain," he said softly.

The ease between us settled any lingering tension left behind by Jacob's strange mood. I watched Edward work, comfortable in the quiet hum of the kitchen, and felt something settle in my chest—a simple contentment that I wasn't quite used to.

Kujo padded back downstairs and into the room, flopping down near my feet, his tail lazily thumping against the floor. Edward placed the last sandwich on a plate and slid one toward me. "Eat up. Then I was thinking…" He trailed off, wiping his hands on a dish towel before leaning against the counter, mirroring my stance. "Maybe we take a walk down the shoreline before dinner? Let the kids burn some energy on the Xbox for a bit."

I blinked at him, surprised by the suggestion but not at all opposed. "That sounds…nice," I admitted.

His smirk returned. "Yeah?"

"Yeah."

It was rare for me to say yes to things without overthinking them first, but something about the idea of walking along the water with him felt right. Like it was exactly what I needed before the night stretched out ahead of us.

Edward pushed away from the counter, grabbing his plate and nodding toward the living room.

"Come on, let's eat before Jacob drinks through your liquor cabinet," I joked.

He snorted, shaking his head as I followed him, the thought of our walk already lingering at the edge of my mind. We ate together in a comfortable, quiet silence.

Seth came down not long after we finished eating, happily grabbing his plate when Edward let him know one was for him. Kujo stayed glued to him in the meantime. Probably hoping Seth would make a mess he would happily clean up.

"Where's Jacob?" I asked for no apparent reason, I could take a couple guesses and probably be right. Process of elimination.

"I thought he was knocked out. His door is shut," Seth said between bites of his sandwich.

I sighed. "We're gonna go for a quick walk, okay?" I pointed to the last sandwich. "That one is his."

He nodded, still focused on his food. Edward took our plates to the kitchen, and with a final glance toward the staircase, I slipped on my sandals and followed him out the door. The warm air wrapped around us as we stepped outside, the distant sound of the water already calling us forward.

The sand was soft beneath my feet, warm from the sun, and I quickly ditched my sandals to enjoy the feeling. The breeze carried the scent of salt and something sweet—maybe sunscreen, maybe the lingering aroma of flowers in the air. Either way, it felt like summer, and that was enough for me.

Further down the shoreline, with no one in sight, Edward gave me a look—one of those wicked little smirks that always made my stomach flip. "Skirt," he murmured.

I rolled my eyes but complied, slipping it down my hips and letting it fall to the sand. The moment felt perfect. The rhythm of the waves, the warmth of the sun kissing my skin, and Edward beside me, his green eyes watching me like I was the only thing that mattered.

We walked slowly, the conversation coming and going, easy and unforced. Sometimes we talked, sometimes we just let the quiet settle around us, the way only two people truly comfortable with each other could. It felt like enough to simply exist beside him. I told him as much.

"You should let me take you out more," he said, nudging my shoulder with his own.

I grinned and kicked at the water, sending a playful splash his way. The sky was endless and blue, the air thick with warmth, the kind that left a light sheen of sweat on my skin. I pulled off my shirt, letting the sea breeze cool me, sighing as it ghosted over my heated flesh.

"Edward, you do take me out," I teased. "Right now, for example."

He hooked a finger beneath my bra strap, tugging it playfully. "You should take this off too."

I laughed, shaking my head. "We've gotta hold all this stuff, ya know?"

Still, we stopped to fold our clothes, keeping them safely above the tide line. The moment I turned my back, I felt the light brush of his fingers, then the quick, skilled release of my bra clasp. The straps slid down my arms, and before I could even process the cool rush of exposure, his hands were on me—warm, firm palms cupping my breasts, thumbs brushing over sensitive skin.

His lips ghosted over my ear, his voice nothing but a whisper. "God, you're beautiful."

I shivered, the contrast of his heat against the cool breeze making my skin prickle. His fingers worked slow, teasing, drawing quiet gasps from my lips.

