By the time we reached the pastry stall, the sun was beating down on us, and I was starving.

"I need sugar," I declared.

Bryan smirked. "Shocking."

I ignored him and turned to the vendor, who was selling rows of little pastries filled with what looked like dulce de leche.

"I'll take one of those," I said, pointing.

The vendor handed it over, and I took a bite—only for half of the filling to squish out and onto my fingers.

"Ugh," I groaned, licking it off quickly before it dripped onto my top.

Bryan just stared.

Then—very deliberately—he smirked.

"What?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.

"Nothing," he said, voice far too pleased.

I had no idea what he was thinking, but my skin felt warm all over again.

Stupid Bryan.

We continued down the market, stopping at various stalls, tasting fresh juices, and buying small souvenirs. Ethan and Kevin were easy to talk to, always making jokes, and I found myself laughing more than I expected.

At some point, I had a fresh coconut in my hands, sipping from the straw as we walked.

"I feel so tropical right now," I said, adjusting my bag on my shoulder.

"Next thing you know, she's going to start wearing flowers in her hair," Kevin teased.

"She'd pull it off," Ethan said with a smirk, nudging my arm.

Before I could respond, I felt someone's presence behind me. A little too close. I turned my head and—of course.

Bryan.

His hands were in his pockets, his gaze flicking between me and the guys, something unreadable in his expression.

"You good?" he asked, his voice casual but watchful.

"I'm great," I said, raising my coconut. "Thriving, actually."

"Sure," Bryan muttered, his gaze sweeping over me in a way that made my skin warm. "Nice outfit, by the way."

Then, as if that wasn't enough to throw me off, his gaze dropped lower, and he smirked.

"Nice ass, too."

My brain stalled. Ethan choked on his juice. Kevin let out an exaggerated ooooh.

"Oh my God," I sputtered, smacking Bryan's arm. "Can you not?"

"What?" Bryan lifted a shoulder, completely unbothered. "It's a compliment."

"You—" I groaned, covering my face with my hands. "You are so impossible."

"And yet," Bryan mused, tilting his head, "here we are."

Ethan and Kevin were full-on wheezing now, and I wanted the earth to swallow me whole.

"You know," Kevin mused, looking between us, "this might be the weirdest dynamic I've ever witnessed."

I ignored them, turning away and speed-walking ahead. Not my fault that my boot made it slightly less intimidating.

Bryan just kept pace beside me, like it was the easiest thing in the world.

"Where are you going, aventurera?" he teased.

"Away," I shot back.

"From what?"

"You."

Bryan laughed under his breath. "Keep dreaming, Lee."

I groaned again, but—okay, fine. Maybe my stomach was doing a stupid little flip.

Maybe.

We spent the next hour wandering through the market, sampling food, and listening to Ethan dramatically bargain with vendors like he was in some sort of action movie. Bryan stayed quiet for the most part, but his presence was impossible to ignore. Every time Ethan leaned in too close, Bryan would shift slightly closer to me, a small but undeniable reminder that he was there.

And honestly? I didn't mind.

The market trip continued, filled with moments of me getting distracted by cute trinkets and Bryan making sarcastic comments from the sidelines. I ended up buying a delicate gold anklet, some handmade soap, and a tiny woven keychain shaped like a sloth. Ethan and his friends tried on matching straw hats, while Bryan refused to wear one, saying he wasn't "touristy like that."

At some point, I got separated from the group while browsing through a stand of embroidered tops. I turned around, expecting to find Ethan or one of the others, but instead, I was met with Bryan standing behind me, arms crossed.

"Where'd everyone go?" I asked.

He shrugged. "They walked ahead. You take forever when you shop."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "And yet, you stayed."

He didn't say anything, just looked at me with that unreadable expression of his.

I swallowed, suddenly aware of how close we were. The market was packed, people brushing past us on all sides, but it felt like there was no space between us. His gaze flickered down to my lips for just a second—so quick I almost thought I imagined it.

Before I could say anything, Ethan's voice cut through the air. "Amber! Bryan! Hurry up!"

I took a step back, clearing my throat. "We should—"

"Yeah," Bryan said quickly, running a hand through his hair. "Let's go."

I took my time browsing, stopping at different stalls selling everything from handmade jewelry to leather goods. I knew I wanted to bring something back for Izzy, my mom, and especially Lily.

At one of the first stalls, I found the second perfect gift for Izzy—a pair of gorgeous, handcrafted gold hoop earrings with small pearls woven into the design. They looked exactly like something she'd wear.

