Bryan unlocked the door and pulled it open, stepping out first like nothing had happened, like we hadn't just spent the last few minutes wrapped around each other in the bathroom. I took a slow, steady breath and followed him out, smoothing my dress as I tried to shake off the heat still clinging to my skin.

The hallway leading back to the dining area wasn't long, but it felt like the walk of shame. I could already hear the chatter of our classmates, the clinking of glasses, the low hum of music playing over the speakers. Everything felt too normal, too untouched by the absolute chaos I had just been through.

Bryan slowed his steps just enough to let me catch up beside him. He didn't say anything at first, just glanced at me out of the corner of his eye before the corner of his mouth tugged upward in the faintest smirk.

"Think they noticed?" he asked, voice low enough that only I could hear.

I shot him a look. "I swear to God, if Ethan says anything—"

Bryan chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "He's gonna say something."

I groaned. He was right. Ethan was definitely going to say something.

As we stepped back into the dining area, I felt every nerve in my body go on high alert, like we had just walked into the spotlight. But to my relief, no one seemed to be paying much attention to us—at least not yet. Kevin was laughing at something with a few of the other guys, Ethan was leaned back in his chair, flipping through his phone like he had better things to do, and the rest of the table was still caught up in their conversations.

Maybe we had gotten away with it.

Bryan slid back into his seat like he had never left, reaching for his drink and taking a slow sip. I sat down beside him, forcing myself to act normal, even though my body was still betraying me with the lingering heat from his touch.

Ethan, without even looking up from his phone, said, "Took you long enough."

I stiffened.

Bryan didn't even hesitate. "Amber was fixing her makeup."

My head snapped toward him so fast I almost gave myself whiplash. That liar.

Ethan finally looked up, raising an eyebrow. "Right. Makeup." His gaze flicked between the two of us, suspicion clear in his expression.

I grabbed my water and took a long sip, pretending not to notice the way my hands still felt unsteady.

Kevin, ever the peacemaker, rolled his eyes and changed the subject, talking about how he was starving and how the food better be worth the wait. The tension broke, the conversation drifted back to normal, and I let out a slow breath, hoping that would be the end of it.

But then, under the table, Bryan's hand brushed against my knee again, his fingers just barely grazing over my skin before retreating like it was nothing. Like he hadn't already had his hands all over me minutes ago.

Dinner carried on, and to my relief, the conversation gradually shifted away from where Bryan and I had disappeared to. The food arrived not long after we sat down, giving me something to focus on besides the heat still lingering in my body.

The meal was incredible—fresh seafood, perfectly cooked vegetables, rich, flavorful sauces that had me practically melting in my seat. Even though I had barely regained my composure from earlier, the food was a welcome distraction.

Kevin was practically inhaling his meal like he hadn't eaten in days, while Ethan took his time, picking apart his dish with lazy enjoyment. Bryan, as usual, ate quietly, only chiming in when the conversation demanded it.

Some of our classmates, who I hadn't had much of a chance to talk to, were a mix of loud, excited chatter and the occasional clink of glasses as they toasted to who knows what. There was an ease to the dinner, a warmth that came with being surrounded by so many people in a place so different from home.

At some point, someone from another table got up to make a toast, thanking the professors for organizing the trip and making a joke about how this was already shaping up to be the best week of their lives. The whole room cheered, glasses clinking together, laughter echoing through the restaurant.

I found myself smiling, my shoulders finally relaxing.

Bryan must have noticed because, without looking at me, he murmured, "You're enjoying yourself."

I turned to him, surprised by the observation. "Yeah... I guess I am."

His gaze flickered to mine, something unreadable in his expression. "Good."

And just like that, my stomach flipped again.

I focused on my plate, pretending like my body wasn't still reacting to him, like my mind wasn't still replaying what had happened in the bathroom.

Dinner went on for another hour, filled with easy conversation and the occasional teasing from Ethan, who couldn't seem to help himself. But even though he threw a few pointed looks in Bryan's direction, he didn't push.

Which I was grateful for.

When the plates were cleared, I thought that was it, that we'd be heading back to the hotel soon.

But then, Kevin nudged Ethan, who grinned like he had just remembered something.