Then, with a mischievous laugh, I broke free, dashing toward the water. Edward was right behind me, chasing me through the surf, our laughter mixing with the crash of the waves.

In the water, he caught me, pulling me close until our bodies molded together. His arms wrapped around me, strong and sure, as the waves lapped around us.

We kissed—slow and deep—his lips warm despite the coolness of the ocean.

"I'm gonna spoil you silly," he murmured, resting his forehead against mine.

My hand settled over his heart, feeling its steady, reassuring beat. "Edward—"

His lips brushed against mine again, cutting off whatever protest I might have had. "No, seriously," he whispered.

And with that kiss, I forgot everything else.

He grasped my ass, fingers pressing into my skin as I wrapped my legs around him, letting the water buoy us. The ocean rocked us gently, pulling and pushing like it was in on the game we were playing.

"Let me," he whispered against my lips, tasting the salt on my skin. His breath was warm despite the cool mist rising around us.

I let out a shaky laugh, brushing my fingers through his wet hair. "Let you what, exactly?"

His lips curved into a smirk as he kissed along my jaw, down the side of my neck. "Take care of you. However you'll let me."

My breath hitched as his tongue flicked against my pulse. "If you mean with that mouth of yours, I won't argue," I teased, feeling his grip tighten in response.

He chuckled, voice low and full of promise. "That's only part of it. I want to make you feel good in every way." His teeth scraped against my collarbone before he soothed the spot with a kiss. "Wanna see you come apart for me."

Heat pooled low in my belly despite the cool water surrounding us. I wasn't entirely opposed to the idea—if this was how he planned to spoil me, I'd let him.

"That so?" I murmured, tilting my hips just enough to make him suck in a breath.

His hands tightened on me, a growl vibrating through his chest. "You drive me crazy, you know that?"

I grinned, pressing my lips against his ear. "Good."

We took a full dunk in, and then waded our way out of the sea, the salty water dripping off our skin as Edward grabbed our things and swiftly joined me again. I left the bra off and opted to just put my shirt back on.

The sun began to warm my damp skin, and I let it dry me off, closing my eyes as Edward's hands toyed with my hair, the breeze tangling it around his fingers.

"Your hair looks amazing with that sea water," he murmured softly, his voice a mixture of admiration and something more, something deeper.

I smiled, basking in the warmth of both the sun and him, before we made our way back to the beach house.

"Fuck, you are stunning, Leah," he murmured, looking me over as he slid the door open.

The moment we stepped through the sliding glass door with me blushing like a fool, Kujo bounded toward us, wagging his tail furiously, his excitement infectious.

"Looks like someone's happy to see us," Edward chuckled, bending down to ruffle the dog's fur as he gave us a happy greeting.

I rolled my eyes, playfully nudging him. "You're so easily distracted."

Edward grinned, straightening up. "You know what? You should go upstairs and tell Jacob and Seth we're going out to dinner. Meet down here in an hour?"

I raised an eyebrow, but he was already looking at me like he knew I would challenge him. "Fine," I said with a sigh. "I'll get them."

Upstairs, I found Jacob and Seth lounging on the couch, absorbed in the Xbox as usual. The upstairs was not so surprisingly nice, like the rest of the place, with a cozy sitting/entertainment area greeting me as soon as I reached the top. A short hallway led to four separate doors, each one giving privacy. At the end of the hall was a screen door that opened out onto a balcony, giving a perfect view of the sea.

I stood in the doorway for a moment, watching the way they were so caught up in the game before announcing, "Edward's taking us out for dinner. One hour."

Jacob glanced up and down at me with a mock scowl, his usual attitude flaring right back. "I'd never turn down a free meal. Why not?" he grumbled.

It was getting harder to ignore the way he acted sometimes, and his tone rubbed me the wrong way.

"Well, get moving then," I said, rolling my eyes. "The sooner we leave, the sooner you get your free meal."

I didn't wait for another word and turned back toward the stairs, my patience already worn thin.

