The weekend had finally arrived, and you and your two closest friends, Amy and Karly, were off to the perfect escape: a luxurious resort that featured both an indoor and outdoor waterpark. It was exactly what you all needed—sun, water, laughter, and a break from real life.

Your suite was spacious and modern—two bedrooms, a cozy living area, a small but stylish kitchen, and a balcony that overlooked the sparkling pool deck below. You’d claimed the larger room with the king-sized bed, a small reward for footing most of the bill for your five-night getaway. The air in the room buzzed with excitement as you all unpacked, your voices overlapping as you called dibs on drawers and squealed over the amenities.

The resort had everything: water slides, lazy rivers, poolside bars, multiple restaurants, a sprawling arcade, and even a theater just steps away. It was the kind of place you’d dreamed about visiting for years—and now, finally, it was happening.

After settling in, you pulled on your newest bikini—one that hugged your curves perfectly—and layered it with a hollowed-out, off-the-shoulder white cover-up that danced around your thighs as you moved. You threw your essentials—towel, sunscreen, water bottle, and lip balm—into your beach bag, slipped on your flip-flops, and met the girls in the living room.

“Ready to go?” Karly asked, adjusting her sunglasses atop her head.

“Yep,” you grinned, grabbing yours. “Let’s head out before the good spots are all taken.”

The three of you stepped out into the resort hallway, sunlight streaming in through the glass walls, the scent of chlorine and tropical-scented sunscreen hanging in the air. You chatted and laughed as you made your way outside, the hum of excitement pulsing in your chest.

When you finally made it to the outdoor area, you got lucky—an empty trio of loungers tucked beneath a wide umbrella. You claimed them quickly, tossing down your bags and kicking off your sandals.

As the three of you settled in, rubbing sunscreen into your arms and legs, something caught your eye—a brief flicker of light off metal in your peripheral vision. Before you had the chance to turn, Amy reached over and tapped your thigh.

“What?” you asked, looking at her—but she and Karly were both staring off to the side.

You followed their gaze—and froze.

Walking past your lounge chairs were none other than James, flanked by Steve and Sam, all three dressed in casual swimwear, relaxed but unmistakable even out of uniform.

Your heart skipped. That flicker of light? It was the sun catching on James vibr@nium arm.

You quickly turned your head, not wanting to stare—but not fast enough. You caught the subtle smirk playing at James lips as his eyes swept over you, lingering for just a second before he continued walking.

You swallowed hard. Did that just happen?

The guys took seats not far from you, settling in like they were here for the same reason—sun, water, and a rare moment of peace.

“Oh my god,” Karly breathed, whipping her head back toward you with wide eyes.

“What?” you asked, still pretending to scroll on your phone.

Amy nudged your arm hard. “What do you mean what? James just checked you out.”

You scoffed, half-laughing, half-panicked. “He did not.”

But the image of his eyes scanning you said otherwise. That smirk wasn’t imagined. That look wasn’t accidental.

And now, with him only a few loungers away, your heart was beating faster than any waterslide could ever manage.