Page 89 of Ripple Effect

As I look out the window of his Jeep, the trees streak past in a blur of autumnal colors, making me realize just how much has changed this month. We’ve explored each other in every way possible, both in whispered conversations in the dim light of morning and in the passion that sparks between us at night.

Elio’s hand reaches over, his fingers lacing with mine, and I’m drawn out of my thoughts. I turn to him, taking in the way the sunlight catches on his dark hair, the slight scruff on his chin.

“Everything okay?” he asks, his thumb drawing small circles over the back of my hand.

My lips curl into a soft smile, and my gaze momentarily drops. “Just thinking.”

“Surprising.”

“About us.” I playfully roll my eyes. “But also, about my parents, my sister, my old friends.”

“Still feeling nervous?”

“Yeah, a bit,” I admit, the corner of my lip tugging upward. “Better, though, knowing I have you with me.”

“I’m glad.” A spark of pride lights up his eyes. “Speaking of old friends, Kaia’s been blowing up my phone this week. Apparently, she’s justsoproud of me for meeting your family.”

I arch an amused brow. “Big step, huh?”

“Yeah, the first of its kind.”

Curiosity prods. “And Kaia knowsyourfamily really well, right?”

“Yeah, she’s been around forever.”

“You two have known each other since you were little kids. And yet, you never ...”

“Never what?”

Fidgeting with our entwined fingers, I push on. “Had feelings for her?”

“Absolutely not.” He lets out a dry laugh. “She’s always been more of a sister to me. Actually, that’s how we met in the first place. Her sister, Sofia, dated Luc for three years.”

“No way!”

“Yeah, hard to believe he existed before Harper came into his life, huh?”

“Totally.” Grinning, I nudge him with my elbow. “But you and Kaia made it through the breakup okay?”

“Yeah, it didn’t affect our friendship. There were . . . other things that got in the way of it, though. At least, for a little while.”

“Like what?” I ask, trying to decipher his cryptic words.

He hesitates for a brief moment, and I know he’s treading on delicate ground. “It’s kind of a heavy topic, actually.” His voice lowers, his throat clears, and he offers me a tight-lipped smile before glancing at the open road. “Do you mind if we save it for after the break?”

My heart sinks at the question. Despite everything we’ve shared, there are aspects of his past—some secret dark corners—he’s still reluctant to divulge. But it seems like he might open up eventually, and that’s all I can ask for.

“Yeah, of course,” I say, aiming for an understanding tone. My fingers gently squeeze his, a silent promise of support.

He releases a deep sigh of gratitude, his shoulders visibly relaxing. “This is gonna be good, you know? I’ve never been to Cape Casserat before.”

“You’ll like it.” As our fingers continue to play, I tap my thumb against his. “I can show you my favorite spot in town. It’s overlooking this little harbor where these massive cruises dock up.”

There’s a tiny spark in his eyes, a grin that spreads at my enthusiasm. “Sounds like a plan, Daisy girl.”

“Yeah,” I say. “It’s a plan.”

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