I headed back downstairs, only to find Edward already in the master bedroom, the sound of the shower running filling the space. I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts, and then followed him, slipping into the bathroom where the steam was thick in the air. He was standing beneath the spray, his back to me as he washed away the remnants of the sea.

"Get in here with me," he grumbled, his voice low as he splashed water over his face.

"You never stop, do you?" I teased, stepping out of my shirt and undies, and into the shower with him, the hot water immediately enveloping me, making my skin tingle.

Edward turned his head slightly, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Would you want me to?"

I couldn't help the smile that tugged at my own lips. My hands slid across his heated skin, tracing the lines of his chest, feeling the muscles flex as he moved under my touch. His fingers wrapped gently around my arm, pulling me closer, both of us just standing there for a moment, letting the water drown out everything else.

"Can you not wash your hair..." he requested, as my fingers running through the wet strands of his hair.

I laughed softly, the sound vibrating through my chest.

"The sea water already did a good job," he clarified with a grin.

I raised an eyebrow, teasing, "You really love what it did to my hair, huh?"

Edward turned to face me fully, his gaze locking onto mine, dark and intense. I felt my breath catch in my throat as he stepped closer, his chest brushing mine.

"It's already perfect and defined," he murmured, his voice barely audible, "but let me clean your body for you."

He leaned in slowly, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead before trailing his lips down the side of my face. The water continued to fall around us, but in that moment, everything seemed to slow down, the world fading away as we were consumed by the warmth of the shower.

Edward did, in fact, clean me—delicately, carefully, as if he was savoring every moment. His hands worked the soap into my skin, his touch slow and deliberate as he lathered me up with the wash rag. When I rinsed off, he was right there beside me, assisting me gently, his hands never leaving my body. It was as if he was studying me, tracing every inch of me, savoring the feel of my skin under his fingertips. I could see the visible enjoyment in his eyes as he lingered, relishing in the sensuality of the moment.

I reached for him, but he moved my hands away, guiding me to let him take control. And for once, I didn't fight it, allowing him to fully indulge in the intimate connection we shared.

"I want to try and wait till tonight to have you," he whispered, his breath hot against the back of my neck as he trailed soft kisses up my spine.

The words sent a shiver through me, making my heart race with anticipation. But for now, I let him guide me through this slow, heated moment. His fingers cleaned my most sensitive parts with a maddening slow pace.

Eventually, we stepped out of the shower, the cool air in the room a stark contrast to the warmth of our bodies. Edward grabbed a towel, wrapping it around me carefully, drying me off with slow, tender strokes. His hands lingered, brushing against my skin as if he wasn't quite ready to let me go.

After a few moments, he stepped back, his eyes lingering on me one last time before he began drying himself off. I turned away, moving toward the bedroom. The soft hum of the bathroom door closing behind me barely registered as I stepped into the room.

I grabbed a tight tank top, slipping it over my head, followed by a comfortable sweatshirt that clung to my skin in the perfect way. I paired it with some black gym shorts, feeling the comfortable weight of the outfit settle over me.

I moved toward the mirror, brushing my fingers through my damp hair. It was big and bouncy, more so than usual, and I couldn't help but smile at the difference the sea water had made. My curls were fuller, more voluminous, the saltwater giving them a natural bounce that felt so different from the usual.

I couldn't deny how much I liked it. I looked different—more alive, more untamed.

I slid my sandals on and headed out the door just as Edward walked out of the bathroom, his towel wrapped around his waist, droplets of water still glistening on his skin.

"With your sexy ass," he muttered loud enough for me to hear, a low chuckle escaping him.

I couldn't help but smile as I made my way into the kitchen, catching sight of Seth perched on the deck outside with Jacob and Kujo on the sand. Seth was tossing a ball for Kujo to fetch, laughing when the dog raced after it, tail wagging in excitement.

I whistled, getting Seth's attention. He nodded in my direction, then turned slightly to call out to Jacob. He stood, heading back inside.

