Juniper's Pov
I shake my head, lowering my book onto my lap and sitting up straight to face Theodore. My heart pounds in my chest, not from affection or nostalgia, but from the anger and hurt that his presence still stirs within me.
“Theodore, don’t,” I say firmly, my voice low but sharp. “This is not the time or place for this conversation.”
I glance around us, scanning the beach to make sure no one is close enough to overhear. The last thing I want is for this mess to become fodder for everyone else. Theodore’s gaze follows mine, his expression flickering with hesitation before he looks back at me.
“Please, Juniper,” he says, his tone pleading. “Just hear me out. This is our last day here. Please, let’s talk this out.”
I can hear the desperation in his voice, and for a fleeting mome