Next, I found something for my mom—a delicate, hand-painted ceramic vase with intricate floral designs. It wasn't too big, just the right size for her to put on the kitchen counter back home. She loved little pieces like this, and I could already imagine her reaction.

For myself, I picked out a small silver ring with an engraved pattern—simple, elegant, something I could wear every day.

But Lily's gift took the longest to find.

I wanted something special for her, and I was about to give up when I spotted a small stall near the end of the market selling handmade stuffed animals. They were beautifully crafted, each one stitched with intricate details.

One in particular caught my eye—a soft, caramel-colored bunny with floppy ears and a little bow around its neck. It was perfect.

"She's gonna love that," Kevin said, watching as I held it up.

I smiled, already picturing Lily hugging it. "Yeah. She really will."

Bryan, who had been quiet up until now, finally spoke. "You spoil that kid."

I turned to look at him, raising a brow. "And? She deserves it."

He held my gaze for a second before exhaling, shaking his head slightly. "Yeah. She does."

Something about the way he said it made my chest warm.

Ethan nudged me lightly. "Alright, birthday girl, now that we've got the gifts, how about we get you something sweet? Maybe some birthday cake?"

I grinned. "That sounds like the best idea you've ever had."

Bryan let out a scoff under his breath, and when I glanced at him, he was already looking away.

I didn't say anything. But I noticed.

And for some reason, I liked it.

Now, I sat at a café near the market, sipping on a fresh fruit smoothie while Ethan and Kevin sat across from me, finishing up their food. The café was open-air, shaded with hanging vines and decorated with rustic wooden tables, the perfect place to take a break from the heat.

"You know," Ethan said, stirring his iced coffee lazily with a straw, "I feel like I should be offended that I had to find out from someone else that today's your birthday."

I laughed, lifting a shoulder. "It's not a big deal."

Kevin snorted. "Not a big deal? You're in Costa Rica on your birthday, and you get to spend it with us. That's a big deal."

I rolled my eyes, but I was grinning. "Right. The highlight of my day."

Ethan smirked, leaning his elbows on the table. "Admit it, Lee. We make excellent birthday company."

"Excellent is a strong word," I teased, sipping my smoothie.

Kevin gasped dramatically. "I'm hurt. Deeply."

Ethan placed a hand over his chest in mock sympathy. "She wounds us."

I laughed, shaking my head. It was easy with them—lighthearted, no pressure, no tension. Just simple fun. Ethan, of course, was still flirting in his usual easygoing way, but I knew it wasn't serious. It was just how he was.

Bryan stood beside our table, arms crossed over his broad chest, his dark eyes flicking over the scene in front of him. His expression was unreadable, but something about the way his jaw was locked made my stomach twist.

"Didn't know we were having a birthday celebration without me," he said, his voice light but laced with something else.

Ethan leaned back in his chair, smirking. "Didn't know we had to send out invites."

Bryan let out a low chuckle, though there was no humor in it. His gaze flickered to me, holding it for a beat longer than necessary.

I cleared my throat, shifting in my seat. "We were just grabbing a drink before heading back. You're welcome to join."

For a second, I thought he might refuse. But then, after another glance between me and Ethan, he pulled out the empty chair next to me and sat down.

Ethan didn't miss a beat. "So, Bryan, how's your day been? Enjoying the market?"

Bryan leaned back in his chair, his arms resting lazily on the armrests. "Been keeping busy," he said, his tone smooth. "Making sure certain people don't wander off too far."

My lips parted slightly, my mind racing to figure out if that was directed at me.

Ethan arched a brow. "Sounds exhausting."

Bryan smirked. "You have no idea."

I took another sip of my smoothie, feeling the shift in the air. The conversation continued, but I was hyper-aware of Bryan's presence beside me—his broad shoulders, the way he stretched his legs out in front of him like he owned the space, the occasional glance he sent my way when he thought I wasn't looking.

Eventually, Kevin stood, stretching his arms over his head. "Alright, birthday girl, I think we've stolen enough of your time. We should head back."

Ethan shot me a wink. "Don't forget to make a wish when you blow out your candles later."

I laughed. "I'll try to come up with something good."

With that, they left, leaving me and Bryan alone at the table.

The silence stretched between us for a moment before Bryan finally turned to me, his gaze steady.

"You got a lot of stuff," he noted, nodding toward my tote bag.

I smiled a little, relaxing now that Ethan and Kevin were gone. "Yeah. I got gifts for Izzy, Lily, my mom... and maybe a little something for myself."

Bryan raised an eyebrow. "What'd you get?"

I hesitated for a second before pulling out the small ring I had bought, placing it in my palm for him to see.

He studied it for a moment before glancing at me. "You like rings?"