"Alright, birthday girl," Ethan said, leaning back in his chair. "You didn't think we'd let the night end here, did you?"

I blinked. "What?"

Kevin smirked, stretching his arms above his head. "We have plans."

I narrowed my eyes. "What kind of plans?"

Ethan gave me a mock innocent look. "The fun kind."

That was not reassuring.

I turned to Bryan, who was far too relaxed, swirling his drink in his glass like this was nothing. "You knew about this?"

He shrugged. "Maybe."

Ethan clapped his hands together, looking way too pleased with himself. "You're gonna love it. Just trust us."

I sighed. "That's a lot to ask."

Kevin grinned. "Too bad. You don't have a choice."

Bryan finally met my gaze, something amused and unreadable in his eyes. "Ready for round two, birthday girl?"

I didn't know what they were planning, but the look on their faces did not reassure me.

Ethan and Kevin were both grinning like idiots, and Bryan—of course—just looked relaxed, amused, and completely unreadable.

I sighed, already mentally preparing myself for whatever chaos was about to happen. "Fine. What is it?"

Ethan smirked. "Not telling."

I glared. "Excuse me?"

Kevin leaned forward, elbows on the table. "If we tell you, it ruins the fun."

"Define fun," I muttered, crossing my arms.

Bryan finally spoke, voice calm and infuriatingly smooth. "You'll like it."

That did not make me feel any better.

I looked at them suspiciously. "Are we staying at the restaurant?"

Ethan shook his head. "Nope."

Kevin grinned. "We're taking you somewhere."

I sighed dramatically. "This feels like a kidnapping."

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Would you rather go back to the hotel and do nothing?"

I hesitated.

That was the problem.

I didn't want to go back to the hotel.

Not yet.

So, against my better judgment, I gave them a pointed look and muttered, "Fine. But if this ends up being something stupid, I'm going back."

Kevin grinned. "That's the spirit."

Ethan clapped his hands together. "Alright, birthday girl. Let's go."

Bryan pushed back his chair, standing up slowly, his gaze flickering toward me as he reached for his drink one last time. "Think you can keep up, birthday girl?"

I narrowed my eyes at him. "I don't trust you."

His lips twitched. "Smart."

And just like that, the four of us got up from the table, stepping away from the loud chatter of the restaurant and into the warm Costa Rican night.

I had no idea where they were taking me.

The warm night air hit me the second we stepped outside the restaurant, the soft hum of distant music mixing with the quiet sounds of the ocean somewhere beyond the streets. The town was still alive, filled with people walking along the cobblestone roads, weaving in and out of small shops, street vendors, and lively bars.

Ethan, Kevin, and Bryan led the way, and I—still very unsure about this whole situation—followed, my arms crossed as I gave them all a very suspicious look.

"So, are you going to tell me where we're going now?" I asked, stepping carefully on the uneven pavement.

Ethan threw me a lazy grin over his shoulder. "Nope."

I sighed dramatically. "This is actual kidnapping."

Kevin chuckled. "Relax, you'll like it."

I turned to Bryan, hoping he would be the reasonable one. "And you're just okay with whatever this is?"

Bryan glanced at me, amused. "For once, yeah."

That didn't make me feel any better.

After a few more turns down the dimly lit streets, we finally reached a secluded beach, tucked between a few rocky cliffs. The sand was still warm under my feet as we walked further in, the sound of waves crashing gently filling the air. But the most surprising part?

There were already people here.

Not a lot—maybe ten or so—a mix of our classmates, a few others from the trip, all gathered around a firepit in the center of the sand. Someone had dragged a speaker down, music playing in the background, and a few people were already dipping their feet into the water, drinks in hand, laughing and talking like they had been here for a while.

I turned back to Ethan and Kevin, raising an eyebrow. "A beach party?"

Kevin grinned. "Not just any beach party. A birthday party. For you."

I blinked.

Ethan slung an arm around my shoulders. "We couldn't let you have a boring birthday."

I stared at them, surprised. I hadn't expected them to go out of their way to do something like this.

"I—" I hesitated, unsure what to say. "You guys actually planned this?"