"I'm starving like Marvin," Seth lamented, rubbing his stomach, though he looked completely content. I could tell this was fun for him. It had been a long time since we went on a vacation—since we were kids, really.

"You know where we're going?" Jacob asked, glancing back over his shoulder as he waited for Kujo to follow.

I shook my head. "Any ideas?"

"Seafood?" Seth immediately offered up, his eyes lighting up at the thought.

"Sure, let's get some suggestions from the personal tour guide," Jacob snorted, a teasing grin on his face.

I shot him a grizzly look, narrowing my eyes in mock threat.

"I know a place," Edward's voice called out as he stepped into the kitchen. He was dressed in basketball shorts and a plain T-shirt, looking effortlessly casual.

He came up behind me, his hand gently cupping my cheek. I pursed my lips, fighting a smile, my heart racing at his closeness.

Jacob rolled his eyes, sarcasm dripping from his voice. "Well, look we've got an expert. A seafood connoisseur."

Edward shot Jacob a pointed look before leaning down to kiss my temple. "You'll be thanking me later."

Jacob smirked, tossing his hands up in mock surrender. "Fine, whatever. Lead the way."

We piled into the sleek black SUV, and after a smooth drive, we reached the city. As we parked along a boardwalk, the scent of the sea in the air, the sun was beginning to set, casting a warm, golden glow over everything.

We all agreed on a small seafood boil spot that looked perfect for a relaxed dinner by the water. Seth, however, lingered by the edge of the boardwalk, staring out at the horizon a little longer than the rest of us. I joined him, standing close, the sea breeze tousling my hair as I leaned my head against his shoulder.

We stood there for a while, enjoying the quiet as the last rays of sunlight dipped behind the water. Finally, I tugged at his arm, urging him to join the rest of us inside the restaurant.

"Come on, Seth. We leave them alone too long, they might start fighting."

"Shit, we should start casting bets," he replied with a grin, his voice teasing.

He smiled softly, giving in as he followed me toward the entrance. We were led to a table out on the deck, the sun just barely setting behind us, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange. The atmosphere was perfect—casual, with the soft sounds of waves crashing nearby.

Edward slid into the seat beside me, his hand resting on the back of my chair. We all settled in, the warm evening air mixing with the delicious smell of seafood that would soon fill the table.

As we were served water and handed the menus, the conversation drifted easily from one topic to another.

I ordered the filet mignon, while Seth and Jacob went for gumbo and crab legs. Edward, never one to shy away from a seafood option, chose the shellfish pasta.

The food was great, the wine even better, and for the most part, the night felt easy, comfortable—just like the sea breeze around us.

Jacob, however, was unusually quiet. Which, considering his usual banter, was rare. He excused himself to go to the bar inside, and when he returned, he was holding a glass of dark liquor.

That's never a good sign.

I could tell from the slight sway in his step that he was already starting to feel the effects of the drink from earlier. The way he settled back into his seat with a quiet sigh suggested he was trying to hide it, but I wasn't fooled. It wasn't the first time I'd seen him like this. But, I wasn't sure how much he'd actually had to drink today.

"Jacob," I said, my voice playful but with an edge of concern, "you sure you want to go down that road?"

He gave me a lopsided smile, his eyes slightly more glassy than usual. "It's fine, Clearwater. Just relaxing."

I wasn't so sure, but I didn't push it. Not yet, at least.

I listened as Seth and Edward fell into an easy conversation, something about traveling—places they wanted to visit, places Edward had already been. Edward mentioned Greece, and Seth, ever the eager one, leaned in. He'd been obsessed with Greek mythology since he read about it in Mr. Mac's class in third grade.

"Did you see Santorini?" Seth asked, eyes bright. "I feel like that's one of those places that just doesn't look real."

Edward nodded. "Yeah, it's unreal. The sunsets there? Absolutely ridiculous. Everything is just bathed in this warm gold—it doesn't feel real even when you're standing right in it."