I shrugged. "I don't wear much jewelry, but this one just... felt right."

His gaze flickered to my fingers, like he was picturing it there, but he didn't say anything. Instead, he leaned back, his eyes scanning my face.

"So," he said, after a pause. "Ethan, huh?"

I blinked, caught off guard. "What?"

He lifted a shoulder, his expression carefully neutral. "Seems like he's got a thing for you."

I rolled my eyes, laughing lightly. "He flirts with everyone. It's harmless."

Bryan hummed, unconvinced. "If you say so."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "Are you jealous?"

His lips curled into a slow smirk. "Do I look jealous?"

I tilted my head, pretending to consider. "A little."

He let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "You wish."

I mimicked his earlier words. "Damn right, I do."

That actually got a genuine laugh out of him, and for a second, the tension from earlier melted away.

I exhaled, running a hand through my hair. "Come on," I said, standing up. "Let's head back before people think we ran off together."

Bryan smirked but followed me without argument.

As we walked through the market one last time, the sun warm on my skin, I couldn't help but feel... lighter.

Maybe it was the fact that I had found some peace in the chaos of the past few days.

Or maybe it was the fact that, for once, Bryan and I weren't trying to tear each other apart.

The afternoon sun hung high in the sky as we made our way back to the hotel, my body warm from both the heat and the soft buzz of happiness still lingering in my chest. Between the excitement of the market, the teasing from Ethan, and Bryan's near-constant brooding presence at my side, the day had felt surprisingly... good.

But I knew the day wasn't over yet.

Tonight, the class had planned a special dinner at a restaurant by the beach to celebrate my birthday, and while I tried to act casual about it, my nerves were creeping up on me. I wasn't used to being the center of attention, but Izzy had made me promise before I left that I'd let myself enjoy my birthday this year.

When we reached the hotel, I told the guys I'd see them later and headed straight to my room, eager to unwind for a bit before getting ready.

Bryan followed.

Because, of course, he did.

As soon as we stepped inside, I let out a breath and kicked off my sandals, setting my bag down on the small dresser. Bryan, meanwhile, tossed his own bag onto his bed and flopped down with zero grace, stretching out like he owned the place. His dark shirt clung to him slightly from the heat, and I tried not to notice the way his muscles flexed as he ran a hand through his hair.

He had been quieter than usual on the walk back, his eyes lingering on me whenever Ethan got too close, but he hadn't said much about it. Which, in Bryan terms, meant he was definitely thinking about it.

I didn't comment on it, though. I was too busy trying to ignore the way his presence filled the space around me.

I turned my attention to my bag, pulling out the gifts one by one, checking to make sure nothing had broken. The small stuffed animal I got for Lily was soft beneath my fingertips, and I smiled, imagining how excited she'd be when I gave it to her.

"You really bought half the market," Bryan muttered from the bed, one arm draped over his eyes.

I rolled my eyes. "They're gifts."

"For yourself?"

"For other people," I corrected.

After a few moments of comfortable silence, he shifted on the bed, propping himself up on his elbows. "You excited for tonight?"

I glanced at him. "A little. Mostly nervous."

"Why?"

I shrugged. "I don't really like being the center of attention."

He tilted his head slightly, watching me. "Yeah, well. You deserve it."

My breath caught for half a second, but before I could even process it, Bryan was already standing up, stretching. "You should take a nap or something. Long day."

I frowned, watching him. "What about you?"

He shrugged. "Gonna take a shower then head out for a bit. See you tonight, cumpleañera."

I sat there for a long moment, staring at the door, my heart doing weird little flips in my chest.

Because for once, Bryan's teasing voice held something else underneath it.

Something that made my stomach flutter a little too much.

I huffed, shaking my head, trying to clear it. No. No, no, no. I was not going to sit here in this hotel room in Costa Rica, dissecting every little word Bryan had said, like some lovesick idiot.

I needed to talk to Izzy.

Grabbing my phone, I flopped back onto my bed, fingers tapping out the call before I could hesitate.

She picked up on the third ring. "WELL, WELL, WELL. If it isn't my favorite ballerina! Calling me. From Costa Rica. On her birthday. What could it BE about? HMM?"

I groaned. "Izzy."

"No, no, hold on, let me just assume the position." More rustling. "Okay, I am lying down, phone in hand, fully prepared for the TEA. And if this isn't about your HOT ROOMMATE, I will be hanging up immediately."

My face heated instantly. "Okay, first of all, it wasn't my choice. And second—"

"OH MY GOD, DID SOMETHING HAPPEN?!"

I hesitated. "Define 'something.'"

