Chapter 003
1088 Words
Chapter 003
James’ POV
The sun was brighter than I’d expected when we reached Brighton. The whole place shimmered like a picture postcard. Sand stuck to my shoes as I walked, and the cries of gulls mixed with the soft rush of waves. I liked that it wasn’t crowded. Just quiet enough. Just how I preferred it.
This… this was nice.
I muttered the words under my breath, more to myself than to Oliver.
“Yeah, it is,” he said anyway, sliding his arm across my shoulders like he always owned the right to. He pointed down the shoreline. “Guess what? I rented us a jet ski. One, though. The others broke down, so we’ll have to share.”
I stepped back. “Go on then. You’ve wanted this for ages. I’ll stay here and take photos.”
“You’re serious?” His voice lifted with playful disbelief. “Fine. But after one lap, you’re coming with me, okay? Promise? Oki, oki, oki?”
I turned my head so he wouldn’t see the smile tugging at my lips. i***t. He always knew how to wring a reaction out of me.
People said I never smiled. That being an Alpha made me too cold, too gruff. But Oliver—my stupid Omega best friend—always pulled something out of me I couldn’t control.
I fastened his life vest and helmet, tugged the straps tighter than needed, and shoved him toward the waves. “Don’t crash it.”
“Me? Never!” He winked and gunned the engine, water spraying everywhere. He tore across the sea like he owned it, fearless and wild. I crossed my arms, fighting the urge to yell after him. Reckless bastard. He was going to make me grey before I even turned thirty.
Minutes passed. My stomach knotted as the speck of him grew smaller and smaller. If he didn’t slow down, I’d—
The jet ski spun back toward shore. Oliver’s grin was huge as he pulled up in front of me, water dripping off his hair.
“That fun, huh?” My voice came out flat, colder than I meant.
“Oh my God, yes! Amazing! Come on, your turn.” He waved me on.
“No.”
“Yes.”
I glared.
“Don’t be boring, James.”
I sighed, snatched the helmet, and climbed on. He slid behind me, pressing the handles into my hands.
“Let’s go!”
I froze. “Wait, you’re coming with me?”
“Duh. Told you we’d ride together.” He shoved at my shoulders. “Move!”
The engine roared, and we shot forward. Oliver’s arms circled my waist, his chin pressing against my shoulder. His breath fanned my neck, warm against the cool spray. My chest tightened. My heart thumped too fast. Focus. Drive. Just keep going straight.
The horizon burned orange as the sun began to sink, turning the sea pink and gold. I slowed, letting the jet ski bob with the waves. I wanted to trap this moment. It was too perfect.
Pulling out my camera, I started snapping.
“You’re not taking one of me?” His whisper tickled my ear, softer than usual.
Why’s he sounding like that? My throat tightened, but I nodded.
I turned and framed him against the fiery sky. The light caught his wet hair, his stupid grin, the curve of his jaw. My chest ached. Beautiful. He’s always been beautiful.
And I’ve always—
“Take some with the GoPro?” His voice sharpened again, back to normal. “I wanna see how they come out.”
I obeyed. I always did when it came to him.
Then suddenly, he grabbed my wrist and yanked me closer. His face was inches from mine. Too close. My lips twitched, fighting the pull. He smirked and said, “Selfie.”
Click. Click. Click.
He took the camera from me after, insisting on snapping a few of me alone. I almost refused. He was hopeless with cameras. But I let him. He laughed at every awkward angle until finally, he caught one good shot.
“See? Not bad. Love this one.” I showed him the photo, sunlight glowing in my eyes.
“I love it too,” he said, softer now, looking at me instead of the camera.
Heat crept up my neck. What the hell was this? Why did it feel so different? Have I been blind this whole time?
I turned back to the horizon, gripping the handles. Start the engine, focus on anything else. Before I could, his hand slid over mine and switched the engine off.
“What?” I spun, ready to scold him.
But he leaned in. His lips touched mine.
He kissed me.
On my lips.
And the world stopped.
My brain screamed. He kissed me. Oliver. My best friend. My Omega.
I didn’t move. Couldn’t. My hands stayed frozen on the handlebars while his mouth pressed soft, hesitant, almost testing.
What the hell are you doing, Oliver? Why me? Why now?
I pulled back, breathless. “Why’d you do that?”
“Why not?” He grinned, but it didn’t hide the nervous flicker in his eyes.
“You—” Words tangled on my tongue.
“Don’t say it’s nothing.” His voice dropped low. “Don’t say you didn’t feel it.”
“I… Oliver, we—”
“We what? We pretend forever? Smile at sunsets and act like we’re just mates? Come on, James. Stop lying to yourself.”
His words sliced deep. Because he wasn’t wrong. I’d been lying for years.
I looked away, fists clenching. The waves slapped against us. Silence stretched long enough to suffocate.
Finally, I muttered, “You’re reckless. Always pushing.”
“And you’re stubborn.” He leaned back, laughing, though it sounded shaky. “We’re a bloody mess.”
We sat there, the sea rocking us gently, the sun dipping lower. My head spun, torn between wanting to punch him and kiss him again.
He broke the quiet. “So… now what?”
I didn’t answer. Couldn’t. My thoughts crashed like waves. What if this ruined everything? What if it changed nothing? What if it changed everything?
The gulls screamed overhead. The world kept moving, but I stayed stuck in that single moment: Oliver’s lips on mine, the taste of saltwater, the look in his eyes daring me to finally admit what I’d buried all this time.
And God help me, I wanted to.
- Writer