Seth grinned. "Man, I bet. Did you get a chance to check out any of the ruins? Like Delphi or Mycenae?"

Edward smirked. "Of course. The ruins are something else. Delphi, especially—it sits high in the mountains, and standing there, you can see why they thought it was the center of the world. The energy of the place is just... different."

Seth practically vibrated with excitement. "That's insane. The Oracle of Delphi, right? People used to make pilgrimages just to hear cryptic messages from the gods. Like, imagine going there centuries ago, waiting in line just to have a hallucinating priestess tell you something vague about your fate."

Edward chuckled. "Yeah, and they'd twist her words to fit whatever they wanted to hear. The priests were probably making a fortune off of it."

Seth laughed. "Scammers, even back then." He shook his head. "What about Mycenae? That place is older than dirt—like, practically mythological itself."

Edward nodded. "I went there, too. The Lion Gate, the massive stone walls—it's hard to believe people built that without modern tools. And the beehive tombs? They still echo when you stand inside them. You can practically hear history breathing around you."

Seth leaned back, shaking his head in awe. "Damn. I need to go there one day. Greece just seems like one of those places where history and mythology blur together. Like, you don't know where the truth ends and the stories begin."

Edward swirled his wine glass thoughtfully. "That's the magic of it. You walk through Athens, and you're in a modern city, but turn a corner, and suddenly you're staring at the Parthenon, a temple that's been standing there for over two thousand years. It makes you feel small in the best way."

Jacob let out a short, unimpressed breath, stabbing at what was left of his steak. "Must be nice," he muttered, just low enough to be bitter, just loud enough to be heard.

I flicked my gaze toward him, already feeling the shift in the air. Without thinking, I kicked him under the table, but he barely reacted, taking another slow sip of his dark liquor.

Edward, unfazed, simply reached for the check when the waiter dropped it off. "I got it," he said smoothly, pulling out his card before anyone else could protest.

Jacob scoffed, pushing his chair back roughly while placing his drink on the table. "Of course you do," he muttered under his breath. He'd started up, heading in no general direction but to cut out of there. I followed behind him swiftly.

I shot him a look but held my tongue, pressing my lips together as we stepped onto the boardwalk again. The Florida air was warm and thick, the ocean breeze doing little to cut through it.

"What's your problem?" I finally said, rushing as I did, trying to keep my voice down, giving Jacob a sideways glance.

Edward and Seth joined us shortly after.

Jacob exhaled sharply, shaking his head before looking between me and Edward, a smirk playing on his lips. "Nothing. Just appreciating the harmony. Ebony and ivory, right?"

Edward, to his credit, let out a small chuckle, puffing out his chest slightly as he shook his head. He wasn't going to take the bait.

Jacob's smirk dropped. "You got a fucking problem?"

Edward straightened, finally meeting Jacob's stare head-on. "Not at all."

I was glancing between them, hoping Jacob wasn't being serious.

They locked eyes, the tension thick between them. Jacob, shoulders squared, jaw tight. Edward, calm but unyielding, his presence alone enough to push back.

Jacob's jaw clenched, irritation flickering in his eyes. "Really? Because it sure feels like you're acting like you're above me."

Seth glanced between them, catching the shift in Jacob's mood. He sighed, stepping forward to break the tension. "Jesus, can we not do this outside a goddamn seafood restaurant?"

I rubbed my temples, trying to ignore the growing tension. "Yeah, real great vacation vibes here."

Seth turned to Jacob, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "What's the issue? You mad 'cause Eddie's footing the bill for my crab leg addiction?"

I stepped between them. Jacob's lips pressed into a thin line, but he didn't respond. His attention shifted, his eyes darting between Edward and me, as if searching for something.

Edward, ever passive, sighed, running a hand through his hair as he glanced down at me. "We good?"

I glanced at Jacob, still unsure what his deal was. He'd been acting strange ever since Edward had shown up—was it the power, the wealth, or the fact that I was with him? Maybe it was all of it. "Yeah, yeah. Pissing contest over."