Kevin shrugged. "More or less."

Ethan smirked. "We put in the effort. You better appreciate it."

A warmth spread through my chest. They didn't have to do this. But they had.

I didn't know how to react.

Bryan, who had been quiet this whole time, stepped closer, his voice just low enough for me to hear.

"Do you like it?"

I turned to look at him, still a little dazed.

"Yeah," I admitted softly. "I do."

Something flickered in his eyes, but before I could figure out what it was, Ethan dragged me toward the firepit.

"Alright, birthday girl," he said. "Time to celebrate properly."

The next hour passed in a blur of laughter, music, and the warm glow of the bonfire. Someone handed me a drink—thankfully not as strong as the disaster at dinner—and I let myself enjoy the moment.

People came up to wish me a happy birthday, a few jokingly asked what had happened when Bryan and I disappeared during dinner, but I just laughed it off, pretending like nothing was unusual.

At one point, Kevin and Ethan got way too competitive over who could make a better sandcastle, which resulted in an entire argument about structure, artistic vision, and engineering integrity.

Somewhere in the background, someone was daring a group to run into the ocean. A few actually did.

And through it all, Bryan stayed close but distant, watching from the sidelines, never quite taking his eyes off me.

The fire was still burning low behind me, laughter and music blending into the night, but I needed a moment away from it all. My ankle had been aching slightly throughout dinner, nothing unbearable, but after hours of walking, sitting, and then standing on the sand, I could feel the dull throb settling in again.

So as I made my way toward the water, I bent down, carefully unlacing my boot and slipping it off, followed by my sock. The cool night breeze felt good against my bare skin, and when I took my first step forward, letting the waves rush over my foot, the relief was instant.

Less pressure. Less discomfort.

I sighed, shifting my weight onto my good foot as I let the ocean wash away some of the tension I hadn't even realized I'd been holding.

I wasn't alone for long.

I felt Bryan before I even saw him.

"You always wander off?"

I glanced up just as he stepped beside me, hands shoved in his pockets, his gaze flickering between me and the waves lapping at my feet.

"Only when I need a break from sandcastle debates," I murmured.

Bryan let out a short huff of laughter. "Kevin's still mad Ethan knocked his down, huh?"

I nodded. "Very."

His eyes drifted lower, and when he saw my boot sitting abandoned in the sand, his jaw tightened slightly.

"Not a good idea," he muttered.

I raised an eyebrow. "Walking?"

"Walking without that." He nodded toward the boot. "You're still recovering."

I rolled my eyes. "I know. It's just... less painful like this."

Bryan didn't look convinced. His gaze flicked down to my ankle, his lips pressing into a thin line like he was already imagining the worst-case scenario.

I nudged him lightly with my shoulder. "Relax, Doctor Bryan. I'll put it back on soon."

He didn't respond immediately, but his shoulders eased slightly.

We walked in silence for a moment, the ocean breeze cool against my skin. I wanted to say something—wanted to bring up what had happened earlier, wanted to know what this meant.

But I wasn't sure how.

Bryan, as usual, beat me to it.

"I meant what I said earlier."

I turned to him. "Which part?"

He met my gaze, his expression unreadable. "That we'll talk about it."

I swallowed. "After dinner?"

Bryan nodded.

I hesitated, the words sticking in my throat.

"And now?"

He tilted his head slightly, studying me. Then, after a long pause, he simply said, "Now, I want you to enjoy your night."

Something warm settled in my stomach.

I nodded. "Okay."

Bryan smirked. "Good girl."

I kicked water at him.

Bryan stared at me.

A second ago, we had been having a somewhat serious conversation, and now here I was—barefoot in the ocean, smirking like an idiot—after kicking water at him.

He blinked once. Slowly.

Then, without a word, he took a deliberate step forward, toward the water.

I immediately took a step back.

"No," I said quickly, pointing at him in warning. "Don't."

Bryan's lips curved slightly, but his expression was otherwise unreadable. "You think you can start something and not deal with the consequences?"

I narrowed my eyes. "That wasn't starting something. That was me—expressing myself."

Bryan exhaled, his smirk deepening. "Yeah?"

