Since 1998

Chapter 7

Devin couldn't shake the restless thrum in his chest. His eyes swept over the two strangers settling onto the sand a few yards away. For a heartbeat, his gaze locked onto the blonde.

Something shifted inside him—a sudden, cold prickle at the back of his neck. He shook his head and looked away, trying to ground himself.

Sam was already smirking. "I swear the dark-haired one is tracking my every move," he whispered, shifting his shoulders to catch the light. "She has taste, I’ll give her that."

Devin forced a dry laugh. "She’s your problem, then. I don't care about women, Sam."

"Bro, look, that blonde looks like a prize but also means trouble. She looks like an heiress, impossible to acquire," Sam joked.

Devin turned around and something in the air shifted.

She seems familiar. Impossible. Allison was in Spain.

Sam stretched until his joints popped. "They look bored," he hummed in that low, confident tone he used when he’d spotted a target. "Or like they need company."

Devin knew that tone. "Man… don’t."

But Sam was already on his feet, brushing sand off his shorts.

"Where are you going?" Devin asked, a spike of panic hitting him.

"Inviting them over," Sam said with a wink.

Devin groaned, grabbing his shirt like a shield. "Forget it. Let’s just go before you make an ass of yourself."

Sam caught Devin’s shoulder, stalling him. "Please, man. Just this once. I’m tired of talking to your miserable face. I need a buffer."

Devin exhaled a sharp, defeated breath and slumped back onto his towel. "Fine. But I’m not playing entertainer, Sam."

Across the sand, Allison felt the world drop away.

"Anna," she hissed, her voice a frantic gasp. "He’s coming. Sam is coming right now!"

Anna didn't flinch. She smoothed her hair and settled into a curve that looked perfectly accidental. "Relax, Ali. Deep breaths. You’re a tourist. A stranger from New York. God bless America."

"Does he know? Does Devin recognize us?" Allison gripped Anna’s arm like a vise. "We can be at the car in thirty seconds!"

"No! Stop it," Anna hissed, peeling Allison’s fingers off her skin. "Stay cool."

Sam reached them, stopping with the easy posture of someone who’d never been told 'no' on a beach. Before he could even open his mouth, Anna cut him off.

"Hi," she said, sounding beautifully bored. "Are you lost, babe?"

Sam blinked, his 'player' persona cracking into a genuine laugh. "Lost? No. But we were wondering if you’d like to join us? It’s too nice a day to sit in separate circles."

"With random strangers on a public beach?" Allison interrupted. Her voice was too sharp, clipping each word.

Sam’s smirk faltered. He actually took a half-step back. "Whoa. Okay."

Under the sand, Anna delivered a brutal pinch to Allison’s thigh. "Don’t mind her," Anna said, her voice turning sweet. She flashed a smile that could melt glass. "She’s just protective. Cautious."

Sam laughed with relief. "Well, my friend is the opposite. The biggest loner you’ll ever meet. He’s moping over there like he lost his best friend."

The words "best friend" hit Allison.

"Fine," she said, her voice quiet but steady. "We’ll join you."

Devin stayed anchored to his spot, eyes fixed on the surf.

"See?" Sam bragged. "The beach wasn't a total bust."

Anna settled across from them, her eyes desafiante. "Your friend seems remarkably quiet," she challenged.

"He’s a man of few words," Sam joked, popping a soda. "He saves them for people who matter."

The words stung. Allison sat down slowly; her heart is like a trapped bird inside a cage. Hi Devin. I’m right here. I’m sorry.

Devin lifted his head. His eyes found hers, and for a second, the sound of the ocean faded out. A flicker of recognition crossed his face—a shadow of a memory on the tip of his tongue. He broke contact first, shaking out his shirt with unnecessary force—a nervous childhood habit she remembered clearly.

"Thirst-quenchers for the newcomers," Sam said, holding out a cold drink.

"Thank you," Anna said, her fingers brushing Sam’s. She nudged Allison. "You’re missing out, Al—I mean, Lisa."

"I’m fine," Allison said softly. "I don't want any."

"Intro time." Sam cleared his throat. He pointed to himself. "I’m Sam. And this brooding statue is—"

"Devin," he said, his voice rich and deep.

The sound of it made Allison’s pulse skip. She looked down at the sand, terrified her eyes would give her away.

"I’m Maria," Anna lied easily. She gestured to Allison. "And this is Elizabeth. But we call her Lisa."

Devin gave a curt nod. But his eyes drifted back to "Lisa." Her voice, the way she hesitated—it felt familiar, like a song he’d forgotten the lyrics to. Stop it, he told himself. Allison is in Spain.

"Are you guys in college?" Allison asked, her voice wavering. Devin looked at her, and those piercing blue eyes seemed to search his very soul. He’d only ever known one person with eyes that specific shade of sapphire.

"Yeah," Sam answered. "Devin’s a med student. My sister Cathy is in the same—they're classmates."

The word "Cathy" and classmates felt like a heavy weight in Allison's chest.

"A doctor?" she managed. "Maria and I just finished high school. We might study here. It depends."

Anna jumped in. "So if Devin's the brain, what’s your deal, Sam?"

"Me? I'm waiting for a dream to hit me," Sam laughed. "Perks of a wealthy family."

Devin remained silent until he suddenly turned to "Lisa."

"What about you, Lisa?" he asked. Sam’s eyes widened—Devin was actually engaging. "What do you want for your future?"

"I… I haven't decided. My family wants me to manage our business. I'll probably end up there."

The mention of a family business was like a key in a lock. Devin’s head snapped toward her, his eyes piercing.

"Family business?" he asked, his voice dropping into something sharp and suspicious.

Allison's and Anna’s eyes met, a jolt of panic passing between them.