Jacob muttered something under his breath, but didn't push it further. Seth slapped him on the back, a knowing smirk playing on his face. "Come on, dude. We'll hit up a basketball court later. You can act like the big man again, okay?"

Jacob didn't answer, but I could tell he was still seething beneath the surface. His eyes lingered on Edward and me as we walked toward the car, and for a moment, it felt like he was about to say something else.

I shook my head, falling into step beside Edward, feeling the unease settling in. This wasn't just about a casual rivalry—it was deeper. It was like Jacob resented the whole situation, especially how passive Edward was about it, which only seemed to irritate him more.

Edward, seemingly oblivious, nudged me gently with his elbow. "You know, Jacob's got more of a temper than I thought."

I raised an eyebrow. "You think?"

Edward smirked. "I barely did anything, that whole dinner he looked like he wanted to throw his drink at me."

"You got under his skin quick." I murmured, glancing up at him.

Edward smirked, voice low. "I don't have to try."

I huffed out a laugh, shaking my head, but Jacob's bitterness still clung to the air like a lingering storm. I pushed it aside—for now.

I'd deal with it later.

Once we got back to the beach house, Jacob went straight upstairs without a word, Kujo following close behind. Seth trailed after him, but I stayed downstairs for a little while, letting the tension from dinner roll off my shoulders. With Edward gave me a long kiss, asking me to meet him in the bedroom when I was ready.

As he disappeared to the room I figured there was no time like the present, I went up to give Jacob a piece of my mind, but he'd already locked himself in the bathroom, the sound of the shower running drowning out any attempt at conversation.

With a sigh, I set out to find Seth instead.

I checked the usual places—his room, the other bathroom—but he was nowhere to be found. That left only one place.

The balcony doors slid open with barely a sound, the warm night air wrapping around me as I stepped outside. Seth was already there, sprawled across one of the sun chairs, arms folded behind his head as he stared up at the sky. The moonlight reflected off the glass railing, casting shifting patterns of silver across the deck.

"Hey," I said softly, nudging the foot of his chair.

Seth tilted his head just enough to look at me. "Hey."

I settled onto the chair next to him, tucking my legs beneath me. "You doing okay?"

His face was unreadable, his voice even. "Yeah. Just thinking."

I studied him for a moment. "How's therapy been? Really."

Seth let out a slow breath, his eyes drifting back to the sky. "It's… something." A slight smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. "I mean, I'm not cured yet, so that's disappointing."

I smiled faintly, but I could hear the weight beneath his words. "It's been hard, huh?"

He was quiet for a long moment before finally saying, "Yeah."

I leaned forward slightly. "Is there anything I can do to—"

He shook his head, cutting me off before I could finish. "My shrink said I don't have to share if I don't want to." His tone wasn't harsh, but it was firm. A boundary.

I recovered quickly, forcing a lightness into my voice. "Fair enough." I leaned back, stretching my legs out.

Seth turned his head toward me. "What about you?"

I scoffed. "Mine's not any more interesting than yours," I muttered.

Silence stretched between us, the ocean filling the space. Then I coughed. "Okay, new topic. Jacob and Edward earlier—what the hell was that?"

Seth snorted, shaking his head. "Jacob's just jealous."

I made a gagging noise, clutching my chest dramatically. "That's disgusting."

Seth laughed, finally relaxing. "Oh, come on, don't act so shocked."

I shot him a glare. "That better not be your professional psychological opinion."

He smirked. "I'm just saying, he's always been a little weird about you, especially since Casanova showed up."

I groaned, pressing my palms into my eyes. "I hate that."

Seth chuckled, settling deeper into his chair. "You'll live."

The night stretched quiet between us, the sound of waves rolling in steady and endless.

For now, the petty shit could wait...

I had Edward downstairs waiting for me. Probably already in bed, naked.

Shouldn't concern myself with Jacob. I'll let him torture himself with his terrible attitude.

...

..

.