The soft hum of the morning breeze drifted through the sheer curtains, carrying with it the scent of salt, sea, and sun. Grace Lockwood stirred awake, the faint rustling of waves against the shore a soothing yet stark reminder of her unfamiliar surroundings. She inhaled deeply, the crisp ocean air filling her lungs, mingling with the faint hint of lavender from the sheets. The plush white sheets tangled around her legs, cool against her skin, grounding her in the present, yet her mind drifted to Alex’s gaze from the night before. She could still feel the weight of his eyes on her, the intensity that sent shivers down her spine. Thoughts tangled with emotions, she wondered what this weekend might truly reveal, her heart caught between fear and anticipation.
Sitting up slowly, she ran her f