Izzy SHRIEKED. Like, full-on banshee mode. "Bitch. WHAT. DID. YOU. DO?"

I let out a strangled noise, covering my face with my free hand. "I didn't do anything! He— It— We— Ugh."

Izzy was CACKLING. "Oh, this is delicious. Amber Lee, SPEECHLESS. This must be good. SPILL."

I groaned again, but I knew there was no escaping this. "Fine," I muttered, voice barely above a whisper. "We kinda... made out. Twice."

Silence. Then another shriek. "TWICE?!"

I winced. "Shut up! People can hear you."

"Oh, I hope they do. I hope the whole world hears that my best friend is FINALLY LIVING."

I buried my face into my pillow. "You are the worst."

"Okay, okay, okay." She took a deep breath. "I need details. WHERE? WHEN? HOW WAS IT? WAS THERE TONGUE?"

I felt like my entire body was going to self-combust. "Izzy."

"Amber."

I sighed. "Okay. First time was in our tent."

A pause. Then: "YOU SLEPT IN A TENT?!"

I blinked. "Yes? I told you that."

"No, you said you were ROOMMATES. I did not realize you were SHARING FABRIC WALLS. DO YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS? AMBER."

I groaned. "Yes, Izzy, I am aware."

"THIS IS A SLOW-BURN FORCED-PROXIMITY TROPE, AMBER. THIS IS A ROMANCE NOVEL."

I laughed, despite myself. "Izzy, stop."

"I will NOT. Continue."

I swallowed hard, suddenly hyperaware of how my body reacted just thinking about it. "It wasn't after an argument or anything. We were just there, talking. He was looking at me in that way he does, like he sees right through me. And then he touched my scar."

Izzy's voice softened a little. "Your scar?"

I nodded, then realized she couldn't see me. "Yeah. The one on my side. He— he kissed it."

A pause. Then Izzy exhaled sharply. "That's hot."

I let out a strangled laugh. "It was. And then he kept kissing. My stomach, my ribs, my hips—"

"AMBER."

I groaned. "Izzy, I swear to God."

"No, Amber, THIS IS INSANE. DID HE—YOU KNOW?"

My face was so hot I was surprised my phone didn't melt. "He— he kinda— okay, it wasn't, like, full-on or anything, but there was a lot of touching. Everywhere."

Izzy was SCREAMING.

"No, because I am actually about to pass away. Did this man just casually WORSHIP your body like a GODDESS?"

I groaned again, kicking my feet against the mattress. "I don't know! He was just— so soft about it. Like, really taking his time. I swear, he kissed every inch of me."

"AMBER."

"Izzy, I hate you."

"You love me. Okay, SECOND TIME. WHERE?"

I sighed, gripping the phone tighter. "Hot springs."

Dead silence.

"Oh my God."

I squeezed my eyes shut. "I don't wanna talk about it."

"WE ARE ABSOLUTELY TALKING ABOUT IT."

I exhaled sharply. "Fine. It was late and I thought I'd be alone, but then Bryan showed up, and we started talking, and then—"

"He kissed you."

"Yeah."

"In the hot spring."

I nodded again. "Yeah."

Izzy let out a long whistle. "Damn. THAT MAN DOES NOT PLAY AROUND."

I groaned. "Izzy, it was— it was—"

She gasped. "DID HE FINGER YOU?"

I choked on air. "IZZY."

She was WHEEZING. "I NEED TO KNOW."

I covered my face with my hands. "Yes."

Silence. Then Izzy's voice dropped to a whisper. "DID YOU ORGASM?"

My whole body curled up on itself. "Yes."

Izzy SHRIEKED. "NO. YOU DID NOT."

"Izzy, shut up!"

"No, Amber, this is actually OUTRAGEOUS. Bryan Munzo MADE YOU COME. IN A HOT SPRING. I AM LOSING MY MIND."

I groaned again. "It was— I don't even know how to explain it. He just— he touched me, and it was slow at first, and then it wasn't, and I couldn't even think, and then he—"

"What?"

I exhaled sharply, my voice barely above a whisper. "He called me a good girl."

Izzy SCREAMED into her pillow. "I AM ACTUALLY DECEASED."

I laughed weakly. "I hate you."

"You love me. And Amber? YOU ARE IN SO MUCH TROUBLE."

I sighed. "Yeah. I know."

"You are officially living in a ROMANCE NOVEL, and I demand LIVE UPDATES."

"I am blocking you."

"No, you're not."

I groaned. "Fine. But if you ever bring this up in public, I will END YOU."

Izzy cackled. "Oh, sweetheart, you have NO IDEA what you've just unleashed."