I took another step back, feeling the cool waves rush over my feet again.

"I swear," I warned, my voice already shaky with laughter, "if you—"

Before I could finish, he kicked water at me.

I squealed, jumping back, but it was too late. The splash hit my legs, soaking the bottom of my dress, and I gasped dramatically. "You did not just—"

Bryan shrugged, looking completely calm and unbothered. "I don't know what you're talking about."

I narrowed my eyes. "Oh, it's war."

I splashed back, harder this time, aiming directly at his chest.

Bryan barely flinched, blinking down at his now-wet shirt.

Then, before I could even think about running, he took another step forward and sent a massive wave of water straight at me.

I yelped, lifting my hands like that would somehow protect me, but it was useless. The water hit me full force, soaking my dress, my hair, everything.

"Bryan!" I shrieked, laughing despite myself.

"You started it," he said smoothly.

I stomped forward, ready to get him back, but the moment I lifted my foot, Bryan moved faster.

One second I was standing in the water, plotting my revenge, and the next—

His arm wrapped around my waist.

Before I could react, he hauled me off the ground.

I screamed.

"Bryan, put me down!" I kicked my legs, but he barely reacted, holding me up like I weighed nothing.

"You sure about that?" he asked, his voice way too smug.

I froze.

Oh, no.

The realization hit me instantly.

We were standing in the ocean.

And I couldn't swim.

Bryan knew that.

He knew I was terrified of deep water.

And yet—here he was, holding me in his arms, standing just far enough in the ocean that if he dropped me, I'd be helpless.

My hands immediately gripped his shoulders, panic flaring in my chest.

"Bryan, I swear, if you—"

His smirk was pure evil. "What was that?"

I tightened my grip. "Do not drop me."

Bryan lifted me just slightly, stepping a little deeper into the waves.

I let out a very undignified yelp.

"Bryan!"

He laughed, holding me tighter. "Relax, birthday girl."

"Relax?" I hissed, clutching onto him like my life depended on it. "You know I can't swim!"

His smirk softened slightly. "Yeah. That's why I'm holding you."

I opened my mouth—ready to argue, ready to threaten him, ready to murder him—but the words never came out.

Because suddenly, I wasn't panicked anymore.

I was just aware.

Of him.

Of his arms around me, his hands holding me up like I was weightless.

Of the warmth of his body against mine, the way my hands were clinging to his shoulders.

Bryan must have felt the shift because his teasing smirk faded slightly. His grip on me adjusted, his fingers pressing a little tighter against my waist, like he was suddenly aware of it, too.

Neither of us moved.

The sound of the waves filled the silence, the water swirling around his legs, around my bare feet as they hovered just above the surface.

His dark eyes held mine, steady, searching.

I swallowed. "You're not gonna drop me, right?"

His voice was softer now, the teasing gone.

"Never."

My chest tightened.

I should have pulled away.

I should have told him to put me down.

But I didn't.

Because for the first time, being in the water didn't feel so terrifying.

Not with Bryan holding me.

The waves moved gently around us, cool water lapping at our legs as he held me against him, steady and unwavering, like he wasn't planning on letting go. The air between us was thick, heavy, full of something I couldn't ignore anymore.

And neither could he.

His hands tightened slightly on my waist, his fingers lingering just long enough to make my stomach tighten, but not moving any further. Like he was holding himself back.

Like he didn't know what came next.

For once, Bryan wasn't smirking.

He wasn't teasing.

And that scared me more than anything.

I swallowed, trying to steady my breathing, but my pulse was hammering in my throat. I could feel his eyes on me, watching, waiting, like he was giving me a chance to stop this before it went too far.

I licked my lips, my fingers still gripping onto his shirt. "Bryan."

His gaze flickered over my face, his brows pulling together slightly, like he already knew what I was about to ask.

"What the hell are we doing?" My voice was softer than I meant it to be.

Bryan exhaled slowly, his grip on me shifting slightly, adjusting like he needed to ground himself.

"Don't ask me that," he muttered.

I frowned. "Why not?"

His jaw clenched. "Because I don't know how to answer."

I stared at him, my stomach twisting. "That's not fair."

