Page 96 of Guarded Love

"Okay."

She takes a step back, then another, but her eyes never leave mine. When she reaches the door again, she gives me one last look.

"See you soon," she says.

"See you soon."

She slips out, and the door clicks shut behind her. I stand there for a moment, staring at the closed door, feeling like something fundamental has shifted. Not just between us, but inside me. The careful control I've maintained for years feels likeit's cracking, and I'm not sure if that terrifies me or thrills me more.

What the hell have I gotten myself into? However, I'm convinced there's no way this day could get any better.

29

WILLOW

Istare in awe as I take everything in because there’s no way I’m in Old San Juan. Like we’re actually walking on the cobblestone streets and are surrounded by the vibrant buildings that look like postcards have come to life. Professor Wallace is somewhere behind us giving historical context, but honestly, I'm too mesmerized to focus on the lecture portion of this experience. We’re allowed to stay with our professors if we wish, but they’ve also given us free rein to explore a bit on our own as long as we’re at the shuttle that will drive us back to our hotel by five o’clock.

Madison and I talked the morning after my rendezvous with Blaise and surprisingly, she didn’t press me for details about Blaise. However the looks she kept throwing my way are more than enough.

I also got a call from Knox right after Madison and I finished talking to follow up on his texts from the night before. He was just letting me know that Leo’s deal with the Red Wolves had officially been pulled. What he doesn’t know is that I already knew because I was with Blaise when he told him. At least I don’t have to worry about Leo anymore.

I could also blame it on my ADHD and the fact that I’m becoming more overstimulated, but it has little to do with my surroundings and more to do with everything else that is going through my head and the man walking beside me.

I steal a glance at Blaise, who has his hands shoved deep in his pockets. He's wearing a simple white t-shirt and khaki shorts, looking effortlessly put-together while I'm over here trying not to think about how those same hands felt on my body just days ago. It sucked not being able to spend more time together, but it’s risky seeing as how this is still a school trip at the end of the day. However, the memory of the night we spent together sends heat racing up my neck, and I force myself to focus on the uneven stones under my feet instead of my desire to jump his bones every waking second.

"Focus, Willow," I say under my breath, just as Madison appears at my side like she's materialized out of thin air.

"This place is unreal. The architecture is so just…perfection.” She points toward a yellow building nearby. “Like that is stunning.”

"Agreed. It's like someone painted the whole city in watercolors. Makes me want to take a million photos."

Madison, Tyler, Blaise, and I end up breaking apart from the group and finding ourselves walking along the El Paseo de la Princesa, a long, winding promenade that has been a part of Old San Juan since the eighteen hundreds. Trees sway overhead giving us some shade, but don’t block our ability to take in the stunning views of San Juan Bay.

"Since you mentioned photos earlier, Maddie," Tyler's voice cuts through my thoughts. It’s then I notice his hair is sticking up at odd angles, as if he’d been running his hands through it. "Madison, you’ve got to see this fountain. It’s incredible."

Madison's entire face lights up. "Really? Lead the way, tour guide Tyler."

"Tour guide Tyler?" He laughs, falling into step beside her. "I like that. Very official sounding."

"You'd need a little flag on a stick to make it official," Madison teases, bumping his shoulder with hers. "And maybe a whistle."

"A whistle? What am I, a gym teacher?" The confusion is evident on his face.

"You know exactly what I mean." Madison grins as she pulls her digital camera out of her purse. "Come on, show me this fountain before the light changes."

I watch them walk ahead, Madison's animated gestures and Tyler's eager responses creating their own little bubble of energy.

"They're cute together," I murmur to myself.

"Yeah, they are." Blaise's voice is closer than I expected, and I turn to find him studying me. "Tyler's been talking about her nonstop since we got here."

"Has he? That's sweet."

"Very sweet," Blaise agrees, but there's something in his tone that makes me think he's not just talking about Tyler and Madison.

We follow the cobblestone path until we reach Fuente Raíces, the fountain standing as a quiet testament to Old San Juan’s layered history. It’s more than just a pretty spot. It’s a symbol of the island’s roots, where the indigenous Taíno, African, and Spanish influences all converge.

"We should catch up with them," I say, but I don't move. Neither does Blaise.

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