Jules
I woke up the next morning with my heart still racing from last night’s almost-kiss. The lake house felt too quiet, and knowing Nico was somewhere inside made my stomach twist with anger and something hotter I didn’t want to name. I found him in the sunny living room sorting through old boxes of family photos and silly childhood stuff. He looked so calm and perfect it made me mad.
“What are you doing?” I asked, crossing my arms.
“Cleaning like we’re supposed to,” he said without looking up. “You gonna help or just stand there being useless?”
That was all it took. “Useless? You’re the one who’s always been fake, Nico. Mr. Perfect athlete with your fancy job and zero real feelings. You don’t care about anyone.”
He stood up fast, eyes flashing. “And you? Running around the city, j