Bryan let out a rough sigh, dragging a hand through his wet hair, his fingers tensing for half a second before he looked back at me.

"Alright." His voice was low, careful, measured. "Then tell me, Amber. What the hell are we doing?"

I opened my mouth—then closed it.

I had no idea.

For so long, we had been nothing but a mess of sharp words and tense silences. Annoying each other. Challenging each other. Pushing each other's buttons just to see what would happen.

And now we were here.

Holding onto each other like we were afraid of what would happen if we let go.

I shook my head, my voice almost breaking. "I don't know."

Bryan huffed a quiet laugh, but there was no amusement behind it.

"Great," he muttered, his thumb absently brushing against my waist. "That makes two of us."

I should have pulled away.

I should have put space between us, walked away before this could turn into something I wouldn't know how to handle.

But I couldn't.

Because for all the confusion, all the history, all the ways I had convinced myself that Bryan Munzo was nothing but an infuriating distraction—

He was the only thing that felt real right now.

I hesitated, then whispered, "I don't get it."

Bryan's fingers tightened slightly, his breathing steady. "What don't you get?"

I swallowed. Everything.

Why did my heart race every time he was near? Why did he get under my skin like no one else could? Why did I feel like I was on the edge of something dangerous, something I wasn't ready for?

I took a shaky breath.

"We hated each other for so long."

Bryan snorted, but it was soft. "Did we?"

I glared. "Yes."

He hummed, tilting his head slightly. "I don't think we did."

I narrowed my eyes. "You literally made my life miserable."

His lips curved slightly. "You always gave it right back."

I scoffed. "That doesn't mean anything."

Bryan exhaled, his fingers tracing slow circles against my waist. "Maybe not." Then, more quietly, more honestly— "Or maybe it means everything."

I stared at him, my chest tight, my pulse too fast.

"What if this is a mistake?" I whispered.

Bryan's jaw ticked. "What if it's not?"

I looked away, my throat closing up.

Because this—this was the part that scared me.

Getting close to someone.

Letting them in.

Letting them see me in ways that made it easier for them to leave.

Bryan didn't push.

He didn't rush me.

He just watched, waiting, letting me sort through the storm inside my head.

I bit the inside of my cheek, forcing myself to say it.

My voice shook slightly. "When you get close to someone, it gives them the power to walk away. And I don't—I don't know if I can handle that."

Bryan was silent for a long moment.

The flicker of something vulnerable beneath the sharp edges.

He wet his lips, looking away. "I know what it's like to lose someone you thought would always be there. And I know what it's like to convince yourself that keeping people at a distance is easier than losing them."

My chest ached.

Because he did understand.

Maybe better than anyone.

I took a slow breath. "So what do we do?"

Bryan met my gaze, his dark eyes soft and serious.

"We stop pretending we don't want this."

My fingers curled into his shirt, holding onto him like he was the only thing keeping me steady.

He swallowed, his voice quieter now.

"We take the risk."

A lump formed in my throat.

I was scared.

But I also didn't want to walk away.

I nodded, barely able to get the words out. "Okay."

Bryan's lips parted slightly, like he hadn't expected me to agree so quickly.

Then, after a brief pause—

He kissed me.

Slow at first, like he was giving me a chance to pull away, to change my mind.

I didn't.

Instead, I melted into him, my fingers tightening in his shirt, my lips parting beneath his.

The kiss deepened, his tongue brushing against mine, slow and consuming.

Bryan groaned softly, his hands gripping my waist, pulling me closer, pressing his body against mine like he needed to feel every inch of me.

The waves moved around us, but I barely felt them.

All I could feel was him.

-------

Thank You for Reading Chapter Forty-Five!

And just like that... they're finally together. 🔥

Writing this chapter was so much fun, and I loved getting to bring their emotions and chemistry to life. This moment has been a long time coming, and I hope it was as satisfying for you to read as it was for me to write.

But just because they're together now... doesn't mean things will be easy. 😉 There's still so much ahead for them, and I can't wait for you to see what happens next.

As always, thank you for your love and support—your reactions and comments mean the world to me. Stay tuned for the next chapter because things are only getting better from here! 💕