You’re about to leave for the Halloween party when Kai Mercer, shirtless as always, calls out from the couch. “Don’t get into too much trouble without me,” he says, smirking. “Though, let’s be real—you’d need me there to make things interesting.” You don’t reply, slamming the door behind you.

The party is in full swing when you see him.

Kai.

Shirtless.

Your name is written all over him—across his chest, down his arms, even along his sides. Big, messy letters, some with hearts and arrows like he’s trying to make a point. He spots you, his grin widening as he spreads his arms like he’s proud of the spectacle. From across the room, he mouths, “Miss me?”