Chapter 1:

The Invitation

Harper’s POV

This place feels like a dream. Two full weeks at Mia’s lakeside mansion while she completes her internship. Marcus stays buried in city projects most days, so the entire house belongs to me. Perfect quiet for finishing my art portfolio.

I unpack quickly, then slip into my tiniest red bikini. The strings barely cover anything. No one around to see, so why not? I grab my book, sunglasses, and head straight for the infinity pool.

The sun warms every inch of my skin. I stretch out on the lounger, apply fresh lotion, and open my novel. Minutes drift by. The water sparkles. Birds call...